Care & Nursing Market Updates for Japan and Singapore
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Japan is addressing administrative challenges following a population decline of 3.09 million, while Singapore is reforming its care systems as it enters a super-aged society.
Care & Nursing Market News Briefing (Japan and Singapore) — June 1, 2026
Japan Market Trends
1. 2025 Census: Population down by 3.09 million, prompting administrative shifts
On May 29, 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released preliminary results from the 2025 Census. Japan’s total population, including foreign residents, stands at 123,049,524—a decrease of 3,096,575 compared to 2020, fueling debates on how to restructure administrative and nursing care services.
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2. Social Welfare Law amendment for elderly without guardians passes Lower House committee
A bill to support elderly individuals lacking guardians—covering financial management, hospital/facility admission, and funeral arrangements—was passed by the Health, Labour and Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives on May 22. It is expected to be enacted during the current Diet session.
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3. MHLW to start long-term care insurance application survey in July 2026
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly plans to conduct a new long-term care insurance application survey in July 2026 (Reiwa 8). Corporations and facilities should check municipal announcements to see if they are included in the survey.
4. Care Policy Event: Nankai Broadcasting Days (May 30, 2026)
A two-day event in Matsuyama City focused on "the future" regarding health, nursing care, and disaster prevention. Replacing the traditional "Media Festival," the "Nankai Broadcasting Days" included discussions on the social role of the nursing industry and preventive, community-based care models.
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5. Reform of Care Manager certification: Renewal training abolished
The mandatory five-year renewal system and associated training for Care Managers are being phased out. This change responds to long-standing feedback from frontline workers regarding the heavy burden of required training.
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Singapore Market Trends
1. Singapore enters super-aged society, requiring care policy overhaul
Singapore has officially entered a super-aged society, sparking calls for a fundamental reform of elderly care policies. As the needs and roles of the elderly evolve, the country is re-evaluating how it provides care and disseminates welfare.
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2. 2026 Welfare Reform: Top 10 health goals for caregivers and seniors
Singapore has introduced 10 wellness goals for 2026, focusing on caregivers and the elderly. These include bladder health, resilience, and realistic progress tracking, emphasizing a more personalized approach to care.
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3. AIC expands SMF subsidy for home care (Starting April 2026)
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is expanding the scope of its Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) for home care items. Subsidized products can now be ordered through the Vertis Health Marketplace online platform.
4. IHDC package transition deadline: March 31, 2026
Seniors using the Integrated Home and Day Care (IHDC) package were required to apply for center-based and home-based services by March 31, 2026. The AIC and existing providers have collaborated to support this transition.
5. TPG launches elderly medical service firm in Singapore and Malaysia
Alternative asset manager TPG has established a senior care firm in Singapore and Malaysia, now operating 16 nursing facilities along with ambulance and medical transport services. This marks a notable increase in private investment in the Southeast Asian elderly care market.
Policy and Market Implications
1. Surge in care demand as both nations become super-aged
Japan’s population decline and Singapore’s transition to a super-aged society highlight the need for expanded community-based care. Both countries are shifting their paradigms from facility-centric models toward integrated home care.
2. Accelerated legal and systemic innovation
From Japan abolishing renewal training for care managers to Singapore expanding the SMF subsidy, both nations are prioritizing the reduction of caregiver burdens and the integration of services around the individual. Flexibility and frontline accessibility are key to these reforms.
3. Expanding private investment and multi-layered care ecosystems
Projects such as TPG’s entry into the Singapore market and Japan’s focus on technology-driven productivity reflect the growing role of private capital and innovation. The future of the market lies in building a multi-layered ecosystem where public policy and private enterprise complement each other.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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