Japan's Healthcare System

Next to the US, Japan has the world’s largest healthcare market.  The Japanese spend almost $300 billion per year on their healthcare, placing their standards as among the highest in the world.  Moreover, Japan is recognized as having the world’s highest life expectancy (76.4 years for men and 82.9 years for women in 1995).  The Japanese people enjoy a fair and equal access to health services at a comparatively low cost.  By 2010, it is estimated that 25% of Japan’s population will be over 65 years old.  This is why the demand for superior healthcare is increasing.  Thus, there is a great deal of opportunity for foreign companies to invest in Japanese healthcare.