My name is Kanna Kataoka, and I serve as the Director of Advocacy at Dream Sustainability Japan. From my student days, I’ve had a strong interest in volunteer work and have actively sought opportunities to engage with a wide range of social issues both inside and outside of school. One such opportunity led me to an event where I met Seita Hakoda, the representative of DSJP. I was deeply inspired by his sincerity and unwavering commitment to creating social change. His passion resonated with me, and it was in that moment that I made the decision to become part of this organization.

At DSJP, the Advocacy Division is responsible for communicating our values and the significance of our work to people both in Japan and abroad. In our awareness initiatives, I place great importance on empathy and respect for the perspectives of those directly affected. Rather than imposing the values of those in support roles, I believe it is essential to genuinely listen to and understand the lives, cultures, and unspoken feelings of local communities. These insights must then be thoughtfully reflected in our activities.

Another important part of my mission is to share the passion and voices of the dedicated DSJP members who work tirelessly every day. Each of our members comes with their own unique background and values, and it is through the intersection of these diverse perspectives that we strengthen one another and spark new ideas. I truly believe that this diversity is our power. My role is to carefully gather and amplify each of these individual voices—through social media, public talks, and other forms of outreach—so that more people in society can feel hope, gain awareness, and be inspired to take their own steps forward.