AI for healthcare to meet changing demographics
WHAT
Japan represents one of the world’s most significant healthcare markets, with a population of around 125 million and the third-largest healthcare system globally. At the same time, the country faces one of the most acute demographic transitions among advanced economies. A rapidly ageing population is driving sharply increased demand for healthcare and nursing services, while the available workforce is shrinking, creating intense pressure to deliver higher-quality care with fewer people.
Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as a critical enabler for sustaining and improving Japan’s healthcare system. As of 2025, Japan has approved 49 AI-based medical devices, primarily focused on medical imaging and ECG analysis, reflecting both regulatory maturity and clinical acceptance. AI adoption is already moving beyond pilot stages: today, approximately one in four physicians in Japan report using AI tools during patient consultations.
AI solutions are expected to play a growing role in easing operational bottlenecks across the healthcare system. By automating administrative tasks, supporting triage, and assisting diagnosis, AI can free up valuable time for physicians, nurses, and care workers to focus on patient-facing activities. Beyond efficiency gains, AI also has the potential to support skills development, improve job satisfaction, and contribute to higher staff retention in a sector under severe human resource strain.
Swedish companies are particularly well positioned to contribute to this transformation, building on Sweden’s strong track record in healthcare innovation, digital solutions, AI, and human-centred system design. These combined strengths align closely with Japan’s priorities as it seeks scalable, trustworthy, and clinically integrated AI solutions for healthcare and nursing.
How
Business Sweden is surveying opportunities in this area in Japan and would like to connect with Swedish companies that are commercializing AI solutions for healthcare and nursing. We are preparing for tailored promotional activities in Japan on AI solutions for healthcare and nursing in 2026 and will release details once available.
If you are interested in understanding or exploring the Japanese healthcare AI market, please do reach out to us at Business Sweden in Tokyo. We have long experience with Japanese digitalization and the Japanese software ecosystem, including common pitfalls, barriers and shortcuts into growing on the market. We can help with quantifying your market potential, identifying high-potential customer segments, finding distribution and integration partners, and boosting visibility for your product in a crowded market.
CONTACT US
For more information contact Magnus Blondell at magnus.blondell@business-sweden.se.