Addressing Mental Health Issues Among University Students: Insights and Initiatives

In recent years, mental health problems among university students have increasingly become a pressing issue, with survey results revealing that 75.4% of university presidents observed a rise in such issues compared to pre-pandemic times. This statistic was part of a nationwide survey conducted by KEI Advance to understand the mental health landscape across Japan's educational institutions.

The Need for a Collaborative Approach

The upcoming 16th KEI University Management Seminar, scheduled for October 23, 2025, aims to shed light on this crucial subject. It will gather university administrators, educators, and mental health professionals to discuss the current conditions and challenges students face regarding their mental health. Presentations will include a robust report from KEI Advance, as well as insights derived from a series of interviews featured in Asahi Shimbun’s ongoing coverage titled "Increasing Mental Distress: The Situation of University Students."

The seminar will feature discussions led by journalists from Asahi Shimbun, Shuki Shimazaki and Hajime Ueno, who will present findings from recent interviews and propose actionable recommendations. Joining them will be esteemed guests like Ryo Sekizaki, a psychiatrist involved in school management and a pioneer in ICT-based counseling services, alongside Iori Torii, the Chief Student Counselor at Toyo University’s Wellness Center. Together, they'll engage in a dialogue examining the changes in student concerns, counseling practices, and feasible early response strategies universities can adopt.

Mental Health as a Core Responsibility

Protecting the mental well-being of students is now seen not only as a university's duty but also as a significant operational and managerial challenge. As student support personnel and university leaders gather for this seminar, valuable insights will emerge that can guide future strategies for mental health services. The discussion is designed to be beneficial for all stakeholders involved in higher education administration and those directly responsible for student welfare.

Seminar Details

- Date & Time: October 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (JST)

- Target Audience: University administrators, educators, officials from local governments and ministries, as well as media personnel. Specifically, those involved in student support are encouraged to participate.

- Main Topics of Discussion:

- Survey results from KEI Advance regarding university presidents’ perspectives on mental health issues.
- Investigative reports from Asahi Shimbun on the mental health of university students.
- Essential mental health literacy for university staff.
- Current trends in student counseling and changing inquiry topics.
- Concrete strategies for addressing mental distress among students.
- Providing necessary accommodations for students requiring special support.
- Initial response strategies aimed at preventing suicide.

Featured Guest Speakers

- Ryo Sekizaki: Director of Kiryu Gakuen and a practicing psychiatrist specializing in school health initiatives.
- Iori Torii: Chief Student Counselor at Toyo University’s Wellness Center, offering a wealth of experience in student mental health support.

Presenters and Moderators

The session will be moderated by Hiroyuki Harada, a Senior Researcher at KEI University Management Institute, ensuring a smooth flow of discussion.

Online Participation and Accessibility

The seminar will take place online via Zoom and is free of charge. Interested participants must register by noon on October 23, 2025, in order to receive the access link for the event.

This initiative represents a significant opportunity for improvement in addressing the evolving landscape of student mental health. Your participation will not only enhance your understanding but also contribute to a shared effort in tackling these vital issues. For more details and to register, visit this link.

More About KEI University Management Institute

KEI Advance operates the KEI University Management Institute, dedicated to offering support in public relations, admissions operations, and educational support solutions. The institute's goal is to promote sustainable development in university management through extensive research and advisory services, alongside hosting valuable seminars like this one. For more information, visit KEI HER Online.

Conclusion

As mental health challenges continue to grow among university students, it has become paramount for educational institutions to adopt a proactive and well-informed approach. This seminar stands as a key step toward building a supportive environment that prioritizes student well-being.