Japan’s Medical Tourism: A New Era of Growth

Japan’s medical tourism industry has entered a new stage of development as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. With advanced medical technology, comprehensive preventive care, and a highly safe healthcare system, more people from around the world are visiting Japan for medical purposes. This article provides a detailed overview of the historical development, current status, and future prospects of medical tourism in Japan. For those considering traveling to Japan for medical reasons, we aim to fully convey the appeal and potential of Japanese medical tourism.

The History and Development of Medical Tourism in Japan

Japan’s medical tourism began to attract serious attention in the late 2000s. A major turning point came in 2009 with the introduction of the “New Growth Strategy” by the Democratic Party administration, which positioned medical tourism as one of the pillars supporting economic growth. This strategy aimed to “leverage advanced medical technology, actively accept foreign patients, and generate economic benefits.”

In 2010, the Cabinet Secretariat established the “Office for Medical Innovation Promotion,” and full-scale institutional reforms and promotional activities for accepting foreign patients began. That same year, the Japan Tourism Agency incorporated medical tourism into the “Basic Plan for Promoting a Tourism-Oriented Country,” launching projects nationwide.

■ Establishment of the Medical Stay Visa

A significant institutional advancement occurred in 2011 with the creation of the “Medical Stay Visa” system, which allows foreign patients to stay in Japan for up to one year (renewable twice) and includes accompanying family members. This enabled patients requiring long-term treatment plans or post-operative rehabilitation to visit Japan with peace of mind.

In 2013, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare introduced a registration system for organizations guaranteeing the identity of medical stay visa holders, further reducing concerns for medical institutions accepting foreign patients.

The Current State of Medical Tourism

In 2019, prior to the pandemic, inbound tourism to Japan was growing rapidly. However, the number of foreign visitors plummeted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Since 2022, with the relaxation of border controls, numbers have gradually recovered, reaching 85.6% of the 2019 level as of August 2023.

Focusing on medical tourism, the number of medical stay visas issued increased from 1,653 in 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2,295 in 2023, indicating a continued strong demand for high-quality Japanese medical services.

■ Market Size and Growth Rate

As of 2024, the Japanese medical tourism market is estimated to be worth about $4.66 billion. The market is growing rapidly, predicted to expand from approximately 329.4 billion yen in 2022 to 3.2255 trillion yen by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33% from 2023 to 2030.

According to JTB, medical inbound reservations in 2023 more than doubled compared to the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. Notably, there has been a significant increase in medical visits from Asian countries, especially China. Before the pandemic, about 70% of medical stay visas were issued to Chinese nationals.

■ Popular Medical Services

Foreign patients visiting Japan seek a variety of medical services, with the following categories being particularly popular:

Why Japan’s Medical Tourism Is Attracting Global Attention

Japan’s medical tourism is gaining worldwide attention for several reasons, outlined below.

■ Advanced Medical Technology

Japan leads the world in minimally invasive medical techniques, such as endoscopic surgery, catheter procedures, and robot-assisted surgery. These technologies minimize post-operative pain and recovery time, making them highly attractive to international patients. Japan is also a global leader in the development and research of medical devices, with widespread use of the latest CT, MRI, and PET scanners, enabling early and accurate diagnoses.

■ Comprehensive Preventive Medicine

Japan’s health checkup system is highly regarded internationally. The comprehensive “Ningen Dock” covers a wide range of tests at a reasonable cost and is known for its high early cancer detection rate. The culture of preventive medicine is deeply rooted in Japan, with regular checkups and early detection/treatment being standard practice, allowing health issues to be addressed before they become serious.

■ Highly Specialized Medical Staff

Japanese doctors and nurses are globally recognized for their high level of expertise and technical skill, maintained through rigorous medical education and ongoing training. Team-based medical care is also a strength, with doctors, nurses, technicians, and other professionals working closely together to provide comprehensive patient care.

■ Omotenashi (Hospitality) and Clean Facilities

Foreign patients highly appreciate Japan’s unique spirit of “omotenashi” (hospitality). Attentive care, detailed support, and comfortable hospital environments greatly enhance the quality of the medical experience. Japanese hospitals and clinics are generally very clean and well-maintained, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections and providing peace of mind for patients.

■ Highly Safe Medical System

Japan adopts a safe medical system based on informed consent, with detailed explanations and patient agreement standardized before treatment. Strict quality control of pharmaceuticals and medical devices also minimizes side effects and complications, ensuring patients can receive treatment with confidence.

■ Integration of Tourism and Medicine

Japan’s unique appeal lies in the combination of advanced medical care and rich tourism resources. “Medical tourism packages” that allow visitors to enjoy Japanese culture, nature, and cuisine before or after treatment or health checkups are very popular. Traditional healing methods, such as balneotherapy (hot spring therapy), combined with modern medicine, are also unique attractions.

Future Prospects for Medical Tourism in Japan

Japan’s medical tourism market is expected to continue expanding. According to the Development Bank of Japan, the potential demand is estimated at 430,000 people, worth about 55 trillion yen. Growth is particularly expected in the fields of health, beauty, and preventive medicine. The Japanese government has set a goal of accepting 500,000 foreign patients annually by 2030 as part of its “Tourism Vision Realization Program.”

■ Government Initiatives and Support

The Japanese government is taking various measures to promote medical tourism, including strengthening multilingual support, training medical interpreters, and expanding overseas promotional activities. The introduction of the “Japan International Hospitals” (JIH) certification system is increasing transparency regarding which medical institutions are suitable for foreign patients, making it easier for them to choose with confidence.

■ Challenges and Opportunities

There are challenges to expanding medical tourism, such as language and cultural barriers, payment issues, and the need to improve acceptance systems at regional medical institutions. In particular, many Japanese medical institutions lack experience in accepting foreign patients, and as a largely monoethnic country, many are not equipped to handle patients with different languages and cultures. Medical tourism facilitators who provide support with language, culture, and religious considerations are essential.

■ Post-COVID Recovery and New Trends

Post-pandemic, medical tourism is expected to develop in new ways, including the use of online consultations, telehealth, personalized medicine, and the introduction of AI and advanced technologies. The integration of wellness concepts into medical tourism is expected to increase visits for overall health promotion and prevention, not just treatment. “Health promotion tourism,” which combines natural resources like hot springs with advanced medicine, is also being explored as a unique Japanese offering.

Conclusion

Japan’s medical tourism is entering a new stage of growth, leveraging its strengths in advanced medical technology, comprehensive preventive care, hospitality, and integration with tourism resources. Demand, especially from Asian countries, continues to rise, and further expansion is expected. While there are challenges such as language and cultural barriers and payment systems, government and private sector initiatives are gradually overcoming these obstacles. In the post-pandemic world, the international demand for safe, high-quality medical care will only increase, and Japan is well positioned to meet these needs.

From health checkups to advanced specialized treatments, and from traditional healing methods to cutting-edge medicine, Japan’s medical tourism is ready to meet a wide range of needs. For those considering visiting Japan for medical purposes, the country offers not just a place for treatment, but a destination for comprehensive health and healing.

<References>

VIEW ALL

For any questions or inquiries,
feel free to contact us.


CONTACT