Caring and Nursing Market Updates in Japan and Singapore — 2026-05-24

Japan’s Care and Nursing Market Trends

While no major breaking news has emerged in the last 24 hours (since 2026-05-22), recent research highlights the following key developments:

1. Simultaneous Reforms Scheduled for 2027 The Japanese industry is preparing for the simultaneous implementation of the Long-Term Care Insurance revision and the amendment of the Long-Term Care Insurance Act in 2027. Discussions regarding the outline and key issues are currently underway at the Social Security Council (社会保障審議会) and the Long-Term Care Benefit Expenses Subcommittee, with public opinion solicitation planned for the future.

2. Care Workforce Demand Forecast — Approx. 2.4 Million Needed in 2026 According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the demand for care staff in 2026 is estimated at approximately 2.4 million (an increase of about 63,000 per year). As the labor shortage intensifies, improving working conditions and the work environment has become a top policy priority.

3. Ministry Initiatives for Improving Care Staff Conditions The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has issued operational guidelines regarding improvements to the treatment of care staff, releasing notices and calculation requirements for fiscal year 2026 (令和8年度). These measures are part of an effort to raise wages and alleviate labor shortages in the care sector.

Note: As specific breaking news for Japan's care sector after 2026-05-22 was not available within the search window, this report is based on the most recent information accessible.

1 sources

yomiuri.co.jp

yomiuri.co.jp

Singapore’s Care and Nursing Market Trends

1. KTPH Geriatric Short-Stay Ward Supports Safe, Early Discharge

Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) Geriatric Short-Stay Ward is being recognized as an effective model for facilitating early patient discharge and reducing medical costs. Designed to coordinate care and support for safer and faster transitions, it serves as a key example of Singapore’s strategy for handling an aging society.

2. Singapore Officially Becomes a 'Super-Aged Society' in 2026

In 2026, Singapore officially entered the status of a "super-aged society," with the population aged 65 and over exceeding 21%. By 2030, one in four citizens is expected to be 65 or older, making the expansion of elderly care infrastructure and community-based care urgent priorities.

3. Expansion of SMF Subsidies for Home Healthcare Items (As of April 2026)

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) in Singapore expanded the list of items eligible for subsidies under the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) starting April 2026. This measure allows seniors and their caregivers to receive broader support for medical supplies needed in home-based care settings.

4. TPG Establishes Elderly Medical Service Group in Singapore and Malaysia

Global alternative asset manager TPG has established a senior medical service group across Singapore and Malaysia. The group includes 16 nursing homes, as well as ambulance and medical transport services, highlighting the growing interest of private capital in the Asian silver economy.

5. Singapore Government Adjusts Pace of Community Care Apartment Supply

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced a decision to slow the supply of community care apartments. He explained that as the range of housing options for seniors has diversified, the government intends to adjust its policy to maintain a balance with existing community care models.

1 sources

cassette.sphdigital.com.sg

cassette.sphdigital.com.sg

Policy and Market Implications

① Shared Challenge of Super-Aging: Strengthening Community-Based Care

Both Japan and Singapore are facing rapid aging and are shifting their care paradigms from facility-centered models to community and home-based services. Singapore’s KTPH geriatric model and Japan’s focus on expanding home services reflect this shift. However, Japan is concentrating on institutional restructuring ahead of the 2027 insurance reforms, while Singapore is actively encouraging market expansion through public-private partnerships, such as TPG’s nursing home group.

② Labor Shortage vs. Private Investment: Differing Approaches

Japan’s primary challenge is the severe shortage of care workers (with a projected demand of 2.4 million in 2026), making wage and condition improvements central to policy. In contrast, Singapore is focusing on the commercial growth potential of the silver economy, evidenced by large-scale investments from global private equity firms like TPG and the entry of private companies like Perennial and Autagco.

③ Financial Sustainability: Balancing Subsidies and Reform

Singapore is pursuing fiscal efficiency by expanding SMF subsidies for home care while simultaneously regulating the supply of community care apartments. Japan is preparing for structural reforms to achieve both financial sustainability and improved service quality through the simultaneous enforcement of the 2027 Long-Term Care Insurance Act amendments. For both nations, managing the increased social security financial burden caused by aging remains the critical long-term task.