Transition Doula Studies (English Edition)

So That We Can Properly Receive the “Baton of Life” Passed On by Those Departing

Transition Doula Studies
English Edition Information

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To Our English-Speaking Audience

Japan Transition Doula Association
President: Kumiko Shibata

On a remote island of 600 residents with no hospital or care facilities, I witnessed how people honor the deceased while living in harmony with nature. Through these traditions, I learned the preciousness of end-of-life rituals. Japan has longstanding customs—like "Shonanoka" (the seventh day after death) and "Shijukunichi" (the forty-ninth day) — which are imbued with wisdom for gently watching over one’s journey toward the next bond after life concludes.

Death is not a defeat, but rather a sacred time in which the one departing hands over the “Baton of Life” to the one who provides care. In our rapidly aging world, we believe that the wisdom and practical approaches of this “positive view of life and death” are essential for both those who are departing and those who accompany them. This conviction led us to produce an English version of Transition Doula Studies.

Our mission as Transition Doulas—and our sincere wish—is to create a society where everyone can leave this life feeling truly loved at the end.

We hope you will join us on this new journey of learning.

Features of Transition Doula Studies

01　Over 30 Years of End-of-Life Care Experience

From establishing a home for end-of-life care on a remote island to training Transition Doulas nationwide, this course is built upon 30 years of experience by its founder, Kumiko Shibata. It is a distillation of the insights and expertise gained from actual end-of-life care settings.

02　Provided by an Organization Actively Practicing End-of-Life Care

Offered by the Japan Transition Doula Association, which not only dispatches Transition Doulas across Japan to support end-of-life care in communities but also promotes Transition Doula Studies. While accessible to the general public, its specialized focus has been widely recognized by numerous professionals in medicine and caregiving.

03　Straightforward Content Focused on End-of-Life Care

Rather than requiring medical or caregiving expertise, this course focuses specifically on end-of-life care, making it approachable for anyone. Even those outside the healthcare field can learn the mindset and methods to support someone in life’s final chapter.
The text is an English translation, and the video features English subtitles.

About Us

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Transition Doula Kumiko Shibata

Born in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.
After working as an executive secretary at McDonald’s Japan, followed by roles in special nursing homes for the elderly in Fukuoka Prefecture, she established a self-funded “end-of-life care home” in 1993 on an island of 600 residents with no hospital. There, she repeatedly practiced “embracing natural death as wished by the individual.”

In 2010, to spread the end-of-life care practices she learned on the island, she founded “Transition Doula Studies.” Moving her base of operations to the mainland, she devised a new end-of-life model led by professionally qualified “Transition Doulas,” continuing her work in home-based support.

She has authored over 15 books, including *I Am a Transition Doula* (published by Kosei Publishing). Several of her works have also been published in Chinese and Taiwanese editions.
Her honors include the 2024 Sugiura Community Healthcare Promotion Award (Sugiura Memorial Foundation), the 2017 Wisdom Contribution Award (Beijing Shifangyuan Public Welfare Foundation), and a 2007 Social Contributor Award (Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution).

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Japan Transition Doula Association

The Japan Transition Doula Association is a Japanese organization dedicated to training and supporting a new professional role—“Transition Doula”—to assist those entering life’s final stage, and to promoting Transition Doula Studies.

Since its founding in 2012 by President Kumiko Shibata, the association has trained over 3,000 Transition Doulas and established more than 60 “Transition Doula Stations” nationwide. Activities include dispatching Transition Doulas to end-of-life settings, as well as conducting outreach events to share the “positive view of life and death” advocated by President Shibata.

In 2019, the theatrical film *MITORISHI* was produced (with support from the Japan Medical Association) and premiered nationwide, winning three awards at the Los Angeles Japan Film Festival.
In 2020, a new monitoring service was launched in collaboration with Secom Co., Ltd.

Student Feedback

Even though I work as a care worker, I used to have a fear of death. But after taking this course, that fear disappeared. I hope to value the moment when we pass on the “Baton of Life” to loved ones and continue to stand by the side of both residents and their families.

Female, 40s, Care Worker

Just as the birth of a baby brings joy, I realized that end-of-life situations, too, can be filled with joy and love. Learning that it is a remarkable time for truly receiving the baton from those departing changed my view of life and death. Thank you so much.

Female, 50s, Care Manager

ここをクリックして表示したいテキストを入力してください。テキストは「右寄せ」「中央寄せ」「左寄せ」といった整列方向、「太字」「斜体」「下線」「取り消し線」、「文字サイズ」「文字色」「文字の背景色」など細かく編集することができます。

サンプル太郎

Fees & Other Details

11,000 yen (tax included)

- Transition Doula Studies Introductory Course English Translation Text (43 pages)
- Transition Doula Studies Introductory Course DVD with English Subtitles (1 hour 5 minutes)
- Shipping

How to Apply & Make Payment

Registration and payment are via PayPal.
Please ensure the email address you register is accurate for contact purposes, and the address you register is correct for shipping.

From Shipment to Delivery

We will do our best to deliver promptly. However, as shipping originates in Japan, please note that it may take up to one month after your order and payment are confirmed for your materials to arrive. We will send a shipment confirmation email to the address you provide once your order has been dispatched.

Regarding Intermediate & Advanced Courses After the Introductory Level

There are Intermediate and Advanced levels of Transition Doula Studies, but at present, only the Introductory level has an English edition.
It is possible to attend Intermediate and Advanced courses with an interpreter upon visiting Japan. Please contact us if you are interested.

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