Japan’s Healthcare Spending Surges to Record High

TOKYO, Sep 04 (News On Japan) - Japan's healthcare costs exceeded 47 trillion yen ($323 billion) last fiscal year, marking the third consecutive year of record spending, according to a summary by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

The Ministry reported that medical expenses totaled an estimated 47.3 trillion yen last fiscal year, a 2.9% increase from the previous year, continuing the trend of record-high spending for the third year in a row.

Of this, medical expenses for individuals aged 75 and older amounted to 18.8 trillion yen, a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

The Ministry attributed the rise in healthcare costs to the aging population and a surge in cases of infectious diseases such as influenza, particularly among children.

On the other hand, medical costs related to COVID-19, including hospitalizations and outpatient care, amounted to approximately 440 billion yen, which is roughly half of the previous year’s total. This decline is attributed to the reclassification of COVID-19 to a lower threat level and the subsequent decrease in patients.

Source: TBS

Asakusa Samba Sizzles as Tokyo Dances Through Record Heatwave

A scorching late summer heatwave gripped Tokyo over the long weekend, coinciding with the Asakusa Samba Carnival, where dancers twirled through intense heat.

Japan's Elderly Hit Record High

Japanese government data show the number of senior citizens in the country and the size of its elderly working population have both hit all-time highs. (NHK)

Tokyo Plans To Build World's Largest Fountain In Odaiba

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to construct a 150-meter-high, 250-meter-wide fountain in Odaiba Seaside Park, inspired by the Somei Yoshino, the city's official flower.

Relief on way amid Japan's rice shortage as new harvest starts

Farmers in Japan's rice-producing regions have started harvesting and shipping this year's crop, helping to ease a nationwide shortage. (NHK)

Japanese Scientists Win Ig Nobel Prize for Anus Breathing Discovery

In this year's Ig Nobels, Japanese researchers have won an award for discovering that mammals can breathe through their anuses, opening a new pathway for ventilators.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Honda’s First Startup Launches Navigation Device for the Visually Impaired

There are approximately 2 million visually impaired individuals in Japan and 300 million worldwide. Due to their impaired vision, going out often comes with the risk of accidents. In response to this issue, Honda's first startup Asirase, led by CEO Chino, developed a navigation device called 'Ashirase' to assist visually impaired individuals in walking safely.

Japan's Restaurant Chains Seize Opportunities in China's Budget-Conscious Market

Japanese food businesses are intensifying their expansion efforts in China, where consumption has stagnated due to rising food prices. We investigate the factors driving these Japanese companies to accelerate their operations in the Chinese market.

Don Quijote Enters Low-Cost SIM Market

Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of Don Quijote, has announced its entry into the low-cost SIM card market. The company will offer plans starting at 770 yen per month for 3GB, using NTT Docomo’s network.

Ricoh Cuts 2,000 Jobs Due to Declining Office Equipment Market

Ricoh announced on September 12th that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 2,000 employees globally by March 2025. With the market for office equipment shrinking due to the advancement of digitalization, the company plans to restructure its overseas sales and service operations while focusing its management resources on supporting digital transformation (DX).

BOJ policymaker signals rate hikes needed to stabilize prices

A Bank of Japan policy board member has signaled that the central bank should raise its short-term interest rate to at least around one percent in stages for price stability. (NHK)

Japan's Salons Shave Costs with 'Haircut Monster'

Hair salon bankruptcies in Japan are on the rise, with 139 cases recorded between January and August 2024, a significant increase from previous years. Factors such as rising competition, material costs, and labor expenses are contributing to this surge. Despite these challenges, some salons are finding ways to thrive by adopting cost-effective strategies.

Foreign Influencers Compete to Sell Japanese Gold

Foreign influencers are sparking fierce competition as they quickly sell Japanese gold jewelry using nothing more than a smartphone.

Apple Announcement Sparks Price Drops in Second-Hand iPhone Market

The announcement of the iPhone 16 has sent sellers flocking to the second-hand iPhone market in Japan, with iPhones 12 and 13 going for less than half the price of a new model.

< 2 3 4 5 >