Mutually Supportive and Inclusive Societies Driven by Community Social Workers in Japan: A Thematic Analysis of Japanese Comics

Abstract

Social isolation is a growing concern worldwide, particularly within aging populations. This study elucidates the specific attitudes, strategies, and approaches of community social workers (CSWs) in Japan as they work toward alleviating social isolation and building inclusive communities. This qualitative study, conducted in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, used six Japanese comics as a unique data source, narrating real-life stories of social isolation and CSWs’ approaches. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the content of the comics, including systematic coding, theme generation, and refining, while ensuring rigor and reflexivity. The total number of pages in the comics was 505. The transcripts of the comics as Microsoft Word documents totaled 63 pages. Four themes characterizing CSWs’ strategies were revealed: (1) core values of professionalism and dedication; (2) personalized support oriented toward person-centered suffering; (3) community engagement, transitioning from exclusiveness to inclusiveness; and (4) connecting and reorganizing communities for inclusive societies. In Japan, CSWs employ multifaceted strategies to combat social isolation and foster inclusive communities. Their dedication, personalized support, community engagement, and capacity to reorganize their communities contribute to their pivotal role. This study provides a foundation for understanding CSWs’ work and paves the way for further investigation of their evolving role in creating inclusive societies.