Designing for Belonging: Lessons from Japan — A Global Beginning for LASIIC’s Work

First in a Series: Spotlight on Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition (LASIIC)

In an era when social disconnection has become a public health crisis, the Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition (LASIIC) is taking bold steps—both locally and globally—to lead change. This marks the first in a series of reports on LASIIC’s groundbreaking work, as the coalition, co-founded by Maureen Feldman and founding member and co-lead Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of LA County’s Department of Aging & Disabilities (AD), expands its influence beyond Los Angeles and onto the international stage.

As part of a recent cross-national learning exchange in Japan with esteemed collaborator Paul Cann, Dr. Laura Trejo and Maureen Feldman co-authored an article for the American Society on Aging’s ASA Generations Now publication. This visit built on an ongoing partnership between LASIIC and Cross Fields, a Japanese nonprofit dedicated to reducing social isolation through design and community-building.

Their findings, drawn from immersive experiences with Japanese communities, emphasized that social connection must be intentionally designed—with dignity, shared ownership, and cultural relevance at the heart. Central to this approach is the concept of Ibasho, a Japanese term meaning “a place where you can simply be.” The takeaway was clear: systems require structure, but humans require meaning. Meaningful connection is not a service to be delivered, but a shared condition to be cultivated.

“What emerged from this exchange,” the authors write, “was not a singular solution, but a shared understanding: social connection must be intentionally designed, with dignity at its core.”

The Japanese magazine Community Design Lab also published a companion piece documenting the visit to Mimata Town, titled “Connections Beyond Borders: The day British and American experts met with local players,” capturing a local perspective on the shared commitment to community connection.

This international dialogue reflects a growing movement—one that LASIIC is helping to lead. The Coalition’s work is now recognized not only as a local model, but as part of a broader global strategy to build more socially inclusive communities.

Founded in 2017 through an AARP-funded initiative, LASIIC has grown into a dynamic network of over 50 partner organizations across Los Angeles, spanning nonprofits, academia, public health, and civic sectors. Its bold mission: to ensure that every Los Angeles resident—across all ages and abilities—has access to meaningful opportunities for connection. LASIIC advances this vision through community-led solutions, shared learning, and systemic advocacy.

The urgency of this effort is echoed in a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors motion directing the Department of Aging & Disabilities to raise public awareness about the health harms of social isolation. A sustained education campaign underscores the critical role LASIIC is already playing.

Dr. Trejo’s participation in the Japan exchange—and the coalition’s growing partnership with Crossfields—signals a new chapter: the international expansion of LA’s leadership on social connection. LASIIC is not only addressing these issues locally; it’s helping shape a global conversation on belonging in the 21st century.