The annual meeting with the healthcare system
How Japan’s free health check-ups help people live longer—and better.
Since I’ve been in Japan, fortunately, I haven’t had many occasions to deal with the healthcare system. Health-wise, I’d say I’m still doing pretty well.
Everyone enrolled in the national health insurance system — which means basically all residents of Japan — is entitled each year to a free or heavily discounted medical check-up. You just need to be over forty. Each month, we pay 7,500 yen (about 45 euros) for health insurance for three people. So, every year, Yuri and I can take advantage of a medical check-up. Of course, costs and available tests vary depending on your age group.
Since we don’t have any particular health issues, for now we go with a general check-up: blood and urine tests, blood pressure measurement, weight and height check, and a quick examination with a stethoscope.
The medical examination
This is the second time I’ve taken part in this initiative. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the main health indicators. Last year we went to a traditional clinic, but this year things were a bit different.
The check-up took place in the gymnasium of a cultural center. Six stations had been set up:
Urine sample drop-off and measurement of weight and height
Blood pressure check
Waistline measurement
Review of the medical history form
Examination with a stethoscope
Blood test
After visiting each station in sequence, we went back home to wait for the results, which will arrive by mail.
Well, some people might raise concerns about privacy, but a few of the examinations were done behind folding screens.
A few weeks before the check-up, we received the medical history form by mail, along with a small vial for collecting a urine sample. There was also a container with a spout included, to help with the collection. All in all, it was very efficient and straightforward.
Personally, I find it really useful to have the opportunity to get blood and urine tests done for free every year. Of course, you can do the same in Italy too, but unless it’s something urgent, those tests usually come at a cost. This kind of screening helps detect any abnormal values early, so they can be addressed before turning into something more serious.
The test results
About a month later, the results arrived… but only my wife’s. As for mine, I was told I needed to make an appointment — they would explain them to me in person. I got a little worried. Was something wrong? Were any values off? I was already imagining I had diabetes… or worse.
Unfortunately, my blood pressure was a bit high at the time of the check-up. But I didn’t know if there were any other unpleasant surprises.
So, I was left in suspense until yesterday, when they finally explained everything. I went to the appointment with my wife, who helped as an interpreter.
The main issue was indeed slightly elevated blood pressure. But it’s now below the 140 mark (at the time of the check-up it was 147). My LDL cholesterol — the "bad" one — was also a bit over the limit… but manageable.
Another value to watch is waist circumference. In Italy, no one had ever measured it, but here in Japan it’s considered an important health indicator. For my age group, it should be under 85 cm. Right now, it’s at 94.
So, a bit of a red flag.
The good news, however, is that it’s going down: it was 98 cm at the first check-up, 95 at the second, and now 94.
Nothing serious, but it’s a sign I should pay more attention to what I eat.
And then… some shocking news: my biological age is 36! That’s 22 years younger than my actual age! 👍👍
They gave me several brochures with tips for a healthier lifestyle — what to eat more of, what to avoid, and so on.
They also gave me a little booklet to record my blood pressure and weight for the next two weeks.
I usually take my blood pressure using my smartwatch, and they said it’s fine to keep using it. In fact, the readings aren’t too far off from the traditional devices. We did a comparison: the standard monitor showed 138/93, while the smartwatch showed 133/83.
Of course, it’s not exactly the same, but it still gives a fairly reliable picture of the situation.
My two cents
What can I say?
It was a pleasant, interesting, and informative appointment. The atmosphere was calm, without the usual pressure you feel in clinics full of waiting patients. Naturally, they want to be updated on my progress, and we’ll see how the results turn out at the next check-up.
I find it really impressive how seriously the Japanese healthcare system takes citizens’ health — constant monitoring to step in before small issues become serious ones. And all of this, of course, is voluntary. If someone doesn’t feel like doing the free check-up, that’s entirely their choice.
This is also one of the reasons for the longevity of the Japanese: not only do they live longer, but many of them also reach old age in remarkably good health. I go to the gym twice a week, and it’s always full of elderly people, both men and women.
Author: Cristiano Suriani