— Latest update: April 2023 —

The Japanese health care system strives to achieve a society where everyone, including the elderly and people with intractable diseases and disabilities can live long, happy lives in an active manner. Japan’s life expectancy was highest across OECD countries, at 84.7 years in 2021. While the number of elderly people in Japan increases, the number of patients with cancer and other diseases is expected to increase and the size of the life science market, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, is flourishing. The universal healthcare system in Japan is constantly reformed and government agencies involved in health care are, for example, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Social Security Council, the Central Social Insurance Medical Council (Chuikyo) and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).

Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare, Service Guide, 2016
OECD, Health at a Glance, 2021

Table of Contents

• Overview
  • Healthcare System
  • Public health status
  • Nursing and elderly care
  • Vaccination
• Import of medical supplies for personal use
• Medical Excellence JAPAN
• Expert Reports & Webinars
• Annual Report
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs