Japan Pharmaceutical Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Japan Pharmaceutical Market Report is Segmented by Therapeutic Category (Antiallergics, Blood and Blood-Forming Organs, Cardiovascular System, Dermatologicals, Genito Urinary System, Respiratory System, Sensory Organs, and Other Therapeutic Categories) and Prescription Type (Prescription Drugs (Branded Drugs and Generic Drugs) and OTC). The Market Size and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) for the Above Segments.

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Size

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2030
Base Year For Estimation 2024
Forecast Data Period 2025 - 2030
Market Size (2025) USD 95.87 Billion
Market Size (2030) USD 100.37 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2030) 0.92 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of Japan Pharmaceutical Market with other markets in Healthcare Industry

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Japan Pharmaceutical Market Analysis

The Japan Pharmaceutical Market size is estimated at USD 95.87 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 100.37 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 0.92% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Factors such as the rising geriatric population, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing R&D activities in the country are boosting the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in Japan.

The significantly high percentage of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and neurological diseases drive the market's growth. For instance, according to the article published by the National Library of Medicine in February 2023, the prevalence rates for various neurological conditions in Japan in 2022 were as follows: Parkinson's disease (PD) at 23.3%, epilepsy at 20.7%, stroke at 15.8%, dementia at 13.2%, immune-mediated neurological disease (IMMD) at 8.3%, spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) at 8.1%, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 3.9%, headache at 3.9%, and myopathy at 2.8%. Thus, the high percentage of people suffering from various disorders is anticipated to increase the demand for effective medicines, boosting the pharmaceutical market's growth.

As reported in an April 2023 article by the Japan Medical Association Journal, the overall prevalence of allergic diseases in Japan stood at 62.2% across all age groups. The specific prevalence rates for 2022 were: bronchial asthma (BA) at 14.7%, atopic dermatitis (AD) at 15.6%, food allergies (FAs) at 15.2%, allergic rhinitis (AR) at 47.4%, allergic conjunctivitis (AC) at 19.5%, metal allergies (MAs) at 1.9%, and drug allergies (DAs) at 4.6%. Thus, the high prevalence of allergies is anticipated to increase the demand for drugs to treat them, which may further fuel the growth of the Japan pharmaceutical market during the forecast period.

Japan's growing population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases significantly impact the country's pharmaceutical industry. For instance, according to the World Economic Forum updated in September 2023, Japan boasts a demographic in which over 10% of its populace was 80 years or above in 2023, solidifying its position as the nation with one of the most aged populations globally. In addition, as per the same source, nearly 1 in 3 Japanese citizens, equating to approximately 36.23 million people, were over 65 in the same year. This figure is expected to rise over the coming years, driving the need for more pharmaceuticals as aged individuals are more prone to various diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

However, government policies and drug pricing pressure are expected to hinder the market's growth during the forecast period.

Japan Pharmaceutical Industry Overview

The Japanese pharmaceutical market is fragmented and consists of several major players. Some prominent Japanese pharmaceutical companies are vigorously making acquisitions and joint ventures with other companies to consolidate their market positions in the country. Some key companies currently dominating the market are Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Otsuka Holdings (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd), Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Astellas Pharma Inc., and Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, which are among the top pharmaceutical companies in Japan.

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Leaders

  1. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

  2. Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

  3. Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

  4. Astellas Pharma Inc.

  5. Otsuka Holdings (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd)

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Japan Pharmaceutical Market Concentration
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Japan Pharmaceutical Market News

  • July 2024: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd signed an in-licensing agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche for in-licensing in vitro PI3Kα inhibitor involisib for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with PIK3CA gene mutations. This agreement granted Chugai exclusive development and commercialization rights for involisib in Japan.
  • January 2024: The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved the new Eylea 8 mg (aflibercept 8 mg) for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) based on positive results from clinical trials PULSAR and PHOTON.

