Eriko Sakurai

Sanno University, Bunri University of Hospitality

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dr. Eriko Sakurai is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, mental health, and culturally-aware robotics. Her work addresses a critical shortage of mental health professionals, particularly for IT personnel experiencing psychological distress. Dr. Sakurai’s major contribution is the development of the Context Respectful Counseling Agent (CRECA), a robotized counseling system that listens to clients and promotes reflection while preserving the context of their narratives. Her most cited paper, "Embodiment matters: toward culture-specific robotized counselling" (2020, 10 citations), demonstrates how physical robot presence and culturally-sensitive interaction enhance therapeutic dialogue. Earlier works, including "Counseling Robot Implementation and Evaluation" (2018, 4 citations) and "Context respectful counseling agent integrated with robot nodding for dialog promotion" (2017, 2 citations), established the foundational design of CRECA, integrating non-verbal cues like nodding to foster engagement. Although her citation counts are modest, Dr. Sakurai’s research is notable for its innovative fusion of robotics, counseling psychology, and cultural specificity—a rare and impactful combination. Her work offers a scalable, empathetic solution to mental health support, making her a key figure in the emerging field of robot-assisted therapy.