Dr Ayahito Ito of Tohoku University and Dr Risa Takashima of Hokkaido University are on a fact-finding visit to South Wales, UK, where they’ve toured two Men’s Sheds.
The international Men’s Sheds movement comprises numerous social groups set up in local communities for the benefit of men.
The academics, who are leading a government-backed study on social isolation in Japan, spent the day observing how nearly 100 groups across Wales have adopted and adapted the international Men’s Sheds model of informal, community-run spaces where, mostly older men, gather for practical tasks, camaraderie and conversation.
Accompanied by Orgmore Senedd Member, Huw Irranca-Davies, and Bridgend’s Senedd Member, Sarah Murphy, their visit to The Squirrel’s Nest in Bridgend and CMS – The Workshop in Maesteg marked a key moment in the Year of Wales in Japan 2025, a diplomatic and cultural initiative aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Dr Ito and Dr Takashima are leading the Citizen Support Project for Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness, funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST-RISTEX). They hope to adapt the Men’s Sheds concept, which was originally developed in Australia, for Japanese society.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that they have such a warm atmosphere here, it’s a welcoming place and that is so important.” said Dr Takashima, Japan Community Sheds Association Executive Director. “In Japan, some people, especially older men will feel nervous coming to a place like this, but everyone here is so open and make everyone feel welcome, that is very important. We’re very curious to learn more about how they have achieved this, this is the most important thing we must have in Japan.
“In Japan, there is often a reluctancy to say your feel lonely or isolated. This means that there are so many invisible lonely people. Here we can see that everyone is supported, that people are helping to make sure everyone is able to attend and take part. Everyone here is connected, each person has a partnership and relationship with each other. I want to make our Sheds like this.”
According to government projections, the number of men aged 65 and over living alone is set to surge from 16.4% in 2020 to over 26% by 2050. This shift sees many men who have dedicated decades of their lives to work and workplace relationships left adrift in retirement.
Two pilot sheds have already been launched in Kumamoto and Sapporo, with the latter attracting more than 40 men, between their 40s and 80s, across various hobby groups from fishing, hiking, walking, cooking, music, brain exercises, golf, and DIY gardening. Some members belong to multiple groups.
Dr Risa Takashima runs the Shed in Sapporo, she explained: “Since 2022 our research grant allowed us to establish our first Men’s Sheds in Japan. The physical settings we have seen here in Wales are impressive; we don’t have anything like these facilities in Japan.
“This is a very welcoming space, which I would like to see replicated in Japan. It’s amazing to learn that this shed has been running for 15 years.
“In Japan there can be a perceived stigma that stops people talking about feelings of isolation. Here we’re seeing people who are being more open and sharing how Men’s Shed has helped.
“Our aging rate is approaching 30%, so these kinds of initiatives are quite important for Japan. We have various initiatives for those communities, but continuing them beyond five years is quite difficult. Seeing that this Shed is continuing for so long, bringing in new members, I’d like to know more of how they have managed that.”
“Loneliness knows no borders, what connects men in a Welsh valley can resonate just as deeply in Sapporo. Men’s Sheds are more than workshops; they’re places of camaraderie, purpose, and belonging. The bond forming between shedders in Wales and Japan shows that shared stories and simple spaces can spark meaningful change across cultures. I hope Dr. Takashima and Dr. Ito return home inspired by the solidarity they’ve witnessed, and by how a sense of community can thrive wherever men are given a reason to come together.”
Wales is a country with a distinctive cultural heritage and rich traditions. Located on the western side of Great Britain, it has a population of just over 3m people united by a tradition of music, poetry, and storytelling. This is coupled with a commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing, which has seen Wales become the first country in the world to put wellbeing at the heart of public policy through its pioneering Well-being of Future Generations Act.
During the tour Dr Ito and Dr Takashima had the opportunity to meet with Rob Thomas, who joined his local Men’s Shed, The Squirrel’s Nest, after losing his wife to cancer in 2018.
“To see someone that you love…. It's very, very difficult. I was confused and didn't understand what was happening in my life.” said Rob “I live on my own. My wife loved her home, but it didn't feel like a home anymore when she wasn't here.
“If I went out, I needed to come back to the house, and when I was in the house, I needed to get out. And I felt as though I didn't belong anywhere. I've got two wonderful children. I didn't want to be a burden to them because they were grieving their mother as well. You know, it wouldn't be fair.
“I was offered to go to the Squirrel’s Nest through. I said I wasn’t sure if it’s for me, but I went along. Once I started taking those baby steps to the Squirrel’s Nest, for I don't know, maybe an hour, I just felt that my life was starting to come back. It gave me strength to seek help and go forward, and I went to counselling then.
“It was almost a catalyst, seeking the help. I’m quite a shy person and private person; I never thought that I would be able to go to counselling. But the Shed was my first step.”
Member of the Senedd for Ogmore, Huw Irranca-Davies, who hosted the delegation, Wales expressed that Wales should be proud to share what it had learned. “Men’s Shed has long been an important group in the local community, not just supporting men, but other local groups, schools, councils and more, so this is about more than wellbeing; it’s about building resilient communities. The fact that Japan is looking to our valleys for answers shows that our small country can have a global impact.”
The international delegation was also joined by the Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales, Keith Dunn OBE. “I would like to thank both Men’s Sheds and all their members for the incredibly warm welcome and generous hospitality.” said Keith Dunn OBE “It was truly inspiring to see first-hand the community spirit and creativity thriving in these spaces."