Specific Health Checkup (Ages 40–74) & Cancer Screening in Japan [2026]

Health checks in Japan include the specific health checkup (metabolic), workplace health checks and municipal cancer screening. Registered foreign residents are covered for municipal checkups and screening. Here are the types and how to use them.

① Specific health checkup (ages 40–74)

For public-insurance members aged 40–74, run by your insurer (NHI, Kyokai Kenpo, etc.). It targets lifestyle diseases (metabolic syndrome); based on results you may receive specific health guidance.

② Workplace health checks

Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, employers must provide health checks (on hiring and an annual checkup). The cost is borne by the employer in principle.

③ Cancer screening (five municipal types)

(For stomach, an X-ray-only check at 40+ yearly is also allowed for now. These follow the national guideline.)

④ Costs

Municipal cancer screening is free or low-cost. As a national program, free coupons are sent to those at the milestone ages for cervical (20) and breast (40) cancer. Co-payments vary by municipality.

⑤ Foreign residents are covered (registration)

If registered, you are covered like Japanese residents for municipal screening/checkups, and vouchers and coupons are sent to your address. If you're in NHI, the 40–74 specific checkup applies too.

FAQ

Can foreign residents get checkups and cancer screening?If registered, you are covered like Japanese residents for municipal screening/checkups, and vouchers/coupons are sent to your address.

Is there a cost?Municipal cancer screening is free or low-cost. Free coupons are sent at the milestone ages for cervical (20) and breast (40) cancer.

What cancer screenings are there?Five: stomach, cervical, lung, breast and colorectal. Ages and intervals differ (e.g. lung/colorectal: 40+, yearly).

What if I have no workplace checkup?Use your municipality's checkups (e.g. the NHI specific checkup) and cancer screening. Check the voucher/notice.

For how to find a clinic and what to expect at your first visit in Japan, see how to use hospitals and clinics. For vaccination schedules and routine immunisations, see Vaccinations in Japan. If a screening result leads to further tests or hospitalisation, medical costs may become high. Reviewing the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit in advance can help you understand the out-of-pocket cap before costs arise.