In this R&D Item, we are advancing the development of evidence-based support technologies related to Maemuki, or a constructive forward-oriented mindset, by integrating human research, animal model studies, and gamification-based support research. By combining information related to the brain, body, and behavior, we aim to examine support approaches tailored to users’ states and to establish a foundation for technologies that can be applied in daily life and future social implementation.

In FY2025, we advanced human research, monkey research, and gamification-based support research in parallel toward the development of Maemuki-related support and training technologies. In human research, we developed a foundation for assessing users’ states and informing appropriate support by using multiple physiological and behavioral indicators. In monkey research, we established an evaluation platform for Maemuki-related behaviors that can be linked to human research, while also advancing basic research using a chemogenetic approach, DREADD, to examine neural circuit mechanisms. We also began exploring entertainment-based support technologies incorporating gamification, with a view toward future social implementation.

Brain–Body Indicators and Biofeedback for Maemuki Support

Dr. Makiko Yamada at QST established a platform for integrating physiological and behavioral information and providing feedback tailored to users’ states. Her team also showed that brain activity related to internal bodily states may serve as an objective indicator of Maemuki-related states and is developing support technologies based on these findings.
Dr. Natsuki Sado at the University of Tsukuba evaluated measurement approaches for acquiring bodily and behavioral information in daily-life-like environments and established a basis for capturing gait and posture characteristics. His team is also analyzing relationships between gait speed and posture to identify indicators that may be useful for observing and supporting Maemuki-related states through physical activity.
Together, these studies provide a foundation for mental health support technologies that assess Maemuki-related states in both laboratory and daily-life environments and connect them to support.

Neural Circuit Research in Monkeys and Maemuki Evaluation Platform

Dr. Takafumi Minamimoto at QST established a platform for evaluating Maemuki-related behaviors in monkeys and examined indicators that can be linked to human research. His team also suggested that behavioral indicators related to negative capability, namely the capacity to remain engaged with uncertainty, may be associated with neuromodulatory systems. In addition, neural circuit research using DREADD provided basic findings on the relationship between bodily states and Maemuki-related behaviors. In collaboration with Dr. Yamada, these methods are being explored as common evaluation indicators bridging monkey and human research.
Dr. Ken-ichi Inoue at Nagoya City University developed foundational approaches for evaluating bodily and behavioral information in monkeys and established a basis for DREADD-based neural circuit research. In collaboration with Dr. Minamimoto, his team advanced the validation of this research platform.
Together, these studies deepen the understanding of mechanisms underlying Maemuki-related behaviors in monkeys and provide a basic research foundation for understanding mental health mechanisms and developing evidence-based support technologies.

Launch of Entertainment-Based Support Technology Development

Dr. Hidekazu Mitsuhashi at SEGA XD Co., Ltd., who joined the project this fiscal year, began developing game-based support technologies related to Maemuki and advanced the basic design for prototype development from the next fiscal year onward. Using gamification, his team also began examining support approaches aimed at enhancing psychological vitality and promoting behavioral change, with a view toward future social implementation.

We will integrate the findings and platforms established through this project to further validate support technologies tailored to individual states and circumstances. By linking human research, animal model research, and entertainment-based support approaches, we aim to build a technological foundation for supporting mental states in daily life and advancing practical implementation.