Japan’s Mental Health Care: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of HIKARI Lab

Japan’s mental health care system has long faced challenges, marked by social stigma, historical setbacks, and a lack of accessible community-based support. However, this situation is gradually changing as new initiatives and innovative approaches emerge, offering hope for the future. One such organization, HIKARI Lab, is making significant strides in addressing the gap in mental health care access. By integrating mental health support into everyday products and services, HIKARI Lab is helping reshape how Japan approaches mental well-being.

A Short History of Mental Health Laws in Japan

The evolution of Japan’s mental health care system is key to understanding its current state. In 1900, the first mental health law, the Seishinbyōsha Kangohō (Mental Patients Custody Law), was introduced to prevent the wrongful imprisonment of people with mental illnesses. Unfortunately, instead of providing care, the law placed mentally ill individuals under police supervision, reflecting a societal view that mental illness was something to be managed or controlled.

In 1919, the Seishinbyōin Hō (Mental Hospital Law) aimed to establish public psychiatric hospitals, but financial constraints limited its impact. In 1950, the Seishin Eisei Hō (Mental Health Act) required the construction of mental hospitals in each region. However, loopholes allowed for further delays. Only in 1987, following international criticism for patient abuse, did Japan update its law to the Seishin Hoken Hō (Mental Health Act), introducing voluntary hospitalization and better patient review systems. In 1995, the Seishin Hoken Fukushi Hō (Mental Health and Welfare Act) further focused on helping patients reintegrate into society, introducing support systems like welfare for people with mental health conditions.

Despite these reforms, Japan’s mental health system remains heavily dependent on inpatient care, with long hospital stays still common. Compared to other countries like the United States, where outpatient and community-based care have been emphasized since the 1960s, Japan has been slow to shift away from hospitalization.

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Cultural Barriers to Mental Health Progress

One major factor in Japan’s slow progress in mental health care is its deep-rooted social stigma around mental illness. In Japanese society, mental health issues are often viewed as something to be ashamed of or hidden. This stigma not only discourages people from seeking help, but also prevents open discussions about mental health. Many believe that personal struggles should be handled privately or overcome through endurance, a concept known as "gaman." This mindset makes it difficult for those struggling with mental health to access necessary support, and it has also slowed the development of more accessible, community-based care options.

In contrast, countries like the United States and parts of Europe have focused on destigmatizing mental health and encouraging community support. Japan, however, still relies on long hospital stays and inpatient care rather than providing resources for outpatient treatment and mental health services in everyday settings.

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The Role of HIKARI Lab in Mental Health Innovation

Recognizing the urgent need for change, HIKARI Lab, a team of psychological experts, has introduced a fresh and innovative approach to mental health care in Japan. HIKARI Lab is tackling the challenge of inaccessible psychological support by embedding mental health care into everyday products and services. Through collaborations with industries like manufacturers and software companies, HIKARI Lab is helping bring mental health support directly into people’s daily lives—without them even realizing it.

Imagine using a product like a smartphone or home appliance that, through subtle design features, helps improve your mood or reduce stress. This is the essence of HIKARI Lab’s mission: to integrate psychological principles into product design so that small, everyday interactions can positively influence mental well-being. Whether through mobile apps, home devices, or consumer products, HIKARI Lab ensures that emotional health becomes a seamless part of daily life.

This approach has far-reaching benefits, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole. By promoting emotional well-being on a broader scale, HIKARI Lab is contributing to reducing the social costs of untreated mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. This work raises awareness about the importance of mental health and offers new, accessible ways for people to engage with care—breaking the cycle of silence and shame that often surrounds mental illness in Japan.

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Digital Solutions and Mental Health

The use of digital tools, such as teletherapy platforms, is one of the most promising areas for growth in Japan’s mental health care system. These platforms can provide therapy and counseling services online, making mental health care more accessible, especially in a society where people are often reluctant to seek help in person due to stigma. Mobile apps can also offer self-assessment tools, mindfulness exercises, and access to support communities, helping people engage with mental health care discreetly.

HIKARI Lab’s approach aligns perfectly with this trend, as it uses digital platforms to make mental health care a part of everyday products and services. By doing so, they help create an environment where individuals can access mental health support in familiar, non-threatening ways, making it easier to start conversations about mental well-being.

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Workplace Mental Health and Community Support

HIKARI Lab’s efforts also complement the growing focus on workplace mental health in Japan. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health for productivity and employee satisfaction. "Health management" (kenko keiei) has become a popular concept, as businesses seek to improve employee well-being through mental health programs. HIKARI Lab’s integration of psychological principles into products and services could extend into the workplace, offering support tools that employees can use during their workday to manage stress and anxiety.

Beyond workplaces, there is a need for stronger community-based mental health care in Japan. While the country currently relies heavily on hospitalization, initiatives like wellness centers and peer support programs could provide much-needed resources outside of hospitals. HIKARI Lab’s work in integrating mental health care into everyday life products can help lay the groundwork for a more community-focused mental health system, providing individuals with the tools they need to maintain emotional health at home and in their neighborhoods.

Addressing these challenges requires promoting early consultation for mental health issues, increasing counseling utilization, enhancing education, and leveraging technology.

