Psychedelics in Japan: Dr. Hiroyuki Uchida on Studies, Stigma, and the Road Ahead

Psilocybin research in Japan is moving forward through Dr. Hiroyuki Uchida’s clinical trial efforts, focused on treatment-resistant depression and early safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy. Uchida explains how his interest developed from a childhood fascination with ancient Maya rituals and turned into a psychiatry and neuroscience career, leading him to translate and validate measures like the Mystical Experience Questionnaire for Japanese participants so subjective effects can be assessed accurately in a cultural context. He also outlines Japan-specific rollout barriers: strict controlled-substance regulations, persistent social stigma tied to the term “hallucinogens,” limited local infrastructure and trained clinical teams, and constrained long-term funding. Uchida expects regulators like PMDA to favor Japanese clinical data. A key milestone highlighted is Keio University’s May 8, 2025 joint research agreement with Otsuka to build industry-academia capacity for safe and culturally appropriate implementation, including trial design, training systems, legal and ethical frameworks, and stigma reduction.