As Japan faces growing demands for geriatric care, some hospitals and municipalities are turning to music therapy to help people living with dementia.
Experts believe music can in some instances give relief from pain and help people recover lost memories. In the United States, music therapy became a profession back before World War I, when it was seen as a way to help injured soldiers.
The Japanese Music Therapy Association says the technique is aimed at reversing physical and mental dysfunction as well as improving quality of life.