Prominent Japanese actress, Kimura Yoshino, recently shared her strategy for dealing with stress, suggesting to her fans that she finds solace in taking long walks to forget the unpleasantness of life. She believes the physical activity of walking aids in maintaining mental health. This statement has triggered a dialogue about walking as a form of therapy and its effectiveness in Japan.

Mental health in Japan is a well-known issue with an increase in depression rates. Kimura’s comment touched a particular nerve with the Japanese public, as the country adheres to a highly stressful work culture. Walking being a universally accessible activity, it resonated with many people as a feasible way to lower stress levels.

The US and EU have been more open in addressing the mental health topic, promoting physical activities such as walking, running, yoga, for stress relief. This kind of open dialogue is slowly becoming more prevalent in Japan mirrored in Kimura's realistic approach to her own mental well-being.