[Publication Report] The Current State of Health Data for Research Purposes in Japan: Toward the Creation of a World-class Health Database in the Future (May 25, 2022)
date : 5/25/2022
Tags: Future of the Health Care System, Innovation and Sustainability
![[Publication Report] The Current State of Health Data for Research Purposes in Japan: Toward the Creation of a World-class Health Database in the Future (May 25, 2022)](https://hgpi.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/is-20220519.jpg)
Health and Global Policy Institute has released a new report, “The Current State of Health Data for Research Purposes in Japan: Toward the Creation of a World-class Health Database in the Future.” This report is based on roundtable discussion held on December 15, 2021 to discuss Japan’s health data and policies to further promote its use for research in the future.
Key takeaways were as follows.
- While a vast amount of health data has been collected in Japan, it is hard to say that an environment has been created that allows for sufficient utilization, given the number and complexity of procedures required to gain access to data, among other issues.
- There have been a number of Government initiatives to establish public health databases like the NDB*. However, striking a balance between protecting private information and simplifying requirements for third-party use remains a challenge.
- In managing data systems, it is important to advance trust and relationships of trust in with the frontline healthcare workers who are being asked to collect and input data. There is a need to consider initiatives to offer rewards commiserate with the burden placed on healthcare workers in managing data systems as the use of data for research expands.
- It is important that the public, as the owner of health data, is made aware of its use and the benefits it can provide, with sufficient transparency. Greater efforts are needed to enhance understanding and awareness about health data.
*NDB: National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan
- Meeting participants
- Karen Makishima (Minister for Digital Agency; Minister in Charge of Administrative Reform; Minister of State for Regulatory Reform) (opening remarks delivered via prerecorded video)
- Shinichi Noto (Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Niigata University of Health and Welfare; Director, Center for Health Economics & QOL Research, Department of Occupational Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare; President, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR))
- Eiko Shimizu (Project Associate Professor, ITHC, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
- Tomoya Myojin (Assistant Section Chief, Insurance Data Planning Office, Healthcare Coordination Policy Division, Health Insurance Bureau, MHLW)
- Masatoshi Adachi (Chief Data Protection Officer and Director of Risk Management (CDPO), JMDC Inc.; Attorney-at-Law, Patent Attorney, and Registered Information Security Specialist)
- Tomohiro Kuroda (Chief Information Officer (CIO), Kyoto University Hospital; Professor)
- Mitsuru Mizuno (Director, Project for Genome and Health Related Data, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED))
- Naohiro Yonemoto (Director, Outcomes and Evidence, Health and Value Overview Division, Pfizer Japan Inc)
For further information, please see the report below.
Top Research & Recommendations Posts
- [Research Report] The 2023 Public Opinion Survey on Satisfaction in Healthcare in Japan and Healthcare Applications of Generative AI (January 11, 2024)
- [Policy Recommendations] Cancer Control Project “Policy Recommendations on Addressing Regional Disparities in Breast Cancer Care” (January 31, 2025)
- [Research Report] The 2025 Public Opinion Survey on Healthcare in Japan (March 17, 2025)
- [Policy Recommendations] Achieving a Sustainable Society of Health and Longevity Through the Integration of Environment and Healthcare-Incorporating a Planetary Health Perspective into the 3rd Phase of The Healthcare Policy-(December 20, 2024)
- [Discussion Points] Intractable & Rare Diseases Project Discussion Paper “Intractable & Rare Diseases 2025: 10 Years After the Passing of the Intractable Diseases Act, Toward a Co-created Future” (Mar 28, 2025)
- [Policy Recommendations] Developing a National Health and Climate Strategy for Japan (June 26, 2024)
- [Announcement] HGPI Endorsed “Civil Society’s Expectations for the Continuation and Development of Japan’s Global Health Initiatives” (March 17, 2025)
- [Policy Recommendations] Obesity Control Promotion Project 2023 “The Next Steps for Engaging and Cooperating with Patients, Citizens, and Communities for Implements of Obesity Control Measurements” (April 8, 2024)
- [Research Report] Building a Mental Health Program for Children and Measuring its Effectiveness (June 16, 2022)
- [Announcement] HGPI Joins Call to Action from Health Community “Stop Polluting the Air We Breathe: Prevent Diseases and Save Lives” (March 17, 2025)
Featured Posts
-
2025-04-02
[Registration Open] Public Event “The Patient and Citizen Lived Experience Forum 2025” (May 17, 2025)
-
2025-04-17
[Registration Open] (Webinar) The 134th HGPI Seminar “Understanding Evidence-Based Dietary Guidelines: Leveraging the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese” (May 28, 2025)
-
2025-04-23
[Registration Open] Recruitment of the Health Policy Academy the 14th Session (Starts July 2025)
-
2025-04-23
[HGPI Policy Column] (No.58) — From the Global Health Strategy Project — “Toward Fair Health Systems: The Power of Data in Advancing UHC and Supporting Health Financing”