Healthcare
Latest news and updates on healthcare for expats in Japan
Japan Orders Mandatory Inspection of All Imported Chinese Okra Over Pesticide Residue
MHLW has ordered mandatory lot-by-lot testing of Chinese okra and simply processed okra products after detecting the pesticide mepiquat chloride above...
Ministry of Health Seeks Public Comment on Ordinance Changes Tied to Health Insurance Act Amendment
Japan's health ministry is accepting public comments until November 24, 2026 on draft ministerial ordinances that would update National Health Insuran...
Digital Agency Updates List of Hospitals and Pharmacies Using Online Medical Expense Subsidy System
The Digital Agency has updated the list of hospitals and pharmacies using its Public Medical Hub system, which lets My Number cards serve as medical e...
Japan Seeks Public Comment on Draft Revision to Order Under Medical and Long-Term Care Integration Law
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is collecting public comments through November 12, 2026 on a proposed revision to the enforcement order of ...
MHLW Opens Public Comment on Draft Revision to Infectious Disease Prevention Law Enforcement Rules
Japan's health ministry is accepting public comments until November 9, 2026 on a draft ministerial ordinance that would amend enforcement regulations ...
Health Ministry Seeks Public Comment on Revising Designated Intractable Disease List and Severity Criteria
Japan's health ministry has opened a public comment period on proposed revisions to the list of designated intractable diseases and related severity c...
Alzheimer's Drug Lecanemab Now Available as At-Home Injection in Japan
Japan approved at-home subcutaneous injection of Alzheimer's drug lecanemab on September 16, 2026, eliminating hospital visits for infusions. The chan...
Over 11,000 Lose Health Coverage in Japan Insurance Fraud Crackdown
Japanese authorities revoked health insurance for 11,610 people across 38 companies involved in fraudulent schemes to reduce premiums. Foreign residen...
Mass Food Poisoning Strikes Kyoto Athletics Championship, 28 Hospitalized
Twenty-eight staff members were hospitalized with food poisoning at Kyoto's athletics championship on September 12, 2026, after consuming contaminated...
Japan May Advance Flu Vaccination Schedule as Cases Surge Early
Japan's health ministry allows municipalities to advance flu vaccinations for seniors as cases surge 1.6 times above previous week. Eligible expats ag...
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Surges Across Japan: 35 Prefectures on Alert
Hand, foot and mouth disease cases have surged 1.3 times in one week, with 35 prefectures exceeding warning levels. Experts warn northern regions may ...
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Spreads as Healthcare Costs Face Review
Hand, foot and mouth disease has reached warning levels in 15 prefectures, prompting health officials to urge thorough handwashing. Meanwhile, the gov...
Costco Nagoya Food Poisoning: Five Sickened, Child Critical with E. Coli
Five people, including a critically ill child, contracted E. coli O157 after eating High Roller products from Costco Nagoya. Health authorities confir...
Illegal Diabetes Drug Sales for Weight Loss Spark Health Warnings in Japan
Three people face prosecution for illegally selling diabetes medication via social media in Osaka. Authorities warn against using these prescription d...
Medical Fees Rise in Japan: What Expats Need to Know from June 1st
Medical fees in Japan increase from June 1st, 2026, raising out-of-pocket costs for initial consultations, follow-up visits, and hospitalizations. The...
Medical Appointment Cancellation Fees Now Permitted Under New Healthcare Rules
Starting June 1, 2026, Japanese medical facilities with reservation fee systems can charge cancellation fees for last-minute appointment cancellations...
Japan Approves Hospital Cancellation Fees for Missed Appointments
Japan has approved a new policy allowing hospitals to charge cancellation fees for missed appointments. The change affects all patients, including exp...
Japan Study Finds No Strong Health Link to Heated Tobacco Secondhand Smoke
Japanese government research found no strong link between heated tobacco secondhand smoke and major health problems. The findings may influence future...
Fatal Drug Alert: 20 Deaths Linked to Vasculitis Treatment in Japan
Japan's health ministry warns of 20 deaths linked to vasculitis drug Tabneos, all involving severe liver damage. Enhanced monitoring and new safety wa...
Japan Assesses Low Domestic Risk from Congo Ebola Outbreak
Japanese health officials assess domestic Ebola risk as low despite WHO emergency declaration for Congo outbreak. Government holds response meeting wh...