From September 10, 2026 (World Suicide Prevention Day) through October 10, 2026 (World Mental Health Day).
Suicide remains a critical issue impacting individuals and communities across Japan. To inspire positive change and tackle this uncomfortable but important topic, TELL presents Step-Up Challenge 2026 – a month-long, nationwide effort to #StartTheConversation.
WHO: Individuals, communities, schools, embassies, NGOs, and business organizations
WHAT: Take action (solo or with a team) using the number 19,188
(You can walk, run, bike, swim, climb, crochet, paint, talk, fundraise – get creative!)
WHERE: Anywhere in Japan or around the world
WHEN: September 10 – October 10, 2026
WHY: To honor the 19,188 lives lost to suicide in Japan last year. ()
HOW:
- Register and purchase a ¥1,500 TELL Step-Up Ticket (eligible for trophies and swag). Tickets will be available on the TELL website (https://www.tellevents.org/events/step-up-2026). The first 500 ticket holders will receive swag.
- Join a prescheduled TELL community walk (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, or Okinawa) OR create your own walk, journey with a friend, or organize your company teams to compete for trophies and awards (including most steps in a day, most funds raised, and most creative use of the number 19,188). Read more about our local walks here.
Compete with friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and teammates, connect with your community, and raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support in Japan’s international community.
Get your athletic shoes ready and save the dates — we can’t wait to see you there.