#Japan #Osaka #Healthcare Trends #Medical Facilities #Review Company

Transforming Trends in Medical Facility Openings in Japan

Overview

Recent data from Review Inc., based in Osaka, sheds light on noteworthy shifts in the landscape of medical facility openings across Japan. Traditionally, there has been a tendency for new medical establishments to launch mainly in the spring, coinciding with the fiscal year's start in April. However, analysis of the data collected from July to September in 2025 (a total of 1,876 new openings) indicates a significant transition towards a more distributed opening schedule, especially peaking in September.

The Shift in Opening Patterns

The number of medical facilities established in the summer of 2025 reached an unprecedented 1,876, marking the highest figure over the past three years. A further investigation reveals that September alone accounted for 704 openings, the most substantial monthly figure in this timeframe. Distinct differences emerged between hospitals and clinics regarding their peak opening periods, with hospitals predominantly opening in July while clinics showed a notable increase in September.

Why has this shift occurred? Analysts point to several influential factors:

• - The upcoming amendments to the Medical Care Act scheduled for 2026.
• - Enhanced measures for dealing with physician distribution.
• - A biannual approval process for establishing medical corporations and improvements in funding conditions.

Thus, the old norm of aligning medical openings with the fiscal year is giving way to a more strategic timing influenced by impending legislative changes and professional practices.

Regional Trends: Urban vs. Rural

When examining the distribution of new medical establishments by region during the July-September period of 2025, major urban areas like Tokyo (361 openings), Osaka (230), and Fukuoka (131) significantly outperformed rural regions. Tokyo alone accounted for nearly 20% of the total nationwide. However, when compared to the previous year, regions such as Fukuoka are witnessing growth, suggesting emerging trends that might indicate a gradual dispersion of healthcare establishments beyond metropolitan centers.

Changes in Specialty Dynamics

A pivotal development observed in 2025 was the significant rise in internal medicine openings, with 597 new practices, compared to 534 dental clinics. This marks a reversal from the previous two years where dental practices led. Noteworthy is that in September alone, the number of new internal medicine practices surged to 236. This change may reflect increased emphasis in regional healthcare planning on internal medicine as well as effective policies addressing physician distribution.

Underlying Factors for Change

Several systemic changes are believed to underpin these evolving trends. The upcoming Medical Care Act amendments in 2026 and strategies to address physician shortages are markedly influential. Adjustments to medical corporation establishment guidelines and enhanced funding environments are likely contributing to dispersing the once concentrated opening schedules.

Conclusion

As we analyze the current landscape of medical facility openings in Japan, clear patterns emerge: an increase in establishment numbers, changes in peak opening periods, and a realignment in healthcare specialties. It is evident that the healthcare landscape is transitioning to a phase where decisions surrounding new facility openings are increasingly informed by policy changes and regional healthcare needs.

This report, compiled to stimulate strategic corporate thinking, seeks to shed light on the movements within the industry, underscoring our commitment to supporting effective decision-making based on reliable data. As Review Inc. sets forth, we remain dedicated to providing vital information that resonates with the evolving dynamics of healthcare establishment across the nation.

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About the Data

Data for this analysis was collected by Review Inc., which specializes in consolidating and refining business-related data from government sources to produce insightful market overviews.

The complete analysis and additional insights can be accessed in our comprehensive report, "National Medical Facility Opening Ranking Report ver3," available for industry stakeholders seeking to strategize in this dynamic landscape.

Find the full report here.

For further information about Review's data offerings and access to analytical tools, please visit YOROZU DATA.