#Japan #Senior Care #Fukuoka #Otta

Otta Senior Monitoring Service: A New Solution for Elderly Care

As Japan faces an unprecedented aging population, Otta Inc. is set to launch its "Otta Senior Monitoring Service" nationwide starting in September 2025. This service is designed to help families keep track of their elderly members' safety, particularly beneficial for those living separately from their loved ones. The service has previously only been available in select areas such as Minoh in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Wakayama but is now expanding its reach in response to the growing need for reliable monitoring systems in urban areas.

The essence of the Otta service lies in its dedicated monitoring device, which is compact, lightweight, and does not require charging—removing the common barriers associated with traditional GPS devices. Rather than relying on personal monitoring solutions that may feel intrusive, Otta utilizes its already established monitoring infrastructure and community networks that have been successfully integrated into various municipalities for public safety. This innovative service allows family members to receive automatic notifications on their smartphones whenever their loved ones leave or return home, offering peace of mind without adding extra burdens to the seniors themselves.

Addressing the Growing Need for Elderly Monitoring

Japan is currently experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly demographic, with those aged 65 and above projected to number approximately 36.25 million by September 2024—representing nearly 30% of the total population. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveals there are about 9.03 million single-person households and 7.49 million couple-only households among the elderly, resulting in a significant rise in seniors living independently.

Alarmingly, statistics from the National Police Agency demonstrate that around 30% of missing persons in 2024 were aged 65 or older, including about 18,000 cases related to dementia. This has intensified the demand for natural and unobtrusive monitoring systems for the elderly.

However, existing monitoring solutions have certain drawbacks:

• - Traditional GPS devices are often bulky and require daily charging.
• - It's challenging for elderly individuals to maintain the habit of carrying such devices.
• - Many seniors feel uneasy about being constantly tracked for privacy reasons.

In light of these hurdles, Otta has developed a monitoring service characterized by its compact size and convenience—simply attach the device to everyday items such as walking sticks, bags, or wallets.

Overview of the Otta Senior Monitoring Service

Otta is leveraging its proprietary IoT-driven positioning platform, the "Otta Monitoring Network," to collaborate with municipalities and businesses nationwide to implement this monitoring service. The service incorporates fixed monitoring spots, like train stations and shops, as well as utilizing community members with the "Monitoring Person App" and enabling moving monitoring spots through taxis, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

By simply walking past designated monitoring locations, the device records movement history, which can then be accessed by family members via the app. Moreover, Otta partners with law enforcement agencies to support search efforts in case of emergencies.

Successful Implementations with Local Governments

The Otta Senior Monitoring Service has already been adopted by multiple local governments and community care projects across Japan:

• - Minoh City, Osaka (2017–Present): Utilized for senior monitoring, offering free trials through municipal initiatives.
• - Fukuoka City (2022–Present): Collaborated with Kyushu Electric Power Co. to roll out services aimed at dementia patients and as part of the Friendly City project.
• - Goto City, Nagasaki (2022): Launched services in partnership with Iwatani Corporation.
• - Wakayama City (2023): Offered free trials through community-supported projects.

Device Features

• - Long Battery Life: No need to recharge for up to six years, thanks to a power-efficient design.
• - Compact and Lightweight: Weighs approximately 12 grams, making it easy to carry daily.
• - Simultaneous Usage: Can be attached to up to three everyday items.
• - Privacy Considerations: The system does not engage in constant tracking like traditional GPS; it records location data only when passing by one of the 160,000 monitoring spots nationwide.

Future Developments

Otta is committed to building a community-focused monitoring network that spans from children to the elderly, enhancing the safety and security of families across Japan. By strengthening partnerships with municipalities and businesses, Otta aims to expand its services to create an inclusive infrastructural support system for elderly care.

For more information, visit the official Otta site.

Company Profile

• - Founded: October 2014
• - CEO: Fumikazu Yamamoto
• - Headquarters: 810-0001 Fukuoka, Chuo-ku, Tenjin 4-4-11, Tenjin Shoppers Fukuoka 8F
• - Business Focus: Development and management of smart monitoring platforms.
• - Website: otta.co.jp