During my student years, as I studied the mental health of workers, I learned that many people are working through sheer willpower, suffering from work-related stress, or forced to take leave due to deteriorating physical or mental well-being.
At that time, I felt a deep sense of injustice: "Why must those who are doing the wonderful work of contributing to society suffer so much? Working people deserve to be rewarded more." That feeling fueled my desire to conduct research that could contribute, even in a small way, to solving these challenges.
Physical activity is one of our most fundamental lifestyle habits and is closely linked to our overall health. This app leverages artificial intelligence technology to provide personalized comments tailored to each individual's work and activity patterns. It is designed to assist you in monitoring and transforming your physical activity habits, ultimately supporting the maintenance and improvement of your mental health.
I am particularly mindful of those who suffer from severe fatigue or those engaged in physically demanding work—people who often feel, "I don't want to move anymore; I just want to rest." For such individuals, I have been careful to avoid advising them to forcibly increase their activity levels. The quality and type of advice provided are aspects I plan to refine continuously.
While this app is still evolving and has room for improvement to fully meet the needs of every user, it would be my greatest joy if using ASHARE could help make your tomorrow even a little bit more peaceful.
With respect for everyone who works—whether for themselves or for the sake of others.
March 2023
Kazuhiro Watanabe, Ph.D.
Junior Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine
Ph.D. in Health Sciences / Certified Clinical Psychologist (Japan)