Pets are known for their healing power, and now, even if they’re not real, they can provide companionship for the elderly.

Japanese care facilities have recently introduced MR (Mixed Reality) technology, allowing seniors to interact with virtual dogs while wearing MR glasses.

This not only brings joy but also reduces the burden on caregivers, becoming a new helper in dementia care in Japan.

Potential Business & Venture Opportunities

The convergence of extended reality, assistive technology, and silver-economy infrastructure presents several high-value, capital-efficient entrepreneurial avenues:

• Assistive XR Content & Behavioral Design Studios: Developing specialized, low-cognitive-load MR/VR environments customized for senior care facilities—ranging from virtual pet care and therapeutic nature walks to nostalgic spatial reminiscence tools.
• Healthtech Subsidy & Adoption Consulting: Assisting regional care facilities in navigating municipal tech integration grants (such as Ministry subsidies), streamlining procurement, staff training, and compliance workflows.
• Group Therapy Facilitation Software Middleware: Building multi-display synchronization software that allows a single facilitator or therapist to cast interactive XR experiences onto communal displays, scaling group engagement while keeping staffing overhead lean.

How do you envision the balance between human caregiving and digital companionship evolving in the years ahead?

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