#Japan #mental health #Tokyo #Seed Planning

The Formation of the Heart Health Investment Promotion Consortium

On July 18, 2025, the Heart Health Investment Promotion Consortium, known as the "Kokoro no Kenko Toshi Suishin Konsōshium," was established under the office management of Seed Planning Co., Ltd., headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo. This non-profit organization is committed to expanding investment in mental health, addressing the pressing concerns of workforce shortages and employee engagement driven by Japan’s aging population and declining birthrate.

The consortium was founded by 19 participating organizations, united in their mission to promote mental health investment. Seed Planning and the NTT Data Economic Research Institute are responsible for the operational management of this consortium. According to estimates, Japan faces an annual economic loss of approximately 7.6 trillion yen—a staggering 1.1% of its GDP—due to deterioration in mental health among employees.

Objectives and Background of the Consortium

Mental health is defined as a state in which individuals can face life's stresses, demonstrate their abilities, engage in effective learning and work, and contribute to their communities. This is increasingly recognized as essential for improving both individual and organizational performance. As part of an initiative by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the consortium focuses on cooperative efforts among the public, industry, and academia to enhance mental health services in the workplace.

In 2023, METI recognized the need to address mental health issues in healthy management businesses and established a research group aimed at increasing the utilization of workplace mental health services. This led to the creation of guidelines for investments in mental health, with plans to establish a collaborative business structure by 2025.

With approximately 82.7% of individuals reporting feelings of anxiety in their professional lives, addressing these concerns is crucial. Left unchecked, workplace stress can lead to decreased productivity and an increase in negative behaviors such as harassment. Conversely, proper stress management can enhance concentration and creativity, ultimately leading to better work outcomes.

Structure of the Heart Health Investment Consortium

The collective aims to significantly enhance investments in mental health services by collaborating with various stakeholders, including human resources personnel from companies promoting health-oriented management and leading academic researchers in the field. The consortium currently boasts 67 member organizations, supported by an advisory board of 16 members comprised of experts in academia and industry. Their collaborative efforts target an increased focus on mental health investment across workplaces.

Consortium Overview

• - Name: Heart Health Investment Promotion Consortium
• - Established: July 18, 2025
• - Purpose: Expand investment in mental health to solve workplace challenges
• - Main Activities: 1. Promote mental health investment awareness 2. Enhance the quality and utilization of related services 3. Foster collaboration among stakeholders

Membership Status

• - General members: 63 organizations
• - Supporting members: 4 organizations

You can view the member list here.

Leadership and Advisory Board

The consortium is helmed by Kento Kawakami, a prominent professor at the University of Tokyo, and includes a diverse range of members from various sectors:

• - Advisory Board Members include:

- Ikuno Araki (Sekisui Chemical Co.)
- Akira Igarashi (Lion Corporation)
- Takashi Kameda (HealthCorp, Inc.)
- And many distinguished academic contributors.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, the consortium has plans to officially release a new tool, Welcoco, designed to aid employers in selecting relevant mental health services. This is scheduled for October this year, accompanied by an inaugural event and educational sessions.

The establishment of the Heart Health Investment Promotion Consortium signals a significant step forward in addressing mental health challenges in the workplace. As it gathers momentum, it aims not only to enhance productivity but also to foster a healthier, more engaged workforce across Japan.

For inquiries, please contact the Heart Health Investment Promotion Consortium Office via Seed Planning or NTT Data Economic Research Institute at [email protected].