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ADVISORY SERVICES from HIKARI Lab

HIKARI Lab offers a range of advisory services, specializing in product development that utilizes psychology and psychiatry to enhance user experiences. By incorporating elements such as voice, scent, heart rate, and movement, HIKARI Lab designs products aimed at improving mood and mental well-being. Their services include creating chatbot conversation flows and integrating psychological functions into products. Their team of certified professionals, including doctors and psychologists, ensures a comprehensive approach to mental health in product development.

Project Highlights

One notable project is Scalp D (Angfa Co., Ltd.), where HIKARI Lab played a key role in developing Japan’s first personalized men’s shampoo, "Personal Scalp D." They were involved in selecting scents with mental health benefits and creating personalized diagnosis methods. Another significant contribution was to PATONA (Capex Co., Ltd.), where HIKARI Lab supervised the psychological aspects of the personalized AI character "Patona," which supports users' physical and mental well-being through daily interactions.

Services Offered for Further Societal Impact

In addition to product development, HIKARI Lab offers online counseling through their service "Kokoro Works," staffed by nationally certified psychologists and clinical psychologists. They also offer SPARX, a role-playing game designed to teach cognitive behavioral therapy, and provide reliable content creation services, delivering materials ranging from specialized psychological content to casual articles. HIKARI Lab also conducts research, partnering with universities and companies to analyze the psychological impact of various services and products.

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Media and Speaking Engagements

HIKARI Lab has been featured in various media outlets, including newspapers and popular magazines, highlighting their innovative approach and evidence-based practices. Their team also engages in speaking engagements and contributes to academic papers and presentations in collaboration with prestigious universities. With expertise in developing psychology-based products, HIKARI Lab offers development services that include effect validation and expert opinions from experienced professionals.

Through these diverse services, HIKARI Lab aims to advance the integration of psychology into everyday products, improving mental health and well-being in a practical, accessible way.

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Editorials Published by HIKARI Lab

This article you are reading now is published on underdogs’ official platform Asia Tomorrow, and HIKARI Lab also similarly has its own page which is dedicated to spreading knowledge based on psychology and mental health.

Since 2020, HIKARI Lab has published over 50 editorials. Let’s take a quick look at some of the recent ones and what these editorials mainly discuss.

HIKARI Lab’s editorials of course include the topic of mental health and psychology but what makes them more appealing is the correlation that they create between real-life situations and the issues in a psychological context. For example, they have an editorial about the relationship between smell and psychology as well as an article about the similarity between mathematics and instant coffee in a psychological context.

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HIKARI Lab’s editorials of course include the topic of mental health and psychology but what makes them more appealing is the correlation that they create between real-life situations and the issues in a psychological context.

‍For example, they have an editorial about the relationship between smell and psychology as well as an article about the similarity between mathematics and instant coffee in a psychological context.

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Let’s get in a little bit more into the editorial regarding mathematics and instant coffee. 

The article starts off with the context of talking about how in early school years, many kids like math because it gives clear, predictable answers—if they follow the steps, they’ll always get the right solution. The article gives an example from the character of Detective Galileo, who enjoys his coffee because it always tastes the same. Both math and coffee show how people feel comfortable when things are consistent and predictable.

This idea is also important for mental health—having reliable routines or clear outcomes helps reduce stress and makes things feel easier to handle. The article ends width the sentence, “So why, then, does math turn into a subject many people want to avoid as they grow older?” and this is a strategy that we can take away from HIKARI Lab since it is throwing a question at the audience for more engagement and further thinking.

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Must-Know Strategies that Every Startup Can Take Inspiration From HIKARI Lab

✅ Integrate Mental Health into Product Design - Embed psychological well-being features into everyday products to enhance user experiences.

✅ Incorporate Emotional Support into Technology - Use digital platforms, AI, and apps to offer mental health benefits seamlessly through interactions.

✅ Collaborate Across Industries - Partner with different sectors, like manufacturing or tech, to create tailored, user-centric solutions.

✅ Focus on Research-Backed Innovation - Ground product development in evidence-based psychology to ensure effectiveness and credibility.

✅ Engage with the Public through Media - Build credibility by actively participating in media and public engagements to raise awareness and connect with a broader audience.

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The ‘Social’ Category’s Importance within ESGs

The "Social" category in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is crucial for sustainable business practices. HIKARI Lab exemplifies how to prioritize social impact by integrating mental health support into everyday products. This approach addresses issues like stress and anxiety, benefiting both individuals and communities.

Businesses can enhance their ESG profiles by following HIKARI Lab's lead. By incorporating mental health considerations into products or services, companies can strengthen customer connections, boost employee productivity, and contribute positively to society. Focusing on the "Social" aspect of ESG can drive ethical and sustainable practices.

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How You Can Make a Change to the Society Around You

Each of us has the potential to create meaningful change in society, and HIKARI Lab’s approach offers inspiration for individuals and businesses alike. By embedding mental health care into everyday products and services, HIKARI Lab shows that small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact on the well-being of communities.

By following the example of HIKARI Lab, you can play a role in shaping a healthier, more supportive society. Change starts with small, intentional actions that, over time, can create a lasting impact on the people and communities around you!

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Written by Mytri Korsipati

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