Japanese skater Sato Shun suffered an emotional breakdown, remaining motionless for close to three minutes after clinching silver in a recent championship. The iconic image of his heartbreak has evoked a strong response from fans and fellow athletes alike, sparking widespread discussion about the immense pressure faced by athletes in their pursuit of glory. The incident has also highlighted the mental health concerns in the world of professional sports.

In Japan, sports figures are often seen as national heroes and are under immense pressure to perform. There is a strong focus on resilience, perfection and discipline in the sports culture. Sato's emotional breakdown reflects the weight of these expectations and opens up a dialogue about mental health and pressure in Japan's sporting sector.

Similar to the US and EU, there is growing recognition of mental health issues among professional athletes. However, Japan is traditionally more reserved about addressing these subjects openly. In response to athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles speaking out in the US, we're seeing a very gradual cultural shift where athletes' mental health needs are taken more seriously.