• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) Japan, 2019 (English Summary) . Available at https://www.nibiohn.go.jp/eiken/kenkounippon21/download_files/eiyouchousa/2019.pdf (last accessed 22.09.22)
Notes:Excel results with a breakdown of BMI 25-29.9 & 30=> available at https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00450171&tstat=000001041744&cycle=7&tclass1=000001148507&tclass2val=0
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:5234
Area covered:National
References:National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2018 published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Available at https://www.nibiohn.go.jp/eiken/kenkounippon21/download_files/eiyouchousa/2018.pdf (last accessed 17.05.21)
Definitions:Paper classifies obesity as BMI => 25 Kg/M2
Cutoffs:Other
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:OECD (2015), Overweight or obese population (indicator). doi: 10.1787/86583552-en (Accessed on 17 June 2015) from National Health Nutrition Survey 2012
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:15000
Area covered:National
References:Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration. The burden of overweight and obesity in the Asia-Pacific region. Obesity Reviews 2007;8:191-196.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1986-1990

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
References:Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1981-1985

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
References:Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1976-1980

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
References:Yoshiike N, Seino F, Tajima S, Arai Y, Kawano M, Furuhata T, Inoue S. Twenty-year changes in the prevalence of overweight in Japanese adults: The National Nutrition Survey 1976-95. Obesity Reviews 2002;3:183-190
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-14
Sample size:393
Area covered:National
References:Japan National Health and Nutrition 2019 Survey. Excel results available at https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00450171&tstat=000001041744&cycle=7&tclass1=000001148507&tclass2val=0 ('last accessed 27.09.22)
Notes:NB VERY SMALL SAMPLE SIZE
Definitions:Determination of obesity by school health statistics survey method. The degree of obesity in 6 to 14 years old was determined from the standard weight by age and height. Degree of obesity (overweight) = (measured weight (kg) - standard weight by height (kg)) / standard by height Weight (kg) x 100 (%) Overweight +20-30% Obesity >30%
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-14
Sample size:2192
Area covered:National
References:Japan National Health and Nutrition 2012 Survey. Excel results available at https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00450171&tstat=000001041744&cycle=7&tclass1=000001148507&tclass2val=0 ('last accessed 18.09.23)
Definitions:Determination of obesity by school health statistics survey method. The degree of obesity in 6 to 14 years old was determined from the standard weight by age and height. Degree of obesity (overweight) = (measured weight (kg) - standard weight by height (kg)) / standard by height Weight (kg) x 100 (%) Overweight +20-30% Obesity >30%
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-14
Sample size:655
Area covered:National
References:Japan National Health and Nutrition 2010 Survey. Excel results available at https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00450171&tstat=000001041744&cycle=7&tclass1=000001148507&tclass2val=0 ('last accessed 18.09.23)
Notes:NB. Small sample size
Definitions:Determination of obesity by school health statistics survey method. The degree of obesity in 6 to 14 years old was determined from the standard weight by age and height. Degree of obesity (overweight) = (measured weight (kg) - standard weight by height (kg)) / standard by height Weight (kg) x 100 (%) Overweight +20-30% Obesity >30%
Cutoffs:Other

Children, 2004-2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:9-10
Sample size:1436
Area covered:Regional - Ina
References:Ochiai, Hirotaka, et al. “Changes in Overweight/Obesity and Central Obesity Status from Preadolescence to Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study among Schoolchildren in Japan.” BMC Public Health, vol. 20, no. 1, 17 Feb. 2020, 10.1186/s12889-020-8343-3. Accessed 11.10.21.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1996-2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:56604
Area covered:National
References:Matsushita Y, Yoshiike N, Kaneda F, Yoshita K, Takimoto H. Trends in Childhood obesity in Japan over the last 25 years from the National Nutrition Survey. Obesity Research 2004;12(2):205-214
Notes:56604 = total number included for the duration of the study
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1986-1990

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:56604
Area covered:National
References:Matsushita Y, Yoshiike N, Kaneda F, Yoshita K, Takimoto H. Trends in Childhood obesity in Japan over the last 25 years from the National Nutrition Survey. Obesity Research 2004;12(2):205-214
Notes:56604 = total number included for the duration of the study
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1976-1980

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-8
Sample size:56604
Area covered:National
References:Matsushita Y, Yoshiike N, Kaneda F, Yoshita K, Takimoto H. Trends in Childhood obesity in Japan over the last 25 years from the National Nutrition Survey. Obesity Research 2004;12(2):205-214
Notes:56604 = total number included for the duration of the study
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by education

Men, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-64
Sample size:2,491
Area covered:National
References:Nakamura, Tomiyo, et al. “Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and the Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight or Obesity in a General Japanese Population: NIPPON DATA2010.” Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 28, no. Supplement_III, 2018, pp. S10–S16, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5825685/, 10.2188/jea.je20170249. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-64
Sample size:2,491
Area covered:National
References:Nakamura, Tomiyo, et al. “Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and the Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight or Obesity in a General Japanese Population: NIPPON DATA2010.” Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 28, no. Supplement_III, 2018, pp. S10–S16, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5825685/, 10.2188/jea.je20170249. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-11
Sample size:397
Area covered:National
References:Kachi Y, Otsuka T, Kawada T. Socioeconomic Status and Overweight: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Children and Adolescents. Journal of Epidemiology. 2015;25(7):463-469. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20140108.
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Maternal Education (Paternal Education also available) Overweight, including obesity, was defined by International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs. Note small sample size.
Cutoffs:WHO

