Recent Health Promotion Laws in Japan and Organizational Policies of the Yokohama Pharmaceutical Association

◾️ Measures against pre-symptomatic state and the Aging Society in Japan

　　In Japan, where the birthrate has been declining and the population aging in recent years, awareness-raising and countermeasures for pre-symptomatic state（mi-byo / 未病） are being promoted at the initiative of the government. Kanagawa Prefecture defines “mi-byo” as “a state of change between health and illness,” and has shown a commitment to promoting mi-byo measures based on the three elements of ① diet, ② exercise, and ③ social participation, with all generations being aware of pre-symptomatic state [1].

　　Such efforts by local governments are also being promoted throughout the country, with measures such as “Healthy Japan 21” by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and “Healthy Yokohama 21” by the City of Yokohama already in place. Healthy Yokohama 21 is a joint effort by the local government and residents to promote health with the aim of extending the healthy life expectancy of residents. These measures are based on the “Health Promotion Law,” and it is noteworthy that the legal foundation supports the development of these measures.

◾️ Significance and Features of the Health Promotion Law

　　The Health Promotion Law calls not only on the government to fulfill its obligations to the nation, but also on the citizens of Japan in matters related to health promotion. The law is unique in that it requires citizens to “deepen their understanding of and concern for the importance of healthy lifestyles and to strive to promote their own health throughout their lives.

　　In addition to the need to improve the quality of life (QOL), the growing concern over medical costs is driving social awareness toward disease prevention. This is why it is important for both the government and the people to work together to promote health in order to realize a sustainable society.

◾️ Initiatives of the Yokohama Pharmaceutical Association and Expansion of Public-Private Partnerships

　　In recent years, the activities of community pharmacists have been the focus of attention as the Health Promotion Law, “Healthy Japan 21,” and other measures have progressed. The Yokohama City Pharmacists Association promotes smoking cessation counseling through its smoking cessation support pharmacies, and also conducts “medicinal herb search walks” in collaboration with the Yokohama City Health and Welfare Bureau to support the health of local residents〔2〕〔3〕.

　　The role of pharmacists in working closely with local residents and providing health support in collaboration with the government will become increasingly important in the future. Continued attention will be paid to the activities of pharmacists in the community, the policies of pharmacists' associations, and the trends in health promotion measures by local governments and the government.

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［1] Kanagawa Prefecture, Improvement of pre-symptomatic state (for prefectural residents), updated Nov. 1, 2024, https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/cz6/me-byokaizen/index.html

［2] Yokohama City, Smoking cessation counseling at pharmacies (smoking cessation support pharmacies), Update: 2024.10.8, https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kenko-iryo-fukushi/kenko-iryo/kenkozukuri/tabako-health/note/kinen/k-06.html

［3] Yokohama Pharmaceutical Association, Activities -Medicinal Herb Exploration Walking, https://www.hamayaku.or.jp/activity/walking