Japan’s medical tourism industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, attracting many patients from around the world seeking advanced medical services. This article introduces the top 5 treatment and health screening programs that are particularly popular among medical tourists in Japan.
Top 5 treatments & health screening programs
1. Cancer Treatment
Japanese cancer treatment is highly regarded worldwide and is especially popular among patients from Asian countries. Chinese patients make up the largest group, accounting for over 90% of the total. There is also an increasing trend of patients from Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia.
Reasons why Japanese cancer treatment is chosen:
- Advanced medical technology and latest treatment methods: Japan actively introduces cutting-edge medical technologies, offering innovative treatments such as heavy ion radiotherapy and endoscopic treatments. These treatment methods are considered to have fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments and allow for effective treatment while maintaining patients’ quality of life (QOL).
- High survival rates: Japan’s five-year relative survival rates for cancer, especially for stomach, colorectal, and lung cancers, are among the highest in the world. For instance, the five-year relative survival rate for stomach cancer is about 70%, which is very high compared to other developed countries.
- Practice of personalized medicine: Treatment options tailored to each patient’s characteristics are possible through the use of genetic analysis for personalized medicine and immunotherapy. This allows for more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
2. Comprehensive Health Screening (“Ningen Dock”)
Japanese comprehensive health screenings are known for their comprehensive approach and high-precision examinations. They are particularly popular among affluent individuals from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, Singapore, and the UK.
Features of comprehensive health screenings:
- Detailed full-body examination possible in one day: Japanese health screenings efficiently conduct a wide range of tests including blood tests, urine tests, imaging diagnostics (CT, MRI, etc.), and endoscopic examinations, usually within 1-2 days. This allows for a comprehensive health assessment in a short period.
- Use of the latest medical equipment: Precise examinations using the latest medical equipment such as PET-CT and high-performance MRI are available. These devices are very effective in early cancer detection and detection of subtle abnormalities.
- Detailed explanation and lifestyle guidance: Based on the examination results, doctors provide detailed explanations and individualized lifestyle guidance. This allows examinees to accurately understand their health condition and take appropriate preventive measures. Many medical institutions offer special VIP programs which respect patient’s privacy.
3. Regenerative Medicine
Japan is a world leader in the field of regenerative medicine, particularly focusing on the development of treatments using iPS cells. There is increasing demand in this field from wealthy individuals in Western countries and Asia.
Applications of regenerative medicine:
- Repair of knee joints and ligaments: Treatment methods have been developed to repair damaged joint cartilage and ligaments using the patient’s own stem cells. This allows for less invasive and more natural treatment compared to conventional artificial joint replacement surgery.
- Corneal and retinal regeneration: Clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration treatments using iPS cells have begun. These treatments offer new hope for patients at risk of blindness.
- Cardiac muscle regeneration: Stem cell therapy aimed at recovering heart function after myocardial infarction is being researched. This has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for heart failure patients.
Major research institutions in Japan are developing and providing these cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.
4. Cardiovascular Treatment
Japanese cardiovascular treatment is highly regarded for its minimally invasive surgeries and treatments using the latest devices, and is popular particularly among patients from Asian countries. There are many patients especially from China, Russia, and Middle Eastern countries.
Reasons for popularity:
- High success rates in surgeries requiring advanced techniques: Japanese cardiac surgeons possess world-class skills and boast high success rates even in complex surgeries.
- Introduction of the latest medical equipment: Minimally invasive treatment methods such as catheter techniques and robot-assisted surgery are widely available. These technologies allow for faster patient recovery and shorter hospital stays.
- High quality of post-operative care: Japanese medical institutions focus on meticulous post-operative care and early rehabilitation. This reduces the risk of complications and promotes early recovery of patients.
5. Fertility Treatment
Japanese fertility treatment technology is highly regarded worldwide and is particularly popular among couples from Asian countries. Many patients come from China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Features of Japanese fertility treatment:
- Latest technology: The latest assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and preimplantation genetic testing are available. In particular, advancements in time-lapse culture systems and embryo selection techniques have improved pregnancy rates and reduced the risk of multiple pregnancies.
- Meticulous patient care: Many of Japanese fertility clinics provide comprehensive patient care including psychological support. This helps reduce stress during treatment and maintain patients’ mental health.
Characteristics of Japanese medical system & future perspectives
The popularity of these treatment and screening programs is underpinned by the characteristics of the Japanese medical system:
1. Advanced medical technology:
Japan is proactive in developing and introducing medical technologies and uses the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment.
2. Expertise of medical staff:
Japanese doctors and nurses possess high levels of expertise and provide precise diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
3. Omotenashi culture:
Japan’s unique hospitality is highly appreciated by foreign patients.
4. Safety:
The Japanese medical system is highly safe and provides medical care based on informed consent.
The Japanese government is also focusing on promoting medical tourism, introducing the “Medical Stay Visa” in 2011. This visa is valid for up to 3 years, with each stay allowed for up to 6 months. Multiple entries to Japan are also permitted if deemed necessary for treatment, and accompanying persons are also allowed entry.
Japan’s medical tourism market is expected to continue growing, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% from 2024 to 2034, reaching 7.54 billion USD by 2034. An increase in patients particularly from China and India is expected.
However, challenges such as overcoming language barriers and cultural considerations exist. Many medical institutions are working on improving their systems to accept foreign patients, including hiring multilingual staff and introducing medical interpreters.
Overall Japan’s medical tourism offers unique appeal, combining advanced medical technology with Japan’s unique omotenashi culture. It is expected to continue providing high-quality medical services to patients from around the world in the future.
<References>
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- Government of Japan. (2020). Japan’s Global-Leading Medical Services. Retrieved from https://www.japan.go.jp/tomodachi/2014/spring-summer2014/japans_global-leading_medical_services.html
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- Nippon.com. (n.d.). Cutting-Edge Treatment and Classical Hospitality Attract Medical Tourists to Japan. Retrieved from https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/c13202/
- The Mainichi. (2024). Japan university, consulting firm enter medical tourism market for foreign visitors. Retrieved from https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240521/p2a/00m/0sc/014000c