Japan is facing a dementia crisis – can technology help?

Suranjana TewariAsia Business Correspondent, Tokyo

grey placeholder — Scientists at Waseda University in Tokyo are developing caregiving robots

BBC AIREC robot turning over a person at Waseda University in Tokyo — Scientists at Waseda University in Tokyo are developing caregiving robots

Last year, more than 18,000 older people living with dementia left their homes and went missing in Japan. Almost 500 were later found dead.

Police say such cases have doubled since 2012.

Elderly people aged 65 and over now make up nearly 30% of Japan’s population – the second-highest proportion in the world after Monaco, according to the World Bank.

The crisis is further compounded by a shrinking workforce and tight limits on foreign workers coming in to provide care.

Japan’s government has identified dementia as one of its most urgent policy challenges, with the Health Ministry estimating that dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen ($90bn; £67bn) by 2030 – up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

In its most recent strategy, the government has signalled a stronger pivot toward technology to ease the pressure.

Across the country, people are adopting GPS-based systems to keep track of those who go missing.

Some regions offer wearable GPS tags that can alert authorities the moment a person leaves a designated area.

In some towns, convenience-store workers receive real-time notifications – a kind of community safety net that can locate a missing person within hours.

Robot caregivers and AI

Other technologies aim to detect dementia earlier.

Fujitsu’s aiGait uses AI to analyse posture and walking patterns, picking up early signs of dementia – shuffling while walking, slower turns or difficulty standing – generating skeletal outlines clinicians can review during routine check-ups.

“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.”

Meanwhile, researchers at Waseda University are developing AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robot designed to be a “future” caregiver.

It can help a person put on socks, scramble eggs and fold laundry. The scientists at Waseda University hope that in the future, AIREC will be able to change adult nappies and prevent bedsores in patients.

Toshio Morita and his wife sitting at the Restaurant for Mistaken Orders before the start of his shift — Toshio Morita (R) works at the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

Similar robots are already being used in care homes to play music to residents or guide them in simple stretching exercises.

They are also monitoring patients at night – placed under mattresses to track sleep and conditions – and cutting back on the need for humans doing the rounds.

Although humanoid robots are being developed for the near future, Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake says the level of precision and intelligence required will take at last five years before they are safely able to interact with humans.

“It requires full-body sensing and adaptive understanding – how to adjust for each person and situation,” he says.

Emotional support is also part of the innovation drive.

Poketomo, a 12cm tall robot, can be carried around in a bag or can fit into a pocket. It reminds users to take medication, tells you how to prepare in real time for the weather outside and offers conversation for those living alone, which its creators say helps to ease social isolation.

“We’re focusing on social issues… and to use new technology to help solve those problems,” Miho Kagei, development manager from Sharp told the BBC.

While devices and robots offer new ways to assist, human connection remains irreplaceable.

“Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers,” Mr Miyake, the Waseda University scientist said. “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, founded by Akiko Kanna, people stream in to be served by patients suffering from dementia.

Inspired by her father’s experience with the condition, Ms Kanna wanted a place where people could remain engaged and feel purposeful.

Toshio Morita, one of the café’s servers, uses flowers to remember which table ordered what.

Despite his cognitive decline, Mr Morita enjoys the interaction. For his wife, the café provides respite and helps keep him engaged.

Kanna’s café illustrates why social interventions and community support remain essential. Technology can provide tools and relief, but meaningful engagement and human connection are what truly sustain people living 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.”