8. Indications for the Future
Second edition

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Indications for the Future

As we move into the future, we can anticipate changes to continue in the healthcare arena.
As described in the MHLW’s Health Care 2035 report, the following core trends impacting Japan now and into thefuture are expected to drive the way for change into the future. These are: 1) demographic shifts, 2) acceleratingurbanization, 3) disease structure, and 4) the increasing impact of technological change. Each of these will havedifferent impacts on the healthcare system in Japan.

Demographic Shifts
Let’s start with demographic shifts. Globally, we are seeing the ageing of mature economies and population
growth in development economies. In Japan, this demographic shift is visible in two specific ways – the ageing anddecrease of the population, and the impact to healthcare will be dramatic. We will see changing medical needs
with expenditure continuing to increase, and the proportionality of diseases will shift as the population ages.

Accelerating Urbanization
At the same time, we will see the acceleration of urbanization. In Japan, this is apparent as only Tokyo andKanagawa prefectures are growing at the time this piece is being written. Furthermore, while populations areamassing in on Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama they are declining in the more remote areas of Japan as of October30, 2018. These demographic changes are driving a shift in delivery of care. In remote areas, where there arefewer facilities, the need for technical support and “remote care” technologies are growing.

Disease Structure
In addition, as improved medical care drive changes in the disease structure, increasing the prevalence of diseases
such as dementia and cancer, new approaches to community health are also emerging. This can take the form ofinterconnected patient data through new technologies such as cloud solutions which will allow for less in-hospitaltime and fewer healthcare workers. These changes will allow the elderly to stay at home longer before they are
moved to nursing homes. But important challenges such as personal data privacy need to be overcome to develop
the care delivery models of the future.

Technological Change
Finally, we will continue to see dramatic impacts from technological change. We have seen the rise of social media
and the emergence of cloud technologies. Topics like “big data” and “analytics” have become ubiquitous. These
technological changes are expected to create new opportunities to drive efficiencies in how healthcare is provided.
A series of “new entrants” as diverse as technology companies, car manufacturers, communications companies
and others are beginning to enter the market to take advantage of these opportunities and help drive change inhealthcare. As a result, we are seeing a digital transformation of our healthcare system. With some of thesetechnologies, how we handle our healthcare will be very different in the future. For example, imagine the impactof connecting apps on our phones with pharmacy information with our historical health information – including
genetics and familial tendencies. If these can be done in a way that addresses privacy and security, a patient could
visit any hospital in Japan and not need to repeat tests or face differing opinions.
Based on these trends, we can imagine dramatic changes coming in healthcare in Japan. They will be impacted byoutside forces and regulated in the market through the government.
© 2019 Health and Global Policy InstituteConclusion
We hope you have found this document a resource for your education and reference on the Japanese healthcare
system. HGPI endeavors to update this every few years as regulations evolve and trends impact the healthcare
system and cause change.

© 2019 Health and Global Policy Institute