Care and Nursing Market Update: Japan & Singapore — July 31, 2026

Trends in Japan’s Care and Nursing Market

1. Social Welfare Law Revision and National Section Chief Meeting

An online meeting was held on July 15 for officials in charge of long-term care (LTC) insurance from prefectures and designated cities across Japan. The session covered regional response strategies and policy directions ahead of the implementation of revised social welfare laws, marking a preparatory phase for the 2027 LTC insurance premium adjustments and institutional improvements.

2. 261st Social Security Council Subcommittee on LTC Benefits

During the July 23 meeting, officials discussed relaxing staffing standards for rural and depopulated areas, as well as applying special regional subsidies to daycare services. The primary focus was on policy improvements to address operational challenges faced by small-scale regional facilities.

3. Newsweek’s 2026 Ranking of Top Private Nursing Homes in Japan

With 29.3% of its population aged 65 or older, Japan is among the world's most rapidly aging nations. Newsweek recognized private facilities that have integrated cutting-edge technologies, including nursing support robots, health data analytics, and fall-detection systems.

4. Rising Closure Rates of Geriatric Health Service Facilities in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture is seeing a relative increase in the closure of geriatric health service facilities due to rising inflation and labor costs. Concerns have also been raised regarding the lack of local and family-based care capacity.

1 sources

kochinews.co.jp

介護老人保健施設の廃業相次ぐ 物価高や人件費などが要因 家庭、地域の介護力不足も 高知県内 | 高知新聞

5. July 2026 Long-term Care News Digest

Key issues in July included heatstroke prevention for the elderly (mandating prevention, early detection, emergency response, and workplace measures), the current state of waiting lists for special nursing homes, rising construction costs for such facilities, and points of debate for the 2027 LTC insurance premium hikes.

1 sources

doctormate.co.jp

介護ニュース ダイジェスト

Trends in Singapore’s Care and Nursing Market

1. Expansion of Hospital-Level Home Care Services

Singapore is expanding hospital-level care services to homes and nursing facilities. This initiative aims to support patient recovery in familiar environments while easing pressure caused by hospital bed shortages. Home-based and facility-based medical services are proving effective in reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

2. Singapore’s Healthcare Policy: Preventive and Patient-Centric Systems

Singapore is pushing for a healthcare system that is preventive, patient-centric, and future-ready. This approach is shaping not only elderly care but the direction of the entire national healthcare policy.

3. Ministry of Health Commemorates Nurses' Day 2026

On July 29, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung delivered a speech at the SingHealth Nurses' Day celebration, highlighting the government's commitment to strengthening the role of nursing staff and improving the overall care system.

4. Nursing Home License Revocations and Stricter Regulations

The Singapore Ministry of Health is revoking licenses of nursing homes that violate care and safety regulations. These measures aim to tighten operational standards and improve protection for the elderly.

Policy and Market Implications

1. Transition to Integrated Home and Facility Care

Both Japan and Singapore are shifting their focus from hospital-centric care to integrated home and facility-based models. Japan is strengthening community-based services through LTC insurance reform, while Singapore is formalizing hospital-level home care. This reflects a shared goal of efficient medical resource allocation and improved quality of life for patients in aging societies.

2. Enhanced Operational Standards and Accountability

Singapore is enforcing stricter standards through nursing home license revocations, while Japan is discussing the normalization of regional staffing standards via its LTC subcommittee. Both nations prioritize the protection of the elderly and the maintenance of service quality.

3. Parallel Advancement of Technology and Human Resources

Japanese private facilities are increasing productivity through robot technology and data analytics, while Singapore is emphasizing the vital role of nursing staff. Both countries are adopting inclusive policies that prioritize both technological integration and human capital development.