Shrink: Psychiatrist Yowai

Panic disorder, depression, developmental conditions—these are just a few of the mental health challenges affecting people in Japan. Although the country is sometimes referred to as a hidden superpower of mental illness, its reported number of patients actually remains lower than that of the United States. At the same time, however, Japan’s suicide rate ranks among the highest in the developed world. Even when individuals are suffering, the lingering perception that psychiatric care is an extraordinary or shameful step often prevents them from seeking help. Psychiatrist Yowai is determined to change this reality and reach as many suffering hearts as possible. In truth, his sincere hope is that the recorded number of mental health patients in his homeland will eventually increase—because that would mean more people are finally coming forward to receive the support they deserve.