News
AI Avatar Inc. Conducts Survey on “Mental Health After Long Holidays and AI Utilization”
Approximately 80% Report Difficulty Shifting Their Mindset
～Expectations Grow for Supportive Presence, Trend Emerges Seeking AI "Companionship"～
AI Avatar Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo ; President: Ichiro Kato; hereinafter "the Company"), which positions itself as your "unconditional cheerleader" for your efforts, conducted a survey titled " : Mental Health After Long Holidays and AI Utilization " targeting 208 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide.
The results revealed that many people find it difficult to mentally switch gears after a break. Furthermore, expectations were confirmed that AI could serve not only for efficiency and management, but also as a supportive presence that empathizes with feelings and encourages positive action. Against this backdrop, the Company's AI avatar app "AI AVATAR" provides a conversational experience through the app. This experience helps users articulate their feelings in daily life and consider taking positive steps forward at their own pace.
■Background and Purpose of the Survey
The period following extended holidays like the New Year is often considered challenging for mental adjustment due to shifts in daily rhythms and environments. While individuals cope differently with such changes, there is growing interest in how AI—primarily used for task efficiency and information provision—is perceived as a supportive presence that empathizes with feelings and encourages proactive actions.
Therefore, our company conducted this survey to understand consumers' perceptions regarding the emotional fluctuations often felt after long holidays, their expectations for supportive and affirming interactions, and the potential of AI to be a daily companion.
"Post-Long-Vacation Mental State and AI Utilization" Awareness Survey: Overview
Sample Amount: 208
Sample Criteria: Men and women aged 20s to 50s
Survey Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Survey Method: Internet-based survey
■Survey Results Summary
- After long holidays, about 80% feel difficulty switching back to work mode
- Approximately 90% responded that "mental state after a break affects performance"
Approximately 80% responded that "being supported leads to positive actions"
- Over half have "felt the desire to seek encouragement or support from AI"
- The role expected of AI is "companionship" rather than "management"
■Survey Results Details
・Do you feel "unmotivated" or "depressed" after a long holiday? (n=208)
77.9% (approximately 80%) of respondents felt "unmotivated" or "depressed" after a long holiday. In contrast, only 11.5% felt "not very much" or "not at all," indicating that many people find it difficult to shift their mindset after a break.
・Does this state after a long holiday affect your work or daily performance? (n=162)
Approximately 90% (86.5%) of respondents felt their mental state after a long vacation affected their work or daily performance. In contrast, only 2.5% felt it had no impact, indicating that emotional state is perceived as influencing behavior.
・Do you think being "encouraged" or "affirmed" by someone is effective for recovering your mood? (n=162)
Approximately 80% (81.5%) felt that encouragement or affirmation is effective for emotional recovery. Only 6.8% felt it was ineffective, indicating that interaction with others is perceived as a catalyst for positive action.
・Have you ever felt like you wanted AI to "support you" or "advise you"? (n=162)
Over half (52.5%) have felt they wanted AI to "support them" or "consult with them." However, a significant number do not hold such expectations, indicating a range of roles people seek from AI.
・What kind of support do you expect from AI? (multiple answers) (n=162)
The top roles expected of AI were "consultation partner" (37.0%) and "support for habit formation" (32.7%). Around 30% also expressed a desire for emotional support, indicating expectations not just for management but for "accompanying support."
■Potential for AI Avatar Utilization Revealed by Survey Findings
This survey indicates that during times when feelings are prone to fluctuation, such as after a long vacation, the desire to "be encouraged by someone" or "receive affirmation" can serve as a catalyst for positive action.
The AI avatar app "AI AVATAR" provides a conversational experience to help users articulate and organize their feelings during these small daily stumbles, enabling them to consider their next step at their own pace. It can serve as one option for effortlessly shifting one's mindset during busy days.
■Comment from AI AVATAR Inc.
This survey revealed that many people find it difficult to shift their mindset after long holidays and perceive encouragement and affirmation as potential triggers for positive action. Furthermore, the fact that a significant number of people have experienced wanting "encouragement" or "advice" from AI suggests that AI is beginning to be perceived not just for efficiency and management, but as a presence that can offer emotional support.
Through our AI avatar app "AI AVATAR," we aim to be a presence that quietly supports users' emotions in daily life and encourages positive steps forward. We will continue exploring the future of this service.
■About AI AVATAR Inc.
AI AVATAR GROUP, with bases in seven countries including Japan and across Asia, is a global company focused on developing and providing the conversational app "AI AVATAR" that understands emotions. It works on the social implementation of "companion AI" utilizing multimodal technology (text, voice, expressions).
In 2022, we launched our AI Avatar business in Japan. Beyond the "AI AVATAR" app, we are advancing into the medical and education sectors and promoting collaborations with other companies that leverage our technology. Guided by our vision of "a future where AI walks alongside people, continuously supporting their efforts," we are developing AI Avatars that accompany human actions and challenges, encouraging positive steps forward.
As part of these initiatives, we offer AI avatar services tailored to specific purposes, including the companion AI partner app 'SOULRiZA' that supports sustained action.
■About 'SOULRiZA'
App Name : SOULRiZA
Provider : AI Avatar Inc.
Compatible Environments : iOS / Android (Global Support)
Main Features : Dialogue and encouragement with AI avatars, daily habit management,
action-prompting notifications, Body transformation support through
weight and meal tracking
Price Model : Free (Some in-app purchases available as usage progresses)
Download the app here:https://app.adjust.com/1ubx579n?campaign=PR_20251126_RoutingFeatureRelease&adgroup=PR_20251225_Release
【Company Overview】
Company Name ：AI Avatar Inc.
Representative ：加藤一郎
Location ： 20th Floor, Pacific Century Marunouchi, 1-11-1 Marunouchi,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
Business Description：Development, operation, and sales of AI-powered consumer products
【Official SNS】
Facebook ：https://www.facebook.com/aiavatarjapan
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/aiavatar_japan/
X ：https://x.com/aiavatar_japan
YouTube ：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrSAg9bcBaCO6SVoRVPa5Q