An In-Depth Look at Women's Health Concerns in Japan
In July 2026, Cross Marketing Inc., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, conducted an extensive survey among 3,000 women aged 20 to 79 across Japan to delve into pressing health concerns that affect women today. The study aimed to analyze various issues regarding physical health and the integration of Femtech solutions in addressing these challenges. With rising awareness influenced by recent guidance from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, more organizations are considering Femtech as a viable solution for female health issues.
Current Health Concerns among Women
The survey uncovered that the predominant worries among women revolve around
weight and body shape, as noted by 32% of respondents. Following closely,
mental stress and
halitosis (bad breath) each affected over 20% of women. Interestingly, concerns regarding
family health and caregiving increased by
5 percentage points compared to the previous year, indicating a growing burden on women who often juggle familial responsibilities.
Looking closer at the generational differences, women across all age brackets ranked
weight and body image concerns as their top issue. However, age discrepancies emerged with variations in additional concerns; women in their 20s reported worries about
facial hair, while those in their 30s emphasized
mental stress, women in their 40s faced challenges regarding
menopause, and older generations highlighted concerns around
hair loss.
Coping Strategies Identified
In response to these worries, women have adapted various coping mechanisms. For those concerned about weight and body shape,
aerobic exercises and strict diets focusing on
carbohydrate and calorie restrictions were commonly cited as effective strategies. Mental stress alleviation was predominantly associated with taking
rest and ensuring
adequate sleep. Women cited maintaining regular contact, such as weekly check-ins with family, and consulting care managers as methods to tackle health and caregiving concerns. Women facing
hair loss reported
scalp massages as a popular remedy.
Health Symptoms of Concern
The survey further revealed that significant health-related worries included
vision issues,
poor sleep quality, and
tension and pain in the shoulders and neck. Notably, women in their 40s and 50s expressed heightened concerns regarding these symptoms, with over half of women aged 30 to 50 reporting feelings of
fatigue and bodily heaviness.
Femtech and Menotech Usage
The awareness and utilization of Femtech and Menotech products have been notable among respondents. Survey results indicated that products including
panty liners,
period-proof underwear, and various
gynecological check-ups have appeared frequently in the last year. Particularly, 33% of women in their 40s have utilized panty liners, showcasing their relevance. In terms of interest in related products, 33% of respondents expressed interest in Femtech, while 31% showed interest in Menotech, remaining consistent with interest levels from 2024. Once again, women in their 40s emerged as the group with the highest interest.
Societal Understanding of Women's Issues
A significant portion, 58%, of participants felt that societal understanding of female-specific symptoms is inadequate. The desire for more awareness, expressed by 73% of respondents, was particularly pronounced among older women. This recognition of the need for better understanding indicates a shift towards more open discussions surrounding these challenges.
Summary and Future Directions
The report analyzed a multitude of topics including awareness and interests regarding Femtech and Menotech, specific physical and mental challenges faced by women, available health maintenance options, and the societal pressures surrounding women’s health issues. It is clear that elevated awareness and targeted strategies can positively affect women’s experiences. As technology and societal attitudes evolve, continued focus on health education and support systems will help address these persistent health issues more effectively.
For further insights and to access the complete report, you can download it
here.
About Cross Marketing, Inc.
Founded in April 2003 and based in Tokyo, Cross Marketing specializes in marketing research and consultancy services. Led by CEO Michi Igarashi, the firm is committed to providing actionable insights to address prevailing market challenges.