Japan self-care trends shift toward mental well-being amid rising information fatigue

A survey by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare reveals a shift in Japanese self-care trends over the last 20 years. Despite Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data showing that average annual working hours decreased by approximately 150 hours between 2006 and 2025, 71.9% of respondents aged 30 to 70 reported feeling that they cannot recover from fatigue even after resting.

Experts attribute this phenomenon to “information fatigue” caused by the proliferation of smartphones and social media. Respondents noted that managing the high volume of information and the rapid pace of societal change has become a significant burden.

Consequently, the focus of self-care has evolved from merely preventing illness to a proactive approach aimed at “mental performance” and “well-being.” Modern self-care practices increasingly emphasize regulating one's mental state and preventing physical ailments before they occur. Common activities now include gut health management, dietary improvements, exercise, and sleep support. There is also a growing trend of making “mental performance choices,” such as avoiding unnecessary social obligations to reduce psychological strain.