Jolly Good and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Launch 'Heatstroke Prevention VR' Training Program

Jolly Good Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Kensuke Joji) and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo) announce the launch of a new program, 'Heatstroke Prevention VR,' on May 26, as part of their joint VR training venture 'FACEDUO'. This program is intended for use in seminars and workshops organized by local governments, medical institutions, and corporations, aiming to contribute to heatstroke prevention among the elderly.

FACEDUO 'Heatstroke Prevention VR': https://www.faceduo.jp/heatstroke/

Heatstroke is a common health risk occurring when the body fails to regulate its temperature in hot and humid environments. Seniors account for approximately 60% of heatstroke-related emergency transports (*1). They are prone to developing severe symptoms indoors, often without realizing it due to a decreased sense of thirst and aging thermoregulatory functions. Therefore, there is a growing need for measures that help individuals notice signs early and change their behavior. At the same time, social support from local stakeholders is essential for monitoring and assisting the elderly (*2).

'Heatstroke Prevention VR' was developed using Otsuka Pharmaceutical's 30+ years of expertise in heatstroke prevention. It allows users to deepen their understanding through simulated experiences. The program consists of two main contents:

1. Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke
This content takes users through scenarios where heatstroke symptoms progress. By 'rewinding' from a severe state back to mild symptoms like dizziness or muscle cramps, users experience the progression from a first-person perspective. It teaches early detection and the appropriate initial response at each stage.

2. Heatstroke Prevention that Changes with Age
Set in the daily life of a senior living alone, this interactive content highlights the discrepancy between subjective feelings (e.g., 'I don't feel hot') and actual physical conditions. It addresses factors such as reduced muscle mass (leading to lower water retention) and psychological resistance to using air conditioning, encouraging behavioral change.

[Medical Supervision: Comment from Dr. Masashi Yokobori]
Professor at Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine / Director of Emergency and Critical Care Center at Nippon Medical School Hospital
'With advancing climate change, heatstroke risks are rising annually, becoming a serious health issue in Japan's aging society. While many measures are being taken to reduce mortality, the core lies in individual behavior change based on correct understanding. VR allows people to feel physical changes and danger signs realistically, leading to early detection and appropriate action.'

Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to global health maintenance under the philosophy 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.'

*1 Fire and Disaster Management Agency report (Oct 2025 data)
*2 Ministry of the Environment Heatstroke Countermeasures Action Plan (May 2023)