Where we have judged that a critical health policy issue calls for innovative views or intensive debate, Health Policy Institute, Japan has established a special committee to compile and present policy recommendations. The policy recommendations that are announced represent the opinion of the committee, and do not represent the views held by the membership of Health Policy Institute, Japan. Despite the potential for controversy regarding the content of policy recommendations, the process of sharing disparate opinions, widening public perspectives, and intensifying discussion is essential in seeking to improve the quality of health policy. We at Health Policy Institute, Japan hope that our Policy Recommendation Series can contribute to the achievement of such goals.