Bringing the wisdom of a specialist to the days of "just having to endure." Self-care app "SPARCL CARE," designed and developed by Dr. Koichi Hirahata, a leading expert in long COVID treatment, released today.

Bringing the wisdom of specialists to the days of "just having to endure."

Self-care app "SPARCL CARE," designed and developed by Dr. Koichi Hirahata, a leading expert in the treatment of long COVID, released today.
~Video care based on clinical data of 9,000 people, anytime, anywhere~

Anapana Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Shinji Nozaki) released "SPARCL CARE," a self-care app for those suffering from prolonged "fatigue, pain, and brain fog," on April 15, 2026.

This app is a tool that allows you to "practice the wisdom of a specialist at home," developed with the deep involvement of Dr. Koichi Hirahata, who is at the forefront of long COVID treatment, based on his clinical experience with approximately 9,000 patients, from program design to the creation and selection of self-care videos.

App image screen

■ Turning the despair of "there's nothing I can do" into hope

In recent years, the number of people suffering from "invisible disorders" such as prolonged fatigue, pain, insomnia, and brain fog has increased rapidly. Since these symptoms are difficult to detect as abnormalities in tests, there are many cases where people are told "no abnormalities" even after visiting medical institutions, or they cannot reach appropriate treatment.

The deepest suffering of those affected is the feeling of powerlessness: "There is nothing I can do. I just have to endure this pain." Furthermore, the disparity of having to give up commuting to specialized outpatient clinics due to distance or financial reasons has also become a major issue.

Based on the belief that "self-care is the main part of treatment," Anapana Inc. has digitally built an environment where anyone can take a step forward from today, regardless of where they live or their financial situation.

■ 4 unique strengths of "SPARCL CARE"

1. Self-care videos based on clinical data of 9,000 people
Contains numerous videos such as "muscle care," "breathing methods," "meditation," "exercise," and "meridian care" based on the knowledge Dr. Hirahata has utilized in actual clinical settings. Dr. Hirahata himself is deeply involved in their creation and selection, so even without specialized knowledge, you can start appropriate care from today just by imitating the videos.

2. Searchability that allows immediate lookup from pain or body parts
You can search for self-care tailored to your body's condition, such as painful areas or symptoms at the time, like "heavy head," "painful legs," or "persistent fatigue," and the app will immediately suggest countermeasures.

3. Visualizing the "trajectory of recovery." Overwriting despair with numbers
In a recuperation life with severe fluctuations in physical condition, it is easy to subjectively feel "I'm not getting better at all." By recording your daily condition in the app and graphing it, you can objectively grasp minute recoveries such as "the time I can be active has increased compared to a month ago." Data supports the lonely battle.

4. Accessibility at 600 yen per month to bridge the medical gap
In order to minimize the financial burden, a low cost of 600 yen (tax included) per month has been realized. We will deliver the latest treatment knowledge widely and equally.

■ History of joint research and development with the Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

In developing this app, based on the medical care and support activities Dr. Hirahata has conducted since 2020, we signed a joint research agreement with the Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo from 2024 onwards. Fusing scientific evidence with real clinical knowledge, we have refined it as a comprehensive patient support app that goes beyond respiratory rehabilitation.

■ Future Developments

Through "SPARCL CARE," Anapana Inc. will advance the creation of an environment where those suffering from prolonged disorders can know their own condition and continue self-care that suits them. We plan to continue improving it into a more easy-to-use and useful support app for more people while continuing research and development.

■ Comment from co-developer: Dr. Koichi Hirahata

Support that makes you think "There is something I can do today"

"Among those suffering from prolonged disorders, not a few spend their days feeling like they are walking alone in the dark, not being understood by medical institutions. In long COVID and related diseases, pharmacotherapy is strictly secondary, and the main treatment is daily self-care. SPARCL CARE condenses the 'truly useful wisdom' I gained while facing over 9,000 patients in the examination room. The realization that 'There is something I can do today' is the first step toward recovery. I sincerely hope that this app will help change everyone's daily lives positively, even if only a little."

■ Anapana Inc. CEO: Shinji Nozaki