Japan Pharmaceutical Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
    • 4.1.1 Healthcare Expenditure
    • 4.1.2 Pharmaceutical Imports and Exports
    • 4.1.3 Epidemiology Data for Key Diseases
    • 4.1.4 Regulatory Landscape/Regulatory Bodies
    • 4.1.5 Licensing and Market Authorization
    • 4.1.6 Pipeline Analysis
    • 4.1.6.1 By Phase
    • 4.1.6.2 By Sponsor
    • 4.1.6.3 By Disease
    • 4.1.7 Statistical Overview
    • 4.1.7.1 Number of Hospitals
    • 4.1.7.2 Employment in the Pharmaceutical Sector
    • 4.1.7.3 R&D Expenditure
    • 4.1.8 Ease of Doing Business
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increasing Burden of Chronic Diseases and the Aging Population
    • 4.2.2 Increasing R&D Activities in the Country
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Government Policies and Drug Pricing Pressure
  • 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value – USD)

  • 5.1 By Therapeutic Category
    • 5.1.1 Antiallergics
    • 5.1.2 Blood and Blood-forming Organs
    • 5.1.3 Cardiovascular System
    • 5.1.4 Dermatologicals
    • 5.1.5 Genito Urinary System
    • 5.1.6 Respiratory System
    • 5.1.7 Sensory Organs
    • 5.1.8 Other Therapeutic Categories
  • 5.2 By Prescription Type
    • 5.2.1 Prescription Drugs
    • 5.2.1.1 Branded
    • 5.2.1.2 Generics
    • 5.2.2 OTC Drugs

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Company Profiles
    • 6.1.1 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
    • 6.1.2 KAKEN PHARMACEUTICAL CO. LTD
    • 6.1.3 Otsuka Holdings (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd)
    • 6.1.4 Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation
    • 6.1.5 Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited
    • 6.1.6 Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited
    • 6.1.7 Astellas Pharma Inc.
    • 6.1.8 Meiji Holdings (Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd)
    • 6.1.9 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
    • 6.1.10 Shionogi & Co. Ltd
    • 6.1.11 Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd
    • 6.1.12 J PHARMA.CO. LTD
    • 6.1.13 Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
    • 6.1.14 Eisai Co. Ltd
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

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**Competitive Landscape Covers - Business Overview, Financials, Products and Strategies, and Recent Developments
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Japan Pharmaceutical Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of this report, pharmaceuticals are referred to as prescription and non-prescription drugs. These medicines can be bought by an individual with or without a doctor's prescription and are safe for consumption to treat various diseases. 

The Japanese pharmaceutical market is segmented by therapeutic category and prescription type. By therapeutic category, the market is segmented into antiallergics, blood and blood-forming organs, cardiovascular system, dermatological, genito urinary system, respiratory system, sensory organs, and other therapeutic categories. By prescription type, the market is segmented into prescription drugs and OTC. Prescription drugs include branded drugs and generic drugs. The market size and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for the above segments.

By Therapeutic Category Antiallergics
Blood and Blood-forming Organs
Cardiovascular System
Dermatologicals
Genito Urinary System
Respiratory System
Sensory Organs
Other Therapeutic Categories
By Prescription Type Prescription Drugs Branded
Generics
OTC Drugs
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Japan Pharmaceutical Market Research FAQs

How big is the Japan Pharmaceutical Market?

The Japan Pharmaceutical Market size is expected to reach USD 95.87 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 0.92% to reach USD 100.37 billion by 2030.

What is the current Japan Pharmaceutical Market size?

In 2025, the Japan Pharmaceutical Market size is expected to reach USD 95.87 billion.

Who are the key players in Japan Pharmaceutical Market?

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Astellas Pharma Inc. and Otsuka Holdings (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd) are the major companies operating in the Japan Pharmaceutical Market.

What years does this Japan Pharmaceutical Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the Japan Pharmaceutical Market size was estimated at USD 94.99 billion. The report covers the Japan Pharmaceutical Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Japan Pharmaceutical Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Japan Pharma Industry Report

The Japan pharmaceutical market, a cornerstone of innovation in global healthcare, is bolstered by a robust healthcare system, stringent regulatory standards, and a significant demand for medical breakthroughs. Driven by an aging demographic and a rise in chronic diseases, this market thrives on delivering cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions across various therapeutic domains, including cardiovascular, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. The market is characterized by its diverse segmentation, with prescription drugs for chronic ailments, over-the-counter medications for daily health needs, and generic drugs introduced as cost-effective alternatives under government initiatives. Key therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, antiallergics, and respiratory diseases are prioritized, highlighting the pressing health challenges faced by the populace. The competitive landscape sees Japanese pharmaceutical companies actively pursuing innovation, market expansion, and strategic collaborations to meet high patient care standards and adapt to market dynamics, ensuring the sector's continuous growth and contribution to global health advancements. For detailed insights, Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports provide comprehensive analysis, including market share, size, revenue growth rate, and a forecast outlook, available as a free report PDF download.