Population (mio.): 125.1 (per 2022)
GDP per capita (US$/EUR): 34,017/31,275 (per 2022)
Healthcare expenditure % of GDP: 11.50% (per 2022)
Healthcare expenditure per capita (US$/EUR): 5,250/4,826 (per 2022)
Healthcare model and general information on healthcare system (financing, stakeholders, insurance): In Japan, statutory health insurance system provides universal coverage. It is primarily organized into two main parts: the National Health Insurance and the Employee Health Insurance systems.
The National Health Insurance covers the self-employed, retirees, and individuals not covered by the Employee Health Insurance system. It is divided into local branches and is administered by municipal governments. People in this system pay premiums based on their income, and the premiums are adjusted annually.
Employee Health Insurance covers most of the employed population, including employees of companies and government agencies. Employers and employees share the premium costs, with employers deducting the employee’s portion from their salary. This system provides comprehensive coverage to employees and their dependents.
Read more about the healthcare system in Japan here.
Cooperation between Japan and Denmark: Denmark and Japan have established peer-to-peer cooperation at ministry and agency level within the health sector. The cooperation contributes to solving global health challenges by sharing experiences, best practices and public-private solutions within four priority areas: Organisation of healthcare systems in light with demographic changes, new challenges and developments. Use of data in the field of health and Innovation through partnerships. Regulation of medical products including pharma and devices.
The cooperation also serves as a platform for enhancing engagement of the Danish and Japanese private sector in providing health sector solutions in the partner country.
The Danish-Japanese health cooperation is – from a Danish perspective – led by the Ministry of the Interior and Health of Denmark and the Danish embassy in Tokyo in collaboration with the Danish Medicines Agency, the Danish Health Authority and the Danish Health Data Authority. On the Japanese side several institutions are involved including Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Center for Outcomes Research (C2H), National Institute of Public Health etc. Danish activities under the cooperation are financed under the Danish Strategy for Life Science.
Counsellor, Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Since 2016, Dr. Tanaka has worked at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, primarily focusing on the development and implementation of policies addressing infectious diseases and intractable diseases. Since 2021, she has been involved in advancing medical digital transformation initiatives within Japan.
Prior to her tenure at the Ministry, she accumulated over 15 years of experience as an anesthesiologist, specializing in surgical anesthesia at university hospitals and other institutions.
Professor, Keio University
Dr. Shuhei Nomura, Professor at Keio University School of Medicine (KGRI), is deeply involved in domestic and global health policy-making processes through data-driven decision support. Dr. Nomura currently leads the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s research team on COVID-19 Excess Mortality. Dr. Nomura holds multiple concurrent positions, including consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Japan office and Scientific Council member for the Global Burden of Disease study.
Associate Professor, University of Tokyo
Mr. Aturu Igarashi, a distinguished professional with a comprehensive background in pharmaceutical sciences, has significantly contributed to the field through his academic achievements and professional engagements. Mr. Igarashi graduated from Gyosei High School in 1998. He then pursued his undergraduate studies, earning a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The University of Tokyo in 2002. Continuing his academic journey at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, he completed his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2004. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the same institution in 2008. His extensive experience and dedication to his field have made him a respected figure in pharmaceutical sciences.
