#Japan #Tokyo #Heart Disease #Health Tech #Kokoromil

Transforming Lives: The Story Behind Kokoromil

In a world where approximately one individual loses their life every six minutes due to sudden cardiac arrest, a startup called Kokoromil, founded in Tokyo, is on a mission to eliminate this devastating trend. The company, led by CEO Hiroki Hayashi, recently presented at the B Dash Camp 2026 Spring in Sapporo, sharing his personal journey that spurred the creation of groundbreaking medical tech aimed at saving a million lives.

A Phone Call That Changed Everything

Hayashi’s journey began with a heart-wrenching phone call—a call that revealed the shocking news of his mother collapsing just hours after sharing a joyful meal together. She succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest at the young age of 59, leaving an indelible mark on Hayashi’s heart and mind. This calamitous experience ignited a deep-rooted desire within him: to prevent others from enduring the same anguish of loss.

"I don’t want anyone else to feel the regret that I experienced," Hayashi expressed with determination. This tragedy became the catalyst for founding Kokoromil, emphasizing that saving lives can create a ripple effect, transforming both Japanese and global healthcare.

The Alarming Statistics

Currently, in Japan, around 250 individuals fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest each day. This translates to an alarming statistic of one person every six minutes. To put it into perspective, this figure is 35 times higher than the number of people who die in traffic accidents annually, highlighting a dire issue that has been overlooked.

Yet, despite the scale of this silent crisis, the existing healthcare infrastructure faces significant barriers. One major hurdle is that only 10% of routine health checks can detect cardiac irregularities. Standard ECG tests, conducted in approximately 15 seconds during check-ups, fail to uncover subtle signs of potential heart issues effectively. Moreover, even for those who do get flagged for further testing, the waiting period could stretch on for months, postponing critical care.

Innovative Solutions: Home Heart Check and Eclat

To tackle these pressing challenges, Kokoromil has developed two innovative solutions that promise to bridge the gap between detection and treatment.

Home Heart Check®

Kokoromil’s flagship product, Home Heart Check®, allows individuals to monitor their heart health from the comfort of their own homes. It features an easy-to-use wearable ECG device that records heart data over 9 to 24 hours, collecting vital information during daily activities including sleep. By doing so, the Home Heart Check® boasts a detection rate of approximately 36%, significantly outpacing conventional health screenings.

Not only does this service detect hidden heart disease, but it also identifies risks associated with sleep apnea and mental health concerns, offering a holistic view of the user’s wellbeing. Users receive expert analysis on their results, and they can even consult with medical professionals online to discuss findings or receive referrals for further testing.

Eclat

To eliminate waiting periods for cardiac evaluations, Kokoromil introduced Eclat, a revolutionary disposable ECG monitoring device that allows for continuous measurement over a week while ensuring ease of use during daily routines. This innovative technology has already garnered acclaim within the healthcare community and has seen rapid adoption in medical institutions across Japan.

A Vision for the Future

Since its inception just two years ago, Kokoromil has secured numerous important regulatory approvals, including a medical device manufacturing license and ISO certifications, establishing its credibility in the medical field. The company has gained traction in over 40 prefectures across Japan, fast-tracking its mission to reshape the landscape of cardiac health.

Looking ahead, Hayashi’s vision extends beyond merely capturing a share of the existing cardiac monitoring market. He aims to harness the patient data collected through Home Heart Check® to create a comprehensive medical big data ecosystem that could drive advances in preventive healthcare and insurance models. Hayashi emphasizes the transformative power of technology:
"With our technology and efforts, we can save 100 million lives worldwide. Our challenge has only just begun."

In summary, from a personal experience of loss to a mission of empowerment, Kokoromil is on a bold path toward redefining healthcare accessibility and innovating cardiac care, aiming for a world where sudden death no longer marks our lives.