Japan embraces innovation as dementia cases rise

Japan's Dementia Crisis: A Growing Challenge

Japan is facing a rapidly escalating dementia crisis, with thousands of older individuals going missing from their homes each year. According to police data, over 18,000 dementia patients went missing in 2023, and nearly 500 were later found dead. The number of such cases has doubled since 2012, signaling the growing pressure on an aging population.

The situation is further complicated by a shrinking workforce and strict limitations on foreign caregivers. As a result, the Japanese government has identified dementia as one of its top policy priorities. The Health Ministry estimates that dementia-related healthcare and social support costs will rise to 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

Technology as a Solution

To address this challenge, Japan is increasingly relying on technology to alleviate the burden on families and care facilities. GPS-based systems are now being used nationwide to track individuals who wander, while some areas provide wearable tags that alert authorities when someone leaves a safe zone. In certain towns, convenience-store workers receive real-time alerts to help locate missing people quickly, creating a community-wide safety network.

In addition to tracking systems, new tools are being developed for earlier detection and support. Fujitsu’s aiGait uses artificial intelligence to analyze posture and walking patterns, identifying early warning signs such as slow turns or difficulty standing. The system generates skeletal outlines that doctors can review during routine exams. "Early detection of age-related diseases is key," says Hidenori Fujiwara, a Fujitsu spokesperson. "If doctors can use motion-capture data, they can intervene earlier and help people remain active for longer."

Robots and AI in Care

Researchers at Waseda University are working on AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robot designed as a future caregiver. It can assist with simple daily tasks such as putting on socks, scrambling eggs, or folding laundry. Developers hope that, eventually, AIREC will help with changing diapers and preventing bedsores. Care homes in Japan are already using simpler robots to play music, lead stretching exercises, and monitor patients at night by tracking sleep and physical condition.

However, humanoid robots will take more time to reach full reliability. Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake notes that more precision and intelligence are needed before they can interact safely with humans. "It requires full-body sensing and adaptive understanding—how to adjust for each person and situation," he explains.

Emotional support tools are also part of the innovation push. Poketomo, a 12cm robot carried in a pocket or bag, reminds users to take medicine, gives real-time weather advice, and offers conversation to help ease loneliness. "We're focusing on social issues... and to use new technology to help solve those problems," says Miho Kagei, a development manager at Sharp.

Human Care Remains Central

Despite these advancements, researchers emphasize that technology cannot replace human interaction. "Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers," Mr. Miyake says. "While they may take over some tasks, their main role is to assist both caregivers and patients."

At the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Sengawa, Tokyo, customers are served by people living with dementia. Founder Akiko Kanna created the cafe to give patients a place to stay active and feel valued, inspired by her father’s experience with the condition. One of the servers, Toshio Morita, uses flowers to remember customer orders. Although his memory has declined, he enjoys connecting with visitors, and the cafe offers his wife much-needed respite.

The restaurant highlights why social interaction remains vital. Technology can ease workloads, but meaningful engagement continues to be essential for people with dementia. "Honestly? I wanted a little pocket money. I like meeting all sorts of people," Mr. Morita says. "Everyone's different—that's what makes it fun."