Japan’s mental healthcare system has traditionally focused on severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, which require long-term hospitalization. Consequently, milder conditions like depression or sleep disorders tend to be neglected. Given this situation, Dr. Obayashi emphasizes the need for companies to take employee mental health seriously. While many companies acknowledge that a certain percentage of employees may experience mental health issues, they often fail to consider the realistic costs involved. Therefore, quantifying the potential human and economic losses, and communicating cost information to companies is crucial in encouraging proactive countermeasures. Mental health refers to an individual's psychological One of the main challenges is the deep-rooted stigma First, under Japan’s universal health insurance system, well-being, as distinct from physical health. Just as a healthy body provides energy and vitality, a healthy mind contributes to a sense of calm, motivation, and overall life satisfaction. While it is normal for individuals to experience low moods or depressive feelings from time to time, prolonged or accumulated stress can lead to the onset of mental illness. Unlike physical illnesses, mental health issues are often invisible to others and difficult for individuals to express, which can result in delayed diagnosis and extended recovery periods. In recent years, global awareness of mental health has been increasing. World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. It is now recognized as an international observance with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is "Mental Health at Work," highlighting the critical importance of mental well-being in professional environments, especially considering that approximately 60% of the global population is part of the workforce. In Japan, the non-profit organization Silver Ribbon Japan is actively raising awareness of brain and mental health issues. It promotes understanding through events held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.Dr. Takafumi Obayashi, a mental health clinic director and occupational physician who provides counseling services, discussed current challenges and prospects for mental health in Japan in an interview with GO100.surrounding mental health in Japanese culture. There is a prevailing negative perception of receiving counseling. This stigma is reinforced by two key factors.counseling is not covered by insurance. As a result, many people are hesitant to pay for it out of pocket. Second, Yu q i G u a n1． Introduction2. The Situation in JapanHitotsubashi University, China/Japan15Mental Health at Work: Corporate and Social Approaches in Japan and China
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