#Japan #Tokyo #Traditional Medicine #Kampo #Kracie Pharmaceuticals

KAMPO OF THE YEAR 2025: Insights and Trends

Kracie Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a leader in the herbal medicine market, released the much-anticipated KAMPO OF THE YEAR 2025 report on December 4, highlighting key trends and best-selling products based on market movements over the past year.

This annual report, initiated in 2022, seeks to identify consumer health issues and predict trends in traditional herbal medicine through a unique lens. The findings from 2025 indicate that factors such as scorching summer heat and an unusually short rainy season have played significant roles in shaping the herbal medicine market. The influence of social media on younger generations has also become increasingly evident, leading to a broader acceptance and use of herbal remedies.

Key Highlights from KAMPO OF THE YEAR 2025

• - The herbal medicine market in Japan continues to expand.
• - The user base of herbal medicines is notably expanding among younger and middle-aged consumers.
• - Makyokansekitou, a herbal remedy for severe coughs, has shown remarkable growth, potentially influenced by the recent outbreak of whooping cough.
• - Trends for 2025 are characterized by a notable increase in demand for herbal remedies due to unusual weather patterns.
• - The rise of social media has facilitated awareness and use of herbal remedies among younger demographics.

Growth of the Domestic Herbal Medicine Market

The general herbal medicine market, particularly in pharmacies and drugstores, has shown trends of slight growth or stabilization in recent years. Conversely, the market for medical herbal medicines has consistently expanded over the last six years. This trend underscores a shifting landscape where herbal remedies are becoming more integrated into mainstream healthcare practices.

Expanding User Base

Analysis of purchasing data reveals a marked uptick in demand from consumers in their 20s and 30s over the past seven years. Additionally, middle-aged users in their 50s continue to demonstrate significant interest in herbal remedies, showcasing a diverse demographic embracing traditional medicine.

Best-Selling Herbal Products

From November 2024 to October 2025, Makyokansekitou, designed to address severe coughing, emerged as the top-performing herbal remedy. This surge can be linked to a record number of whooping cough cases, leading many to seek effective solutions for cough-related symptoms.

Impact of Weather on Herbal Trends

The extraordinarily hot summer in 2025 escalated the need for specific formulas, such as Jumihaidokutou and Chikyousekktou, aimed at addressing skin issues exacerbated by heat and preventing heat-related illnesses.

Younger Generations and Social Media Influence

The accessibility and discussion of herbal remedies on social media platforms have resulted in increased usage among younger generations. Remedies such as Jumihaidokutou for acne and Kamiki-hitou for insomnia and stress have garnered considerable attention. This trend suggests a growing recognition of herbal solutions for conditions that are often challenging to treat with conventional Western medicines.

In a notable shift this year, Jumihaidokutou, which traditionally peaks in sales during August, reached its sales zenith in June due to social media buzz, and maintained high sales levels throughout the summer.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 approaches, industry experts speculate that prolonged summer seasons could lead to a