Japan’s nursing care costs reached ¥11.9 trillion in fiscal 2024, rising ¥424.2 billion year-on-year. Nursing care recipients increased to 5.73 million while preventive care recipients rose to 1.30 million. In-home care support remains the most utilized service.
Japan’s nursing care costs reached a record ¥11.9 trillion in fiscal 2024, rising ¥424.2 billion year-on-year according to Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare data. Nursing care expenses alone increased by ¥403.2 billion to ¥11.6 trillion, while preventive care for less serious conditions rose by ¥20.9 billion to ¥320.2 billion. The average cost per recipient was ¥206,300 for nursing care and ¥28,200 for preventive care. Since the nursing care insurance system’s introduction in fiscal 2001, total spending has increased 2.7 times. Regional variations exist, with Tottori prefecture recording the highest average expenditure at ¥229,900. The number of nursing care recipients increased by 1.1% to 5.73 million, while preventive care recipients rose 4.8% to 1.30 million. Women comprise the majority at 3.9 million recipients. In-home care support remains the most utilized service category.
