As the world marks the 50th anniversary of World Health Month, it is important to take stock of the progress that has been made in terms of public health and to reflect on the challenges that remain. In 1948, the First Health Assembly was convened to create awareness around global public health issues and set priorities for the World Health Organization (WHO). April was designated as World Health Month in 1950, and since then, this globally recognized month has shone a light on important health issues ranging from mental health to child care to climate change.

This year, as we mark 50 years of World Health Month, it is important to remember that much progress has been made in terms of global public health. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed.

Global health is a major concern, and the celebration continues to help us all take part in activities that extend beyond just observing and reflecting on the month.. These events serve as an opportunity to bring attention back home to important aspects of global health!

The two pillars of our business are “IT” and “counseling”. It may be a little unusual to have these two businesses in one company.

Through our counseling and information system services, we are able to provide support in terms of both “people” and “products,” which are important resources for corporate management.

I believe this is our strength. I myself am a counselor with a background in human resources and also a CEO.

I believe that there are things that we can understand only because I represent this company, and that also there are things that we can provide support for and put into practice.

Meet Momoko Asaka, founder, and director of Veriteworks Inc. (Veriteworks Inc. Representative Director/Representative Counselor.) Director of Asia Pacific Career Development Association.

After graduating from Keio University, Momoko worked as an ophthalmologist, SIer, and HR for an IT consulting company before becoming an independent counselor. 

In 2014, she founded Veriteworks Inc. as a counseling, HR, and system development company.

15 years of experience in the IT industry and a ceo’s point of view enabled Momoko to provide counseling and HR support from the perspective of health management.

“One of my immediate goals is to pursue activities that further deepen the synergy between these two areas of expertise, IT and counseling, and to bring it to the market as our own unique service.”

Momoko has also been a board member of the Asia Pacific Career Development Association since 2016, and has summarized her practice of mental health and career counseling at annual conferences and has experience giving English presentations.

In 2021, she published a book summarizing her past efforts, “Creating a Company Where IT Engineers Don’t Get Ill: A Manual for Mental Health Management” (sole author) and “Textbook of Life Design” (co-author). Media appearances include NHK, Fuji TV, Community FM Radio, and AERA.

It’s so great to have you here with us. Can you tell me how this project came to fruition?

Before starting my own company, I worked as a human resources manager for an IT company. Although I jumped into the IT industry by chance, the IT industry in Japan is often described as a “3K” work environment, with many people suffering from mental breakdowns. 3k being kitanai – dirty, kiken – dangerous, kitsui – demanding. It is undeniable that it is an industry with a high percentage of people suffering from mental illness at the moment.

I myself have seen many cases of people being forced into long-term leaves of absence or resignations as a result of not noticing or turning a blind eye to signs of mental illness. I have been in the industry for a long time, and I strongly felt the need for counseling, which is why I became a certified counselor. I started this company with the hope of “making the world a place where IT engineers can maintain their mental health and continue to work happily and energetically.

What has been the most challenging thing you have faced since starting this initiative?

With the Covid, “everyone working in a fixed office” is no longer the norm. This has led to some changes in the way we do business and hiring, and the way we hold meetings with employees and clients. The fact that it is now difficult to have the spontaneous chats that used to take place in the office has had a major impact, but our company has been able to maintain staff productivity by setting up chat rooms, making time to listen directly to their voices (even if it is only for 15 minutes online) instead of just through chats, and introducing workcations. And through these measures, we have been able to maintain the productivity of our staff.  

What is the best piece of advice you can give to those you serve?

If you have any preconceived notions about counseling being for weak-minded people, I would urge you to set those aside and give them a try. Counseling can be an incredibly helpful experience for anyone struggling with difficult life issues. The sessions provide a confidential, safe space to explore whatever is on your mind and heart. Sorting through life’s challenges with a counselor can be an incredibly empowering experience.

How will your initiative change the world for the better?

The barriers to counseling in Japan will be lowered and Japanese society will be changing to become more open, and it will be easy to approach and talk about these issues, so it will become more common. This will lead to people being able to work at a higher level overall, as they won’t be holding back due to reluctance to seek help when needed.

What are your goals for the future?

It’s time that the misconceptions that many people around the world still have – that the IT industry is a 3K industry where people cannot work healthily anymore – are put to rest. We need to increase awareness of how important it is for everyone in the IT industry to maintain their health and well-being so they can keep working hard and contributing positively to society.

Final Words

Even though there are still many unknowns ahead of us, we have shown strength and perseverance throughout this journey. Mental health has always been a controversial topic in society. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their problems in person.

There’s a new trend happening around the World, that has changed how we look at mental illness. This change is much needed as mental illness has been seen as taboo for far too long. The new trend is one of openness and discussion about mental health to break down the barriers that have been preventing people from getting the help they need.

Many people are becoming much more open about their mental illnesses. It’s great to see a younger generation that is becoming more willing to discuss mental health.

This shift in attitude is helping to destigmatize mental health issues and make it easier for people to get help.

Although more people are struggling with mental health issues, there are also more positive spaces for growth and healing. These supportive environments can help individuals learn how to cope with their challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms. In addition, being around others who understand what you’re going through can provide a sense of community and belonging.

So, if you’re looking for an outlet to talk about your issues, consider going to therapy, getting a counselor, or joining a supportive community. Having someone to confide in and be accountable to can help you work through your problems and make positive changes in your life.