"Not an Embarrassing Concern" Doctors of the 10s and 20s Exclusive Clinic [Nihonjin Side]

Doctor Monma Mika Operating a 'Youth Clinic'
Medical Support for Adolescents and Collaboration with Civic Groups
Encouraging Reliance on Experts Without Concealment

Recently, NHK reported a feature article about 'Youth Clinics' where young people in their teens and twenties can consult experts about concerns related to sex and their bodies. There are about 60 such clinics nationwide in Japan. These clinics were created for young people who find it difficult to speak up due to fear of judgment when visiting hospitals like obstetrics and gynecology clinics. NHK interviewed Dr. Monma Mika, who runs one of these clinics in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Dr. Monma’s wish is to lower the barriers to medical consultation so that everyone can freely share their worries. Today, we share the story of Dr. Monma Mika, who operates a youth clinic.

Dr. Monma runs a youth clinic alongside her own obstetrics and gynecology practice. On weekdays, middle and high school students as well as university students in their twenties visit the clinic to discuss various concerns with doctors. Visitors range from a high school student consulting about “My menstrual cramps disappeared thanks to medication, but I’m worried about my swollen body” to a university student who, when asked “Have you received the HPV vaccine?” replies, “My friends haven’t, but I think it’s better if I get it.”

Ms. Monma Mika is talking with a client who visited the Youth Clinic. NHK.

No health insurance card is required for consultations here. Most services are free of charge, and even if treatment or procedures are needed, the cost is uniformly 500 yen (about 4,500 won).

Dr. Monma was motivated to start this youth clinic because of a newborn abandonment case that occurred in 2019. A high school couple gave birth and abandoned their baby not far from her hospital, and shortly after, another abandoned newborn was found in a river. Reflecting on this, Dr. Monma said, “Thinking about what kind of feelings the mother must have had, giving birth alone while bleeding, broke my heart.” She told NHK, “Many people feel sadness, resentment, and pain related to sex, but sexual matters are always treated as personal responsibility. Because of this perspective, even those who suffer sexual exploitation think it’s their fault and do not seek counseling, so the problems never surface.” Dr. Monma added, “I wanted to create a place where young people who can’t talk to their parents or schools can consult with professionals, so I established this clinic.”

Of course, at first, very few young people visited. It was probably difficult for them to decide to come to the hospital on their own. Considering this, Dr. Monma set up days when the hospital waiting room is open. Once a month on a Saturday afternoon, middle and high school students and people in their twenties gather to chat freely and share their concerns with doctors. Snacks and drinks are provided, and related books can be freely accessed. Free nail and hair services are also offered. While decorating nails, peer counseling sometimes takes place. The main goal is to help young people develop a sense of self-worth so that if they face abuse or violence, they can recognize the feeling that “something is wrong.”

People gathered at the Youth Clinic having a conversation. NHK.

Because of this, people come here feeling “If I say something here, I won’t be blamed for my mistakes,” and speak comfortably. In Japan, with the increase of foreign workers, there are families where parents maintain their original cultural identity but their children have fully adapted to Japan, making communication difficult. Such young people also come to consult about worries they cannot share with their parents. Sometimes, during these enjoyable conversations, problems like one-sided coercive relationships are discovered.

By creating an atmosphere where it is okay to openly talk about sex and relationships, this place has become a “safe space for the heart” for young people.

In fact, at Dr. Monma’s youth clinic, a single mother who was regularly subjected to violence by her boyfriend came for help, and Dr. Monma assisted her. When she sought advice from friends, they only told her to break up, but unable to do so, she became isolated as friends avoided or cut ties with her. Dr. Monma connected her with a civic group supporting victims of dating violence, enabling her to receive professional counseling and various other support. The client, who wished to remain anonymous, told NHK, “I am challenging myself again to become a daycare teacher, my future dream. This youth clinic was a great place where my heart could grow.”

Dr. Monma expressed, “I hope youth clinics spread nationwide as trustworthy places where no one has to bear their burdens alone.”

These youth clinics are very well established and active in Nordic countries. In Sweden, there are over 200 such clinics, and in Japan, there are about 60 nationwide, with numbers gradually increasing.

Dr. Monma said, “Young people have the natural right to enjoy sexual health. If they carry the burden thinking ‘I am bad’ or ‘It’s my fault’ without being able to consult anyone, it can lead to situations they cannot resolve on their own.”

Recently, in Korea, various stories such as those about underage parents have surfaced, but on the other hand, it seems that the channels for support and counseling are so limited that these individuals feel compelled to appear on broadcasts. In that sense, Dr. Monma’s youth clinic system is something worth considering.