Help Marks are often mistaken for 'Swiss souvenirs' — Things people with chronic illnesses experience —

Should I go with Disney, soothe people with Chiikawa, or jingle with my favorite character goods and shout my love to the world?

A while ago, Labubu was running wild, and bag charms everywhere were baring their teeth.

Bag charms show off your personality.
What is your charm?

As for me, well—

No matter what's trending, my only choice for a charm is the Help Mark.

I don't waver.
Not even by a millimeter.
Whether Labubu comes along or Chiikawa, the star of my bag is that red thing.

Amidst the rough waves of trends, the Help Mark stands alone like a rock.
In a way, it's cool.
…Maybe it's cool.

However, this Help Mark is completely misunderstood by people who don't know it.
That red background with the white cross, believe it or not—

“Is that a souvenir from Switzerland?” 🇨🇭

No! That's not it.
I haven't climbed the Matterhorn, and I didn't bring back any chocolate.
I didn't go meet the girl from the Alps either.

This is a legitimate way of signaling, “I need a little consideration.”
Yet, for some reason, it gets categorized as a souvenir from a European trip.
A misunderstanding that makes you feel like you can hear the Alpine horn.
Where is the effectiveness of the Help Mark…?

I'll be honest.This charm is actually not very effective.

Even when I wear it, I get shoved on the train,
and my “please give me your seat” aura is easily swallowed up by the city crowds.

The moment people think it's a Swiss souvenir, it's already not doing its job.

But you know, when I see someone wearing a Help Mark in town, I think,

“Ah, we're both having a tough time, aren't we.”

We've never met, I don't know your name, and our circumstances are completely different.

I can't tell by looking whether it's an illness, a disability,
or what you might be carrying.
Even so, the moment I see that red mark,
I'm shaking hands with you in my heart.
Thinking, “Comrade.”

Our reasons are all different.
But we're carrying something “a bit tough,” and yet we still go out today, get on the train, and live.

On that point alone, we are already companions.

Whether people think it's a Swiss souvenir or it's not very effective—

Even so, I will wear my Help Mark and go out again today.