Dr Yasuhiro Kotera (Yasu) is Associate Professor of Cross-cultural Mental Health at the University of Nottingham, and Collaborative Researcher at the University of Osaka, Japan.

His research explores the cultural dimensions of mental health, wellbeing, and recovery, focusing on how individuals from diverse backgrounds experience and access care. He has authored over 270 peer-reviewed publications and 10 books on topics such as self-compassion, nature-based interventions, and mental health literacy across cultures.

Yasu is the founder and lead of REACH (Research Ensemble for Advancement in Cross-cultural Healthcare) supporting research of 43 health and education professionals from 20 countries. He also coordinates the RECOLLECT International Research Consortium, comprising 40 researchers from 35 countries, which investigates the global implementation and cultural relevance of Recovery Colleges.

His research has been featured widely in international media, including BBC Radio, ABC Radio National (Australia), China Global Television Network-Europe, and Derren Brown's Emotional Boot Camp. His current work includes global studies on mental health recovery priorities and forest bathing, aiming to foster inclusive and culturally sensitive mental health care worldwide.