With a rapidly declining birthrate and aging population, and challenges in securing financial resources, the time has come for national debate on health policy in Japan. For more active debate and ideal results, I hope Health Policy Institute, Japan will proactively assume the role of providing constructive recommendations.

Given the rapid technological developments in healthcare, doctors have become obsessed with the acquisition of healthcare technology, thus further widening the gap between patients and themselves. Evidence-based medicine is, needless to say, important, but with a declining birthrate and aging population, we are in urgent need of a healthcare system that also recognizes the importance of healthcare responsive to the voices of patients. I look forward to the work of Health Policy Institute, Japan.

Around the world, great strides are being made in the field of health communication and so-called "social marketing" campaigns. I commend the Healthcare Policy Institute, Japan for exploring global best practice that involves all relevant stakeholders in initiatives that not only raise awareness, but also lead to meaningful behavioral change in the lives of patients and citizens at large.

”Nation-building is the task of the individual, not the ‘public’” This is a passage from Yukichi Fukuzawa’s “Yasegaman-no-setsu” (“Fighting to the Bitter End”). Policy recommendations devised from an independent perspective are essential for the resolution of the complex issues faced today, and for humanity to enjoy the benefits of medical and bioscientific expertise. Established as a think-tank independent of government, Health Policy Institute, Japan holds great promise for the future.

When we discuss the future of Japan’s healthcare system, it is essential to review both its system design and the decision-making process. The diversifying sense of values and evolving views of the public, in addition to the issue of financial resources, will present enormous challenges for the future of our healthcare system, based currently on the concept of universal healthcare. I expect Health Policy Institute, Japan to play a significant role in representing a variety of stakeholders’ views to formulate better policies.

Both a scientific perspective (measurement of the cost-effectiveness of healthcare, etc.) and a perspective based on public values (how large public healthcare expenditures should be, etc.) are essential in health policy. Both aspects remain at unsatisfactory levels in health policy making procedures today. I strongly hope that Health Policy Institute, Japan will contribute to the improvement of these aspects of decision-making.

According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Longevity Sciences, across all age groups, the percentage of Japanese feeling insecure about aging is over 80%. I commend Health Policy Institute, Japan as an academic institution presenting tangible and effective policy recommendations to reestablish the social security system so that the Japanese public are freed of their fears and able to live with a sense of reassurance regardless of their health condition.

The current health insurance system is on the brink of disintegration before it has even been able to reform its emergency medical care program or standardize care delivery, leaving benevolent doctors suffering from overwork. We are in need of a health policy that is clearly different from the conventional policy, which has evolved indifferent of lessons learned and in the absence of the public and patients.

Faced with an aging society with a declining birthrate, Japan’s health policy has become more chaotic than ever. The voices of doctors, nurses, patients and hospitals have been heard but remain mutually incompatible; we can have a secure health policy only when these opinions have reached a consensus.

In a society where rejuvenation is a pressing issue, healthcare is an area with promise of major innovation led by the private sector. I have great hope for the Institution to integrate the insight of disparate fields to make visionary health policy recommendations.

Health care will develop into a large market not only encompassing engineering, physics, and pharmaceutical science, but also with strong links to other fields including law and economics. I look forward to the Health Policy Institute, Japan’s contribution to innovative developments in the once untouchable healthcare field.

As a channel for voices that have not been sufficiently represented in health policy, Health Policy Institute, Japan is looked upon with great expectation, for which it bears immense responsibility.

Health is a priority concern of the public in Japan, where society is rapidly aging. Health promotion entails many issues, including the improvement of lifestyle, to be addressed by individuals and society; the most urgent being whether or not each citizen can receive the appropriate healthcare service. Japan’s healthcare technology and expertise are at the highest global standards in many fields, but there are many issues yet to be solved regarding provision of healthcare services. Assessment data regarding the qualifications and performance of medical institutions and doctors for serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorder, and organ dysfunction, in particular, are insufficient or unevenly distributed; thus, many people are gnawed by anxiety, unsure whether, how, and from whom they can receive the appropriate healthcare. Health Policy Institute, Japan seeks to resolve these issues by focusing on the analysis, assessment, compilation and provision of sufficient data, and to develop a healthcare service framework suitable for a developed country. I ask for the kind understanding and support of a broad audience for the Institute’s involvement in such issues.

Today, we are faced with a host of healthcare-related issues. I believe Health Policy Institute, Japan should play a potent role in determining health policy through social consensus.

Given the significant developments in the life sciences and an increasing number of health conscious people, healthcare services compatible with the perspectives and needs of patients are called for. On the other hand, entering an era of an aging society with few children and low economic growth, the appropriate management of growing healthcare expenditures has become a priority issue in relation to the sustainability of society.

It is often believed that healthcare-related decision-making requires specialized knowledge; thus, policy formation has tended to involve only specialists, such as doctors. However, I believe it is extremely important for patients and the public to participate in policy-making.

I have great expectations for Health Policy Institute, Japan: gaining a clear view of the status quo of Japanese healthcare in a global context and exhibiting an ideal framework for the future welfare of the public.