Catharina Klein
Research expert covering Japan
Children's health in Japan - statistics & facts
As the infant mortality rate in Japan has decreased continuously, the island nation currently ranks among the top five countries globally with the lowest infant mortality rate. This is likely attributed to factors such as Japanese lifestyle and widespread healthcare accessibility such as pediatrics.
However, the number of live births is continuing its downward trend. Paired with the increasing life expectancy of Japanese people, Japan developed into one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world. While the country now puts more effort into the care of the elderly, ensuring the healthy upbringing of children remains an important task as well.
Despite increasing awareness of mental health and its care, getting professional assistance is still not routine in Japan. The country still has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries and the suicide rate among students even increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family issues, worries over future prospects, and lack of a proficient mental healthcare system are some factors. Furthermore, the number of children and young adults that were hospitalized with anorexia increased in recent years, likely due to the negative effects of COVID-19 restrictions such as suspension of school events, changes in living conditions, and reports in the media on how to prevent weight gain during the pandemic.
Health care remains free for Japanese children
In Japan, health insurance coverage is mandatory for anyone who permanently lives in the country. The insurance pays 70 percent of the medical costs, the rest must be covered by the patient. However, children are free of this charge. Parents can apply for the Free Medical Care Certificate for Children which is provided by the relevant city. With this certificate, children up to the age of 15 can receive treatments and medication for free.Physical health of Japanese children
Regular physical exercise has many benefits for children such as reduced risk of obesity and certain diseases, healthy growth of muscles, and even improvement of social skills and confidence. In Japan, physical education begins in kindergarten, and classes are conducted several times per week. In addition, Japanese schools offer sports clubs as extra-curricular activities. In recent years, up to 70 percent of junior high school students participated in sport clubs. For young children between the ages of 4 to 11, a recent study has shown that around 45 percent exercised almost every day of the week, while only around three percent did not exercise at all.Mental health remains an issue among Japanese children
Mental health also plays a key factor in the development of children. A recent international UNICEF study has shown that Japanese children are comparatively the most physically healthy, but lack in mental well-being.Despite increasing awareness of mental health and its care, getting professional assistance is still not routine in Japan. The country still has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries and the suicide rate among students even increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family issues, worries over future prospects, and lack of a proficient mental healthcare system are some factors. Furthermore, the number of children and young adults that were hospitalized with anorexia increased in recent years, likely due to the negative effects of COVID-19 restrictions such as suspension of school events, changes in living conditions, and reports in the media on how to prevent weight gain during the pandemic.
