Greetings Legacy Fam,

As autumn settles in, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible connections and growth we’ve experienced together. September was a month of creativity, culture, and community — and it’s your continued support that keeps this mission alive.

October is Here

This month, we’re keeping the energy high with a full lineup of events that bring laughter, inspiration, and togetherness. Whether you’re coming for a night of comedy, a moment of worship, or meaningful dialogue, there’s something for everyone this October.

📅 Take a Look at Our October Calendar:

Let’s Talk About It: My Hair Is…

Our hair is more than appearance — it’s identity, heritage, and self-expression. The way we care for and embrace our hair often mirrors how we care for and embrace ourselves. Yet for many, the relationship with hair has carried both pride and pain — shaped by culture, history, and expectation. These experiences can deeply influence how we see ourselves and how we nurture our mental health.

This month’s Let’s Talk About It invites you into that conversation through “My Hair Is…” — a powerful evening of stories, healing, and celebration. ✨

The night will begin with a panel discussion featuring voices from across the community sharing personal experiences on confidence, identity, and emotional wellness. Together, we’ll explore how embracing our natural strands connects to self-acceptance, and how beauty standards influence our mental health and sense of belonging.

Hosted by Ragine Tennyson, with panelists Szophia Nagasaka, Blessing Thomas, Tiffany Rachel, Yuka Sherman, Abdul Bedford, Vivian Johnson, and Miyuki Hill, this conversation brings together diverse perspectives from across cultures and backgrounds — all united by a shared goal: to celebrate textured hair and the power of self-expression while fostering deeper understanding around mental health and identity.

Each speaker brings a unique voice to the conversation — from beauty and mental health advocacy to lived experiences navigating confidence and identity in Japan.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in our “My Hair Is…” Affirmation Wall, where you can write empowering words about your hair, beauty, and journey toward self-love. It’s a collective moment to celebrate your reflection and to remind others that every texture, curl, and coil carries purpose and power.

To close the evening, we’ll shift from reflection to movement with a free line dance session hosted by Yinka, in celebration of UK Black History Month.

This joyful finale is not only a nod to culture and rhythm — it’s also a moment of giving back.
Donations collected during the session will go directly toward rebuilding the House of Jesus Home for the Disabled in Sierra Leone, which was tragically lost in a fire in 2021.

The residents of the home were already living under harsh conditions, with limited access to proper equipment and daily care resources. Even now, years later, their rebuilding efforts continue — with a fundraising goal of $7,000 USD, of which only $900 has been reached.

Through this event, we hope to help shine a light on their story and remind our community that every contribution — no matter how small — brings them one step closer to safety, stability, and dignity. ❤️

Guests will be able to learn more about the House of Jesus Home for the Disabled and find out how to donate directly when they attend the event. Together, we can make a tangible impact through unity, generosity, and joy. 🌍

Through dance, we’ll honor resilience, unity, and the shared heartbeat of community across continents. ❤️

Join us for an evening that honors beauty, confidence, and care — for ourselves and for one another.
Because when we celebrate our strands, we strengthen our spirits. 🌿

And as you leave, we encourage you to be a strand of change — to carry this message forward by uplifting others, spreading love, and helping build a legacy of unity and understanding wherever you go. 💛

💫 Introducing Strands of Change 💇🏾‍♀️

Legacy Fam,

We’re proud to announce Strands of Change, a growing movement within our larger initiative, Hair is My Roots, Care is My Future — a campaign dedicated to bridging the connection between hair, identity, and mental health.

At Legacy Foundation Japan, we believe that care and confidence are deeply linked. Hair is My Roots, Care is My Future was created to address the gaps that exist within Japan’s beauty and wellness industries — where textured hair care and mental health support often go unseen. Through advocacy, research, surveys, and storytelling, this initiative works to expand access, reshape perceptions, and build more inclusive systems of care.

Within this larger mission, Strands of Change serves as the community arm of our work — a space for open dialogue, creativity, and collective healing. In collaboration with local leaders, beauty professionals, and wellness advocates, we’re creating experiences that celebrate cultural identity while acknowledging how self-image and emotional well-being are deeply intertwined.

The name itself carries purpose — every strand represents connection, strength, and transformation. Together, we’re weaving those strands into a movement of empowerment and empathy that uplifts individuals and communities alike.

