IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration
Living Well in JAPAN
Japan is steeped in rich wellness traditions enhanced by a natural environment that encourages living well in its many forms. Japan’s wellness culture is deeply rooted in traditions such as onsen (hot spring bathing), shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), and Zen practices that emphasize harmony between mind, body, and nature. Such traditions have been practiced for centuries and continue to play an important role in modern wellness.
Japan’s geology provides abundant natural hot springs, while forests cover roughly two-thirds of the country. Extensive mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and long coastlines create exceptional settings for restoration and outdoor activity. Distinct seasonality is embedded into traditional culture, shaping its cuisine and customs. Japanese cuisine emphasizes freshness, balance, seasonality, and locality, reflecting a close connection between food, nature, and everyday wellbeing. Cultural practices such as tea ceremonies and Japanese martial arts emphasize mindfulness and harmony. The concept of what makes a life worth living – ikigai – along with a lifestyle of healthy eating, natural physical activity, and social connections, have been credited for the longevity of the centenarians in Japan’s Blue Zone.
JAPAN KEY FACTS
Population
124,516,650 (2023)
Life Expectancy for Men
81.1 years (2022)
Life Expectancy for Women
87.1 years (2022)
Example Modalities
Forest Bathing (“shinrin-yoku”)
Onsen Culture
Zen Mindset
Learn more about this partnership:
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JAPAN WELLNESS ECONOMY REPORT
This country report is the first detailed measurement of the size of Japan’s wellness economy, presenting data on its eleven wellness sectors. The report shows the trajectory of the wellness economy from 2019 to 2022, and subsector details where data are available. It also contains global and regional comparisons to show where Japan stands vis-à-vis its peers and competitors. This report and its data will be valuable for any businesses and investors who are interested in the opportunities and potential offered by Japan’s dynamic wellness market.
WELLNESS ECONOMY BY SECTOR IN JAPAN
The wellness economy, as defined by GWI, is broad and diverse. Its eleven sectors encompass many different types of consumer activities and expenditures, including products, services, travel, and technology. Every country’s wellness economy is unique. Its composition can vary widely from country to country, based on its development history, culture, socioeconomic conditions, and government policy. Below we present Japan’s top-line wellness economy data and how it ranks globally.
2022 Japan Rankings out of 218 countries
KEY WELLNESS EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN
Wellness travelers are drawn to Japan for its unique combination of deep cultural heritage and spirituality, healthy cuisine, serene nature, and attentive hospitality, all woven into holistic wellness experiences that are unlike any other. Neighborhood sento bathhouses and “onsen towns” make mineral-rich thermal bathing widely accessible and communal, while a culinary focus on fresh produce and fish, as well as fermented foods like miso and mirin, supports nutrition and digestive wellness.
The wellness economy of Japan is increasingly focused on proactive wellness over reactive treatment, including wellness retreats combining Japanese tradition with modern medicine. A recent emphasis on slow travel and sustainable tourism has encouraged travelers to shift away from the well-worn “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, toward authentic experiences such as the traditional crafts of Kanazawa, the snowy streets of Hokkaido, and the mythological heritage of Awaji Island.
J-Beauty is well-established with internationally renowned and innovative companies, which leverage Japan’s beauty traditions and the latest technologies to create products that emphasize natural, functional, nontoxic, and sustainable ingredients for better skin, sun protection, and anti-aging. Japan also cultivated Zen as a philosophy of living, making the country the ultimate destination to experience mindfulness.
OTHER GWI RESOURCES & REPORTS FOR JAPAN
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration
The Global Wellness Institute is grateful to Conceptasia for supporting the development of this country report and making its important Japan-specific data available to the world.
Conceptasia was formed over two decades ago to consult with spa and hotel brands to develop and launch wellness offerings within the Asian market. The company has offices in Tokyo and Singapore and was founded by Yoriko Soma and Suzanne Ng.
Fukui Wellness Collaboration is an organization focused on developing wellness tourism offerings in the Fukui Prefecture region, including Eiheiji City, where the sacred Temple of Eternal Peace is located. Visit the Fukui Website. Visit the Conceptasia Website.
