#Japan #Bespra #Umi Town #Brain App

Umi Town Launches Innovative Health Points Service

In a pioneering move towards community health, Bespra, a Tokyo-based company led by CEO Yosuke Toyama, has unveiled a groundbreaking health points service in Umi Town, Fukuoka. Starting in April 2025, this initiative aims to bolster health among adults aged 18 and older and seniors, utilizing the health app known as the Brain-Friendly App. This program marks Umi Town as the first in Fukuoka Prefecture to offer such a service, which integrates innovative technology with health goals.

Overview of the Health Promotion Support Project

In just two months since its launch, the health points service has achieved remarkable milestones, including 800 downloads of the app and 550 applicants for health points. This quick uptake illustrates the community's eagerness to engage in healthy practices.

How the Service Works

1. Users can earn points by participating in designated town activities and utilizing the app.
2. Accumulated points can be exchanged for PayPay points.
3. PayPay points can be used for various purchases, enhancing the practicality and appeal of the program.

User Experiences in Umi Town

Feedback from Umi Town residents about the app has been overwhelmingly positive:

• - A man in his 70s expressed that he found it significantly easier to register than he expected.
• - A woman in her 60s enjoys engaging in daily brain training and finds it fun.
• - Another woman in her 70s is motivated to aim for the highest step count nationwide.
• - A teenager shared that he competes with his parents in accumulating points.

Any resident of Umi Town aged 18 or older who possesses a smartphone can join. To participate, simply download the Brain-Friendly App (available on iPhone and Android) and select the registration option in the Umi Town menu. For further details, individuals can refer to the Umi Town official website: Umi Town Health Promotion Site.

The Science Behind the Brain-Friendly App

Developed based on research from the renowned Karolinska Institute, recognized globally for its dementia studies, the Brain-Friendly App offers a comprehensive approach to managing physical and cognitive health through exercise, brain training, and dietary guidance. The app is completely free and aims to aid in preventing lifestyle-related diseases and the onset of dependency.

Research has established that combining dietary advice, exercise, cognitive training, and lifestyle guidance is effective in mitigating the progression of mild cognitive impairments, a finding that is groundbreaking in the field of cognitive health.

Since its launch in 2017, the app has received numerous accolades from various municipalities and organizations, including the Cabinet Office's ImPACT program.

Community Health and Economic Impact

The Brain-Friendly App and Health Points Service is designed to boost community health and stimulate local economy by rewarding healthful behavior. Participants earn health points for activities such as walking and monitoring vital signs. Additionally, involvement in community services like volunteering also generates points, which are convertible to local or PayPay points. This transformative service is already adopted by over 20 municipalities across Japan, focusing on digitizing health incentive programs and promoting volunteer engagement.

Among the municipalities benefiting from this initiative are Hachioji and Shibuya in Tokyo, Koshigaya in Saitama, and many others across various prefectures including Yamagata, Gunma, and Hyogo.

Company Profile

Founded in April 2012, Bespra, located at 5-18-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, is an innovative company dedicated to enhancing public health through technological advancements. For more information, visit their website at Bespra Official Website or contact via email at info@bspr.co.jp.