Nursing and Care Market News: Japan & Singapore — 2026-05-27

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Japan Care Market Trends

1. MHLW launches call for proposals on productivity-enhancing care technology

On May 20, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced it is accepting proposals for projects aimed at measuring the effectiveness of productivity improvements through care technology. The initiative targets care providers and tech developers, seeking to secure empirical data on the implementation of advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and ICT to enhance efficiency in the field.

2. Temporary care compensation revision set for June 2026 — Industry guidance spreading

With a temporary revision to care compensation scheduled for June 2026, specialized nurse-call provider CareCoM is distributing a guide summarizing the changes and necessary industry responses. According to documents from February 18, 2026, this revision focuses primarily on add-ons for improving working conditions, aiming to reduce the administrative burden on care operators.

3. Discussions ramp up for concurrent 2027 care compensation and legal reforms

Ahead of the simultaneous implementation of the 2027 care compensation and Long-term Care Insurance Act reforms, the Social Security Council and the Committee on Care Benefits are currently organizing the key points for the upcoming revisions. According to the nursing management consultancy Funai Soken, full-scale system design will begin following the collection of feedback and public comments.

4. MHLW committee projects demand for 2.4 million care workers in 2026

During the first meeting of the Social Security Council’s expert committee on welfare human resources on May 9, 2025, it was estimated that approximately 2.4 million care workers would be needed in fiscal 2026 (an increase of about 250,000 from the previous year, or 63,000 annually). To address this chronic labor shortage, the ministry plans to pursue both better working conditions and technology integration.

5. 2027 holiday schedule and its impact on elderly leisure and tourism

On May 26, 2026, nippon.com published an analysis of the 2027 holiday calendar. With a long autumn holiday season expected, industry experts are analyzing how this may affect elderly leisure and tourism demand, as well as staffing plans for residential care facilities.

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Singapore Care Market Trends

1. Singapore officially enters "super-aged society" — Call for paradigm shift in service

On May 25, 2026, Christian media outlet Salt&Light reported that Singapore has officially reached "super-aged society" status, noting that a complete rethink of ministry and services for the elderly is required. The report emphasizes that today’s seniors and future generations differ significantly from traditional concepts of "the elderly," requiring new approaches to evangelism and volunteer work.

2. AIC continues subsidies for home care via Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) in Singapore continues to provide subsidies for home medical equipment through the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF). 2026 subsidy levels are based on the 2025 Annual Value (AV) assessment, and eligible items can be ordered online via the Vertis Health Marketplace.

3. AIC announces 2026 subsidy criteria for the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)

The AIC has released the 2026 calculation criteria for the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) for in-home caregivers. For households without income, the criteria are based on the Annual Value (AV); household income details can be verified and updated through the MediShield Life website.

4. AIC introduces "Take a Break" service for respite care

The AIC is promoting "Respite Care Services" to help caregivers take regular breaks. This service can be utilized when extra support is needed, such as during the leave periods of Foreign Domestic Workers (MDW), and is coordinated with rehabilitation hospitals and community agencies.

5. AIC updates Caregiver Support Network information as of March 2026

The AIC announced that it has updated the contact information for Caregiver Support Network service providers as of March 2026 to help caregivers connect with one another. The initiative focuses on preventing caregiver burnout by strengthening emotional and practical support systems within the community.

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Policy and Market Implications

1. Formalization of super-aging and strengthened "proactive" policies

Japan is operating a dual track of temporary compensation adjustments in June 2026 and major reforms in 2027, while Singapore is reorganizing its policy foundation toward community and home-based care following its transition to a super-aged society. Both nations are shifting from reactive measures to proactive preparation and prevention.

2. Tech-driven productivity vs. community-based care — Different approaches

While Japan is heavily investing in productivity gains through care technologies like AI, robotics, and ICT, Singapore—led by the AIC—is focusing on strengthening a human-centric integrated care ecosystem through home subsidies (HCG, SMF), community networks, and caregiver support. These two approaches are complementary and could serve as benchmarks for other aging nations.

3. Shared challenges: Labor shortages and caregiver burnout

Japan is facing a structural shortage, requiring approximately 2.4 million care workers in 2026, while Singapore's AIC is actively promoting respite services and support networks to prevent caregiver burnout. Professional training, the utilization of foreign labor, and technology-driven labor substitution are emerging as common policy priorities for both nations.