#024 - HealthTech and MedTech in Japan

Author

Quinn Borders
May 19, 2024

WHAT ARE
Japan’s HealthTech and MedTech Opportunities

Looking for opportunities in the intersection of technology and healthcare in Japan can open up a world of possibilities.

Whether you’re into medical device development, telemedicine, healthcare IT, or digital health startups, Japan’s evolving HealthTech and MedTech sectors offer diverse roles.

Let’s break down the landscape into four main points to guide you through the available opportunities.

Medical Device Development

Japan is a global leader in medical device development, offering numerous opportunities for tech professionals.

Companies like Terumo, Olympus, and Fujifilm are at the forefront of creating cutting-edge medical technologies.

Roles in this sector often include software engineering, hardware design, and systems integration.

With Japan’s aging population driving demand for advanced medical devices, professionals with skills in IoT, AI, and data analytics are particularly sought after.

The focus is on creating devices that are not only innovative but also reliable and user-friendly, making this a promising field for those with a blend of technical and problem-solving skills.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has seen a significant boost, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Platforms like Medley and LINE Healthcare have gained traction, offering remote consultation services and digital health solutions.

Job roles in telemedicine range from mobile app development and backend infrastructure to cybersecurity and user experience design.

The goal is to enhance accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery, making it crucial to have professionals who can ensure seamless integration and robust security of these platforms.

As the telemedicine industry continues to grow, so does the need for skilled tech professionals who can keep up with the rapid pace of innovation and regulatory requirements.

Healthcare IT

Healthcare IT is another booming field in Japan, focusing on the digital transformation of hospitals and clinics.

This includes everything from electronic health records (EHR) systems to hospital management software.

Companies like Nihon Kohden and Philips Japan are investing heavily in IT solutions to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Tech roles in this sector include system administrators, database managers, and network engineers.

Familiarity with healthcare regulations and standards, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), is often required, making this a specialized yet rewarding area of tech.

The implementation of advanced IT systems aims to streamline healthcare operations, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Digital Health Startups

Japan’s startup ecosystem is vibrant and growing, especially in the digital health sector.

Startups like CureApp and Ubie are pioneering new technologies to tackle health challenges through AI-driven solutions and mobile health applications.

Working in a startup environment offers the chance to wear multiple hats and contribute to groundbreaking projects.

Roles in these startups often include data scientists, AI specialists, software developers, and product managers.

The dynamic nature of startups also means faster career progression and the opportunity to work on diverse projects.

For those who thrive in fast-paced, innovative environments, digital health startups in Japan provide a platform to make significant impacts in healthcare technology.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
RevComm - AI-Powered Voice Transcription

Company Mission
“As everything in the world becomes more and more visible,

Voice communication has been left behind.

RevComm uses voice technology and AI to eliminate friction in communication,

We are creating a society where people can better communicate their thoughts and feelings.”

Useful links

NEW TECH NEWS
Northern Lights spotted over Hokkaido after solar flares erupt

After several massive solar flares that caused the show to be seen all across the world, skywatchers in Hokkaido were treated to the unusual pleasure of watching the Northern Lights.

Around 8 p.m. on May 11, a faint reddish glow, commonly referred to as the aurora borealis, was seen in the north-northeastern sky over Oumu, Hokkaido.

Only the red upper section of the aurora is visible in low-latitude locations like Japan, where the green lower component of the aurora is frequently obscured beneath the horizon.