Japan expands dementia awareness through community education

Japan is implementing various community-based initiatives to increase dementia awareness as its aging population grows. With approximately 4.5 million people currently living with dementia in the country, local organizations are focusing on education for both youth and adults.

In western Tokyo, volunteer Naomi Saeki from the Caravan Association conducts dementia education courses at Haijima High School. These sessions aim to sensitize younger generations to the challenges of the disease. Participants who complete the training receive orange wristbands to signify they are knowledgeable and capable of assisting those affected.

Other regional efforts include community gatherings like the ‘Orange Cafe’ in Sugito, which offers dementia lectures and ‘cognicise’ exercises—a combination of physical movement and cognitive tasks designed for prevention. Additionally, in Otsu City, events have utilized virtual reality technology to allow participants to simulate the experience of living with dementia, fostering deeper empathy and understanding.