And this week marks a major step forward. 🌍
We’re officially launching our survey and petition to deepen understanding and drive action around the connection between hair care and mental health. Your voice helps us gather insights, raise awareness, and advocate for lasting change — not just in policy, but in perception.

Be a strand of change — sign, share, and stand with us as we continue building a future where every strand, and every story, matters. 💛

Be on the lookout for our next newsletter, coming soon — where we’ll share updates on the petition, new collaborations, and upcoming events that continue this important work.

#HairIsMyRoots #CareIsMyFuture #StrandsOfChange #LegacyFoundationJapan #MentalHealthAwareness #CulturalInclusion

🎤 Legacy Lounge Comedy Nights: Laughter, Culture & Connection ✨

Laughter connects us all — and Legacy Lounge has become the place for it this fall. Our October 3rd show, hosted by David Whitaker, had the crowd roaring with comedians Jedidiah, Haru, Meshida, Graham, and Ryo.

Next up: October 17, hosted by David and Jedidiah, featuring Haru, Meshida, Arniel Brown, Kumo, Chris, Natsumme, Runako, Josh Adams, Ryo, and Maiya Kinoshita.

📅 Friday, October 17, 2025 | ⏰ 8:30–10:00 PM (Doors open 8:00 P.M.)
📍 Legacy Lounge – Azabujuban, Tokyo
🎟 ¥1000 (includes 1 drink) | 🍴 Food available

At Legacy Foundation Japan, we believe joy heals — and laughter builds community. ❤️
#LegacyLounge #TokyoComedy #LegacyFoundationJapan

🙌 Sunday Fellowship Praise & Worship Service ✨

End your week in worship, reflection, and community at Soul Food House. Led by Rev. Marcel Gadsden of Japan Kingdom Church, this uplifting service reminds us that no matter where we are, God’s love meets us right where we stand.

After service, stay for food and fellowship — because community is best shared around the table. Whether you’re new to Tokyo or a familiar face, you’ll find a welcoming space to belong and be renewed.

📅 Sunday, October 19, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM JST
📍 Soul Food House – Azabujuban, Tokyo

No RSVP needed — just come as you are and bring a friend. ❤️
#SundayFellowship #SoulFoodHouseJapan #PraiseAndWorship #LegacyFoundationJapan #CommunityThroughFaith

Choir Member Call Workshop 2 October 26 Soul Food House

Music has always been a powerful form of worship — a way to connect hearts, lift spirits, and remind us that we are never alone. This month, we’re inviting all singers, worshippers, and lovers of praise to come together for Choir Member Call Workshop 2 — a gathering designed to uplift the soul and unite voices through faith and fellowship.

Led by Rev. Marcel Gadsden of Japan Kingdom Church, this workshop is more than practice — it’s an opportunity to grow in harmony, both musically and spiritually. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or simply someone who loves to sing from the heart, your voice has a place here.

For more information and sign up click here.

🗓️ October 26 | 🕔 5:00 PM JST
📍 Soul Food House, Azabujuban

🌉 Quote of the Month ✨

Every month, we reflect on words that remind us why we do what we do — words that speak to the heart of our mission to build bridges and create lasting impact.

This month’s quote reminds us that legacy isn’t something we leave behind — it’s something we build together, piece by piece, moment by moment:

“Legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we build together — bridges that make us agents of change across cultures and generations.” 🌍

At Legacy Foundation Japan, this message reflects our commitment to connection, collaboration, and compassion. Each conversation, event, and act of service strengthens those bridges — bringing us closer to the kind of world we hope to create.

As we move through this season, may we all continue to be builders of bridges and bearers of change. 💛

🧡 A Kind Reminder

As we close out this month, we’re reminded that community isn’t only built at events — it’s built in the quiet moments of care between us. 💫
Whether it’s a quick message, a phone call, or a small gesture, taking time to check in on your friends can make all the difference. Living abroad, chasing goals, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs can feel heavy at times — but a simple “Hey, how are you really doing?” can bring light where it’s needed most.

Let’s continue to be intentional about showing up for one another — because every word of kindness, every act of compassion, and every check-in strengthens the legacy we’re building together. 🌍

#CheckInOnYourFriends #CommunityCare #LegacyFoundationJapan

Click below to see our upcoming events and find out how you can become an agent of change here in Japan!