Press Release
報道資料For Immediate Release
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan andThe European Business Council Release 2017 HealthPolicy White Paper••The biennial ACCJ-EBC Health Policy White Paper is a flagshipadvocacy initiative of two of Japan’s foremost foreign businessassociations, representing more than 1,350 global companies.
The white paper addresses 41 health care topics and makes
approximately 200 policy recommendations.

September 12, 2017 – The American Chamber of Commerce inJapan (ACCJ) and The European Business Council in Japan (EBC)
today released the 2017 ACCJ-EBC Health Policy White Paper, aflagship joint advocacy initiative that sets forth approximately 200
policy recommendations aimed at improving healthy life expectancy,
reducing the economic burden of disease and promoting long-term
economic growth.
The joint paper, entitled, “Lengthening Healthy Lifespans to Boost
Economic Growth,” which features the latest evidence-based global
best practices, was prepared by the ACCJ’s Healthcare Committee
and the EBC’s Medical Equipment Committee, representing major
U.S. and European companies in industries as diverse as
pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare IT and financialservices.
“As the Japanese government has recognized, adapting to an aging
society requires higher productivity and increased diversity in theworkforce,” said ACCJ President Christopher J. LaFleur. “Against thisbackdrop, it is clear that health should be viewed as an investment;
improving the health of Japanese people will be critical to ensuring
fiscal sustainability, lowering the incidence of preventable diseases
and ensuring that more people can lead active, productive lives wellinto their senior years.”
Policy recommendations contained in the paper span a wide varietyof policy areas, including early detection through greater screening,
greater use of healthcare IT to promote efficiency and improve
individual health outcomes, and access to life-saving drugs,
innovative medical devices, and other preventative and therapeutictreatments. The paper also makes recommendations on education
to build awareness of risks associated with aging-related diseases,women’s health and mental health, as well as preventative
measures that individuals can take to reduce those risks.
“The ACCJ-EBC White Paper contains recommendations to help
Japan meet its demographic challenges and move the country tothe next phase of growth,” said Danny Risberg, EBC Chairman andMedical Equipment Committee Chairman. “I am pleased that theACCJ and EBC continue to work together to encourage innovative,
evidence-based policy approaches to maintain access to the most
cutting-edge medicines, technologies and treatments, while
ensuring the security and stability of health and social careprovision.”###For inquiries please contact:
ACCJ External Affairs
Tel: 03-3433-7358; Fax: 03-3433-8454
E-mail: external@accj.or.jp
About the ACCJThe American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) was established in 1948 byrepresentatives of 40 American companies and has grown into one of the mostinfluential business organizations in Japan. Consisting mainly of executives from
American companies, currently the ACCJ has members representing 1,000
companies with offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Working closely with thegovernments of the United States and Japan, business organizations, and others,
the ACCJ promotes activities that help achieve its mission of further developing
commerce between the United States and Japan, promoting the interests of U.S.
companies and members, and improving the international business environment
in Japan. The ACCJ’s more than 60 committees represent a variety of industries
and make policy recommendations through advocacy tools such as viewpoints,
public comments and white papers. The ACCJ holds approximately 500 eventsand seminars a year, many of which focus on government policy and economic
trends. The ACCJ is also committed to promoting charitable events and CSRactivities.
About the EBC
The European Business Council in Japan (EBC)/European (EU) Chamber ofCommerce in Japan is the trade policy and advocacy arm of 16 European national
chambers of commerce and business associations in Japan. Established in 1972,
the EBC works to improve the business and investment environment in Japan. It
currently represents more than 2,500 local European companies and individuals,
some 350 of whom participate directly in the EBC’s 26 sector-based committees.