Japan

Key messages for primary care practitioners

• If the patient is new to the UK explain to them how the NHS operates and discuss how this compares to the healthcare system they've been used to.
• This country has an intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B. Consider screening for Hepatitis B, particularly among those who have recently arrived.
• This country has a considerably higher prevalence of hepatitis C than the UK.  Consider screening for hepatitis C.
• Ensure all patients are up to date with the UK immunisation schedule.
• Consider vitamin D deficiency in individuals who may be at risk as a result of their diet, skin colour or lack of sun exposure.

Key Facts

Map courtesy of
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Country profiles

For a summary of key health indicators and health care please see

WHO Japan [external link]

For background information on the country, its government and its people please see

BBC Japan [external link]

and

World Factbook Japan [external link]

Languages*

Japanese

See language interpretation

Religions*

Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%. Note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

Migration to the UK

At the time of the 2001 Census there were almost 40,000 people from this country living in the UK. Most migrants from this country who are currently living in the UK have arrived since the 1970s.

*Source: World Factbook