#Japan #Men's Health #Shibuya #Gentsome #MenLab

MenLab's Innovative Approach to Men's Midlife Health

In an exciting development for workplace health in Japan, MenLab Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has launched Gentsome, a platform dedicated to addressing men's midlife health issues. As the first startup in the country focusing specifically on male menopause—often an overlooked topic—MenLab aims to provide a comprehensive support system for working men who experience unidentifiable health problems. By visualizing health conditions and guiding users to appropriate medical care, Gentsome marks a significant step towards enhancing male well-being in the workforce.

Background of the Issue

Men’s midlife, or andropause, can manifest as fatigue, mood swings, and decreased concentration—all critical factors affecting work performance. However, many men struggle to vocalize these symptoms and, as a result, find it challenging to seek help and access medical services. According to a study by Taiyo Seimei’s Institute of Demographic and Ageing Society, approximately 60% of working men may experience issues related to male menopause, but only a mere 14% have consulted medical professionals about it. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for intervention and support systems in the workplace.

Furthermore, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry estimates that male menopause-related issues cost the economy around 1.2 trillion yen due to decreased workforce efficiency and increased sick leave. With the term 'male menopause' officially recognized in government policy, it is clear that the matter has garnered significant attention at multiple levels.

The Vision Behind Gentsome

The inception of Gentsome came from the personal experiences of MenLab's CEO, Yoshihiko Matsuura. Upon entering his 40s, Matsuura faced vague health challenges, including fatigue and lack of motivation, without realizing they were linked to male menopause. He was acutely aware of the lack of resources and the overwhelming nature of the healthcare system, which prompted him to take action.

Believing that male menopause is not just a personal health issue but a societal challenge affecting productivity in the workplace, Matsuura's vision was to create a platform that not only supports individual health but also enhances organizational performance and productivity.

What is Gentsome?

Gentsome is a multifaceted platform designed to integrate health management and awareness of male menopause. It includes:

• - Information and Education: Raising awareness and understanding of male menopause among users.
• - Gentsome Check: A support service for individuals to navigate health screening processes, making the experience seamless.
• - Healthcare Connections: Directing users to medical professionals if specialized treatment is needed.
• - Corporate Programs: Offering training and seminars to organizations about male menopause and health management.

This comprehensive approach means Gentsome acts not only as an informative platform but as a significant intermediary that can aid men in their health journey by reducing steps and barriers to care.

Support Services Offered

1. Gentsome Check: A unique service facilitating access to health screenings, providing support with logistics, information, and guidance for testing, thus lowering the obstacles preventing men from getting tested.
2. Collaboration with Medical Institutions: MenLab collaborates with leading hospitals, including Juntendo University Hospital, to create pathways for users needing more specialized medical attention.
3. Membership in Japanese Men's Health Association: This affiliation ensures that Gentsome’s services stay up-to-date with the latest evidence and developments in men's health.
4. Corporate Health Programs: MenLab also focuses on working directly with businesses to implement awareness and health management programs tailored to the needs of male employees.

Future Prospects

MenLab is not stopping with the launch of Gentsome. The company plans to expand collaboration with more healthcare institutions, integrating feedback and developments in the field of men's health. Potential future initiatives include joint research with universities examining the interplay between male hormones and productivity, and creating innovative work-life balance models based on findings from MenLab’s research.

With growing interest from sectors like human resources and insurance, MenLab aims to build a sustainable model that supports the overall health of working men, thereby impacting the wider workforce positively.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Hisashi Ide, a professor from Juntendo University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of MenLab’s initiatives to link corporate and medical sectors. He believes that early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for working men.

Also, Miyo Kase, from the Japan Health Management Organization, highlights that MenLab's approach addresses the often invisible health changes faced by middle-aged men, benefiting both individual health and organizational productivity.

Company Overview

MenLab Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Yoshihiko Matsuura
• - Location: FPG Links Jinnan, 5F, 1-11-4 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Mission: Specializing in men's midlife health, offering comprehensive health management support and services to improve workplace productivity.

For more information, visit MenLab or contact via email at [email protected].

With Gentsome, MenLab is paving the way for a healthier, more productive working life for men across Japan, addressing a critical yet often ignored societal issue.