Japan and Singapore Care and Nursing Market News Briefing — October 11, 2026
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Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that care expenditures hit a record high of 12 trillion yen for fiscal 2025, while pushing to introduce a paid nursing home registration system by December 2027. Meanwhile, Singapore is actively expanding its aging-in-place and healthcare infrastructure, highlighted by the Institute of Mental Health's (IMH) expansion plans through 2040.
Japan and Singapore Care and Nursing Market News Briefing — October 11, 2026
Japan Care and Nursing Market Trends
1. Japan's 2025 Care Costs Surpass Record 12 Trillion Yen According to the "Statistical Survey on Long-Term Care Benefit Expenses for Fiscal 2025" released by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), total care expenditures—including nursing care insurance benefits and out-of-pocket payments—exceeded 12 trillion yen, marking an increase of 282.7 billion yen from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the deepening aging population and increased utilization of care services.
2. Paid Nursing Home "Registration System" Imminent... Targeted for December 2027 Enforcement To improve service quality at paid nursing homes, the MHLW has decided to establish a new "registration system," recently outlining draft registration criteria during its 10th review meeting. Aiming for implementation by December 2027, key discussion points include nighttime response frameworks and the clear definition of registration targets.
3. Push to Ban "Tie-in Sales" of Services The MHLW has drafted measures to prohibit so-called "tie-in sales" (bundling), where affiliated corporations make the use of their care services a mandatory contractual condition when residents move into a paid nursing home. This initiative aims to prevent excessive service provisioning, high compensation, and to protect user choice.
4. Large-Scale Industry Rally Held Ahead of 2027 Care Compensation Revision Ahead of discussions on the fiscal 2027 care compensation revision, a rally attended by approximately 300 people was held in Tokyo on the 7th. Participants called on the government to secure financial resources, demanding a sufficient increase in baseline compensation and wage improvements to maintain care services amid rising inflation.
Singapore Care and Nursing Market Trends
1. IMH Expansion and Redevelopment Through 2040... Strengthening Mental Health Capacity Singapore's Ministry of Health announced plans to expand and redevelop the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) by 2040. Additionally, starting in 2027, it will be renamed the "National Institute of Mental Health, Singapore" and designated as a national specialized center. This move addresses the growing demand for mental health services driven by population aging.
2. Senior Care Information Updated for the Hougang Region Senior care service statuses in the Hougang region were updated as of October 12, 2026. This includes information on day care and home support services provided by key facilities such as the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) Active Ageing Centres (AAC), St. Luke's Hougang, and Golden Years.
3. Spotlight on Community-Based Senior Care Activities The Straits Times reported on community activities where seniors interact through gardening. Just as preparing the soil is essential for plants to grow, the article highlighted the importance of creating tailored care environments for the elderly.
Policy and Market Implications
- Stricter Regulations Amid Soaring Costs: With care expenditures in Japan surpassing 12 trillion yen and adding fiscal pressure, the MHLW is tightening regulations—such as introducing a registration system and banning unfair contracts—to ensure transparency and quality control in paid nursing homes.
- Addressing Demand Through Infrastructure Expansion: Singapore is proactively expanding its mental health and elderly care infrastructure through IMH's long-term expansion plan. This suggests a transition beyond simply adding facilities toward building a nation-wide integrated care system.
- Growing Need to Reflect Industry Voices: In Japan, industry demands for wage increases are intensifying ahead of compensation revision talks, making a balance between policy support and industry self-help efforts crucial for maintaining a sustainable care market.
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