Japan Medical Imaging Market Assessment, By Product, By Application, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

Japan medical imaging market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.03% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2032F, growing from USD 2.01 billion in FY2024 to USD 2.98 billion in FY2032. Japan medical imaging market is driven by several factors, which include government initiatives and funding, the growing geriatric population and subsequent rise in chronic diseases, technological advancements, expanded healthcare access, integration of digital health solutions, growing healthcare awareness, strategic partnerships, and improved reimbursement policies. These factors collectively enhance the demand for advanced imaging technologies and improve accessibility, driving the dynamic growth and evolution of the market.

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in healthcare by providing detailed internal images that support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. It facilitates early detection of diseases, allowing for timely intervention and significantly improving patient outcomes. Additionally, medical imaging is vital for monitoring disease progression and assessing the effectiveness of treatments, enabling necessary adjustments. In addition, the development of the medical imaging market is also driven by healthcare expenditure growth and the penetration of imaging technologies in numerous advanced economies, especially in developing countries.

For instance, in August 2023, AI developer HeartVista Inc. signed a partnership deal with investment and commercialization firm HekaBio K.K. (HekaBio) to market its One Click MRI AI software - Vista.ai in Japan. Under the agreement, HekaBio invested in Vista.ai and committed to securing product registration for One Click MRI through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

Technological Innovations Propel Japan's Medical Imaging Market

Japan has one of the highest per capita diagnostic imaging devices in the world. This has resulted in a high uptake of medical imaging technologies with advanced capabilities. AI-enabled X-ray systems and computed tomography (CT) systems improve diagnostics efficiency and accuracy. The improvements resulting from these technologies reduce the time needed to acquire and interpret images, allowing healthcare providers to make decisions more quickly and provide better quality to patients. Moreover, technologies like augmented reality and 3D printing are bringing imaging to new and faster capabilities while diagnosing innovatively and accurately and creating more individualized treatment plans for patients. Furthermore, the increasing focus on earlier detection of disease and preventive health is driving demand for advanced imaging technologies and plays an important role in detecting disease earlier.

For instance, in November 2023, iSchemaView, Inc., also known as RapidAI, expanded its presence into Japan through Class III Shonin clearance for its stroke platform and launch of Rapid Edge Cloud, a hybrid technology platform.

Growing Geriatric Population and Subsequent Rise in Chronic Disease

One of the primary drivers of increasing demand for medical imaging is notably an ever-increasing occurrence of chronic diseases and disorders. An aging Japanese population rapidly requires early and precise diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. As a result, sophisticated medical imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography scans, and positron emission technology are crucial in monitoring, diagnosing, and treating these diseases. Improved diagnostic capability based on the existence of high-resolution imaging and functional imaging techniques with the Individualised treatment strategy. Furthermore, the rising incidence of these diseases requires frequent screening and follow-up, leading to the growing use of imaging services. For instance, in June 2024, Japan reached a troubling milestone with 2,977 documented cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), reflecting a significant increase in chronic disease incidence. The mortality rate for STSS is alarmingly high at 30%, with 77 fatalities reported between January and March 2024, exceeding last year's total of 941 infections.

CT Scanner Segment Leads Market Share in Medical Imaging Market

CT scanners are driving the medical imaging market's growth by offering high-resolution, detailed images that are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Their ability to quickly provide comprehensive cross-sectional views of the body makes them essential in detecting and evaluating a wide range of conditions, from trauma and cancers to complex internal injuries. The increasing adoption of advanced CT technologies, such as high-definition and low-dose CT scanners, enhances diagnostic precision while minimizing patient exposure to radiation. Rising incidence of chronic diseases, along with complementary requirements related to quick and accurate imaging solutions for emergencies as well as routine care settings, trigger the demand for CT scanners. For instance, in April 2023, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, the National Cancer Center Japan Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (NCC-EPOC), and the National Cancer Center Hospital East have started joint research and a clinical trial that aims to develop new diagnostic methods and investigate their clinical value by evaluating image data obtained using the Photon Counting CT (PCCT) system installed at EPOC.

Southern Japan Dominates the Japan Medical Imaging Market

Southern regions of Japan are notable for their dominance in healthcare resources and services. These areas, particularly the western districts, exhibit a higher concentration of hospitals and medical facilities compared to other regions. The southern prefectures have developed robust healthcare networks, which enhance accessibility and improve health outcomes for local populations. The workflow and financial stability in the region are capable of high expenditure on health services, as well as its penetration for the adoption of new X-ray imaging devices. Additionally, the existence of top research organizations and technology firms boosts the medical imaging market in the region; besides that, significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and technologies by the government as well as from the private sector are strengthening its market growth further. The impact of these, together with other factors, gives Southern Japan a dominant position in the medical imaging sector.

For instance, in April 2024, leading healthcare and sustainability entrepreneurs and investors converged in Okinawa for the inaugural "OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2024," a premier event designed to spotlight innovative startups and groundbreaking technologies in these critical fields. Hosted by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), the event aimed to foster connections, inspire collaboration, and drive investment in transformative solutions that address pressing global challenges.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025-FY2032F)

Japan's healthcare industry is the new favourite for AI start-ups. New artificial intelligence-based healthcare tools focus on how doctors determine whether cancer, influenza, and heart disease float across blood. Public-private collaborations are also encouraging the use of more AI healthcare tools by Japan's medical industry. In addition, the investment by Japan in the AI research and development sector along with governmental efforts to improve healthcare technology will help develop a conducive environment for medical imaging deployment of AI. For instance, in December 2022, Japan announced its initiative to accelerate the approval process for AI diagnostic imaging equipment and ease regulations on medical AI software. This move is part of the broader Society 5.0 program, which seeks to develop a society enriched by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance people's quality of life.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The Japan medical imaging market is quite competitive with a major number of players at local levels as well. Regulatory approvals of company products, mergers and acquisitions, and collaborations are the most common market strategies that have been observed in recent times.

In July 2024, a group of researchers from RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) has received regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for a novel AI-based ultrasound systems that supports in the fetal cardiac ultrasound screening.

In April 2023, EDAP TMS SA (EDAP), received Japan the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA) approval for commercialization of the ExactVu micro-ultrasound biopsy platform. The company is aimed to tap growing opportunities in the country, as Japan is second-largest market for novel medical technology platforms and rising prostate cancer patient population.