Health Policy Institute, Japan (HPIJ) was established in 2004 as an independent, non-profit, non-partisan private think-tank, aiming to realize citizen-centered health policy. In the five years since then, there has been dramatic change in the circumstances relating to healthcare. Amid mounting social uncertainty accompanied by the advancement of an aging society and increasing health awareness, the issue of healthcare has drawn significant public attention. The existing policy-making mechanism operated by the government, however, has proved incapable of producing effective solutions to healthcare problems and its limitations are now self-evident. In order to realize the health policies truly sought by the public, it is vital that a mature and democratic process is developed; one which involves a wide range of stakeholders and open discussion of policy options based on objective data to make responsible decisions. To this end, we work to make health policy recommendations as a think-tank independent of the government.

We have been experiencing drastic changes in our living environment. Japan’s aging society has advanced at a speed unprecedented in the world, the economic climate has become increasingly uncertain, and both globalization and IT have progressed rapidly. Simultaneously, healthcare technology has advanced and disease structures evolved. It is critical for any nation to develop a health policy that protects and promotes the health of its people under such rapidly changing global, political, and economic circumstances. At the international level, moreover, as clearly reflected by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations, health is a key global issue. Japan faces the expectations of the international community to contribute to this issue as an economic power. What is required now therefore is a broad vision and grand design based on an understanding of the principles of health issues, and the ability to effectively formulate and implement policies.

HPIJ’s activities currently center on the following three areas. Our Health Policy Unit works to provide platforms, basic data, and issues for policy discussion. Our Commission on Citizens and Health works to facilitate the participation of citizens and patients in the policy making process. Our Global Health Unit works to help provide solutions to the global health issues at the core of the MDGs, such as the fight against infectious diseases and maternal and child health. The unit both lays the foundations for and follows up discussion at the G8 Summit by convening conferences such as the Global Health Summit.

We would like to ask for your understanding and support of our endeavor, and for your evaluation of our projects including surveys and policy recommendations. On that basis, we would like to invite you to participate at our symposiums and seminars and to contribute your opinions and experiences. Utilizing what we gain from these valuable discussions, we will strive to develop concrete policy recommendations and to bring them to realization.