Since around December 2019, the pandemic caused by novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and its impact has been felt not only in economic terms but also in mental health. In Japan, serious psychological stress, social isolation, and loneliness persisted during the prolonged pandemic. On the other hand, the response to the pandemic brought about major social changes, such as the way of working (promotion of teleworking), which sometimes had positive effects. The psychosocial effects of the pandemic on people are diverse and complex, and need to be analyzed from multiple perspectives. In this special issue, we have asked leading researchers in various fields to discuss the various changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, from both negative and positive perspectives. The four papers that comprise this special issue are highly suggestive in terms of considering the mental and physical health of people in such a situation with no end in sight or uncontrollable situation, and in considering countermeasures not only for the current pandemic but also for new infectious disease outbreaks that may occur in the future.
