A Changing Mindset

Indeed, times are changing in Japan. The new administrative measures we are seeing now by the authorities had never even been discussed in the past. However, Japanese citizens have been much more vocal in the media about their criticisms regarding the fact the most advanced drugs and medical devices aren’t being used in Japan—even though they are in use in other leading countries. Other countries also are taking note of the “drug lag” or “device lag” phenomenon occurring in Japan and making their criticisms known.

These growing voices obviously have had an effect on Japan’s government, which is changing its stance and trying to bring the advanced medical technology into the Japanese market more quickly. Hopefully, these measures will not end up only impacting the government’s “selected” or “prioritized” devices, but also will spread to evaluation for all devices.

Yoshio Mitsumori is the president and CEO for Tokyo-based ADMIS, a consultant specializing in the medical device industry. He has more than 25 years of experience in the medical industry, including positions with the Itochu Corp., U.S. Surgical, National Medical Enterprises and Century Medical. A member of RAPS, he has spoken at many industry events and worked extensively in international trade of medical products and technologies. He can be reached at [email protected].