#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Medical Advisor #Medi Engine #Shobunsha Holdings

A New Era of Healthcare Support for Foreign Visitors in Japan

As Japan sees a continued rise in international tourism, addressing health concerns for visitors has become increasingly important. A notable initiative has emerged to tackle this in the form of a new multilinguistic informative service aimed at foreign tourists. This project, named "Japan Medical Advisor," is a collaborative effort between Medi Engine and Shobunsha Holdings, set to launch a proof of concept (PoC) trial on December 25, 2025, across four key areas of Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Roppongi.

Understanding the Context and Necessity of the Service

Current statistics reveal that approximately 4% of foreign tourists in Japan encounter health issues such as illness or injury during their stay. Although Japan boasts a high standard of medical care, many travelers face a range of challenges when it comes to accessing these services. Common obstacles include uncertainty about where to find appropriate healthcare facilities and difficulties in communicating their symptoms to healthcare providers. This situation not only affects the tourists themselves but also places additional stress on hospitality and medical institutions as they strive to accommodate these needs.

The demand for effective medical care support systems is evident, especially considering the projected increase in foreign tourist numbers. To assist travelers in navigating healthcare options seamlessly, Medi Engine's expertise in medical services is being combined with Shobunsha Holdings' media and digital mapping capabilities. Together, they aim to create a platform that supplies the necessary medical information and care options for visitors, allowing them to enjoy their time in Japan without healthcare-related worries.

The Scope of the Proof of Concept (PoC)

This trial service aims to assess the practicality of delivering critical healthcare information to foreign tourists. An essential component of this initiative includes the installation of medical facility maps within accommodation venues, which will provide details on healthcare providers and pharmacies in the vicinity.

Using the QR codes featured on these maps, tourists can access a self-assessment page where they can enter their current symptoms. This information will guide users to suitable medications and appropriate healthcare facilities based on their medical needs. Visitors will have access to listings organized by medical specialty, facilitating quicker resolution of their health issues.

Supporting Self-Care

It's worth noting that a significant percentage of health complaints among tourists fall into relatively mild categories such as colds, fever, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The platform is designed to empower these individuals to manage their conditions effectively, often without requiring immediate medical intervention. By providing information on over-the-counter medications that address their symptoms, visitors can practice self-care just as they would in their home countries.

Enhancing Overall Tourist Experience

The ultimate goal of the Japan Medical Advisor platform is to enhance the experience of foreign tourists by ensuring they have access to the same level of healthcare support found in their own countries. This, in turn, will ease the pressure on tourism-related businesses and address the growing healthcare challenges within medical establishments.

The pilot program will commence on December 25, 2025, and is expected to run until March 31, 2026, with potential extensions depending on its success. This initiative will utilize both a medical facility map and a dedicated self-care diagnosis web application to support tourists.

Multilingual Support

To maximize accessibility, the service will be available in both English and Simplified Chinese, recognizing the primary languages spoken by visiting tourists.

Conclusion and Future Vision

Through this collaborative effort, Medi Engine and Shobunsha Holdings aim to gather valuable insights into the challenges faced by foreign visitors regarding healthcare in Japan. By assessing the utility and viability of this service, the partners anticipate transitioning to full-scale operations by April 2026. This will ensure that visitors to Japan can enjoy their experiences while having confidence in their healthcare access, laying the groundwork for a more robust healthcare infrastructure for foreign tourists in the country.

Company Details

• - Medi Engine: Specializes in multilingual medical service guidance for foreigners, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, led by CEO Takahiro Higashi.
• - Shobunsha Holdings: Experts in media and digital mapping, facilitating the organizational structure to enhance service delivery for tourists.

For more information, please visit Japan Medical Advisor.