Japan’s Dementia Crisis: Can Technology Provide a Solution?
By Suranjana Tewari, Asia Business Correspondent, Tokyo
Japan is currently grappling with a growing dementia crisis amid an aging population and shrinking workforce. As more elderly people live with dementia, the country is turning to innovative technologies, including caregiving robots and AI-driven early detection tools, in an effort to alleviate the pressure on families and healthcare systems.
An Escalating Challenge
Last year alone, over 18,000 elderly individuals living with dementia went missing across Japan, with nearly 500 found deceased. Police report that such cases have doubled since 2012, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Japan’s demographic landscape is a major factor fueling this crisis. Nearly 30% of the population is aged 65 or older—the second highest rate globally after Monaco, according to the World Bank. This unprecedented aging trend is compounded by a shrinking labor force and strict limits on foreign workers who could potentially provide caregiving support.
The Japanese government has identified dementia as one of its most urgent policy challenges. Estimates from the Health Ministry predict that by 2030, dementia-related health and social care costs will balloon to 14 trillion yen (approximately $90 billion or £67 billion), up from 9 trillion yen projected in 2025. ### Embracing Technology in Dementia Care
In response, Japan has signaled a strategic shift towards technological solutions to help ease the caregiving burden. Across the country, GPS-based tracking systems have become standard tools used to monitor those prone to wandering. Several regions provide wearable devices equipped with GPS tags that alert authorities if a person leaves designated safe zones. In some communities, convenience store workers receive immediate notifications to help locate missing individuals quickly, forming a community safety network.
Researchers are also making strides in early dementia detection. For instance, Fujitsu and Acer Medical have developed aiGait, an AI-powered system that analyzes patients’ walking and posture patterns to pick up early signs of dementia. Slow turns, shuffling footsteps, or difficulties in standing are transformed into skeletal outlines for clinicians to review during routine examinations. Early detection, experts say, is critical to intervening sooner and helping patients maintain activity and independence for longer.
The Rise of Caregiving Robots
At Waseda University in Tokyo, scientists are pushing the boundaries of robotics in elderly care with the development of AIREC, a 150-kilogram humanoid robot designed to assist with daily tasks such as putting on socks, scrambling eggs, and folding laundry. Researchers envision future models capable of more sensitive caregiving duties, including changing adult diapers and preventing bedsores.
Meanwhile, similar robots are already in use within care homes, where they play music, guide patients through gentle stretching exercises, and even monitor sleep by being placed under mattresses. These robots help reduce the need for night rounds by human staff, easing some pressure on caregivers.
Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake of Waseda University cautions, however, that the sophisticated level of full-body sensing, adaptability, and safety required for robots to interact autonomously with dementia patients will take at least another five years to be realized. He stresses that robots should serve as supplements, not substitutes, for human caregivers, assisting both patients and their human attendants.
Emotional Support and Social Connection
Technological innovation is also targeting emotional support. The Poketomo robot, a tiny 12 cm companion designed by Sharp, offers medication reminders, weather updates, and conversational interaction to help mitigate social isolation for those living alone.
“We’re focusing on social issues and using new technology to help solve those problems,” explains Miho Kagei, development manager at Sharp.
Nevertheless, experts emphasize that human connection remains irreplaceable. Beyond tools and machines, meaningful engagement and community support continue to be the foundation for sustaining quality of life for people living with dementia.
A Community Approach: The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders
Highlighting this human-centered approach is the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in the Sengawa district of Tokyo. Founded by Akiko Kanna, whose own father suffered from dementia, the restaurant is staffed by patients with dementia who serve customers, maintain engagement, and find purpose in their work.
One of the servers, Toshio Morita, uses flowers as a memory aid to remember customer orders and enjoys the social interaction despite his cognitive challenges. For Morita’s wife, the establishment provides much-needed respite and reassurance that her husband remains active and connected.
“This café demonstrates why social interventions and community support are essential alongside technology,” Ms. Kanna says. “Tools and robots can assist, but true sustainability for people facing dementia comes from engagement and compassion.”
Mr. Morita sums it up simply: “Honestly? I wanted a little pocket money. I like meeting all sorts of people. Everyone’s different—that’s what makes it fun.”
As Japan confronts one of the most acute dementia epidemics worldwide, the combined power of technology and community-based human support will be crucial in shaping a future where those affected can live with dignity and safety.
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Additional reporting by Jaltson Akkanath Chummar