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4273
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) Japan, 2019 (English Summary) . Available at https://www.nibiohn.go.jp/eiken/kenkounippon21/download_files/eiyouchousa/2019.pdf (last accessed 22.09.22)
Notes:Combined overweight or obesity only provided
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5234
Area covered:National
References:National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2018 published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Available at https://www.nibiohn.go.jp/eiken/kenkounippon21/download_files/eiyouchousa/2018.pdf (last accessed 17.05.21)
Notes:Paper classifies obesity as BMI => 25 Kg/M2
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:393
Area covered:National
References:Japan National Health and Nutrition 2019 Survey. Excel results available at https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00450171&tstat=000001041744&cycle=7&tclass1=000001148507&tclass2val=0 ('last accessed 27.09.22)
Notes:NB NOTE VERY SMALL SAMPLE SIZE
Definitions:Determination of obesity by school health statistics survey method. The degree of obesity in 6 to 14 years old was determined from the standard weight by age and height. Degree of obesity (overweight) = (measured weight (kg) - standard weight by height (kg)) / standard by height Weight (kg) x 100 (%) Overweight +20-30% Obesity >30%

Children, 1996-2000

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:3083
Area covered:National
References:Matsushita, Yumi, et al. “Trends in Childhood Obesity in Japan over the Last 25 Years from the National Nutrition Survey.” Obesity Research, vol. 12, no. 2, Feb. 2004, pp. 205–214, 10.1038/oby.2004.27. Accessed 08.11.21.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by region

Children, 1996-2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-14
Sample size:3083
Area covered:National
References:Matsushita, Yumi, et al. “Trends in Childhood Obesity in Japan over the Last 25 Years from the National Nutrition Survey.” Obesity Research, vol. 12, no. 2, Feb. 2004, pp. 205–214, 10.1038/oby.200a4.27. Accessed 08.11.21.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:6000
Area covered:National
References:Kurotani, Kayo, et al. “Diet Quality of Japanese Adults with Respect to Age, Sex, and Income Level in the National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan.” Public Health Nutrition, vol. 23, no. 5, 18 Nov. 2019, pp. 821–832, 10.1017/s1368980019002088. Accessed 08.11.21.
Notes:Data from National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan 2014
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-64
Sample size:2,491
Area covered:National
References:Nakamura, Tomiyo, et al. “Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and the Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight or Obesity in a General Japanese Population: NIPPON DATA2010.” Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 28, no. Supplement_III, 2018, pp. S10–S16, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5825685/, 10.2188/jea.je20170249. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
Definitions:Household income level (Japanese yen)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-64
Sample size:2,491
Area covered:National
References:Nakamura, Tomiyo, et al. “Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and the Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight or Obesity in a General Japanese Population: NIPPON DATA2010.” Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 28, no. Supplement_III, 2018, pp. S10–S16, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5825685/, 10.2188/jea.je20170249. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
Definitions:Household income level (Japanese yen)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-11
Sample size:397
Area covered:National
References:Kachi Y, Otsuka T, Kawada T. Socioeconomic Status and Overweight: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Children and Adolescents. Journal of Epidemiology. 2015;25(7):463-469. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20140108.
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by household income. Overweight, including obesity, was defined by International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs. Note small sample size.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-11
Sample size:397
Area covered:National
References:Kachi Y, Otsuka T, Kawada T. Socioeconomic Status and Overweight: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Children and Adolescents. Journal of Epidemiology. 2015;25(7):463-469. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20140108.
Notes:Prevalence of overweight and obesity by Paternal Occupation (Maternal Occupation also available) Overweight, including obesity, was defined by International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs. Note small sample size.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2195
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Hoken Program (Obesity Policy)

No details available, document in Japanese

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Linked document:Download linked document

Health Japan 21 (2nd edition)

National health measures for extending people's healthy life expectancy. This policy includes 53 goals covering nutrition, dietary habits, exercise, smoking cessation, etc

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Find out more:www.mhlw.go.jp

Food Education Promotion Council

Convening nutrition partners

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Agriculture
Find out more:www.maff.go.jp
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/27012

School Lunch Program - Shokuiku

Providing food and nutrition education together

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2005 (ongoing)
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Food-based dietary guidelines

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2000 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Various ministries
Find out more:www.fao.org
References:https://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/japan/en/

Walk-to-school policy

Many education boards require students to walk to school if the school is located within a certain distance from the child's home. The walk-to-school practice has helped combat childhood obesity by providing regular physical activity.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):1953 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Government
References:http://www.who.int/kobe_centre/interventions/urban_planning/List-05_ICUH_14047_WTS.pdf (last accessed 29 Feb 2016)

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Nutrient content lists

In Japan, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://policydatabase.wcrf.org/level_one?page=nourishing-level-one#step2=0#step3=327

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Present
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Absent
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Absent
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Absent
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Absent
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Absent
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Present

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated September 13, 2022

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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