What are the annual health check-ups in Japan?

Modified on: Thu, 23 Oct, 2025 at 10:37 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Are Statutory Health Examinations?
What Do the Health Check-Ups Include?
Who Needs to Take the Exam?
Where Can You Get Checked?
Who Covers the Cost?
How Does the Process Work?

What Are Statutory Health Examinations?

In Japan, annual health check-ups,known as Houtei/Ippan Kenko Shindan, are legally required for all employees under Article 66 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. Employers must ensure these examinations are conducted and properly recorded to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

These check-ups aim to detect health issues early, especially those that may be linked to working conditions.

The exam is mandatory.
It is required once a year.
Results are personal, and can be used as needed.
Submission to the employer is legally required for both employees and employers.

What Do the Health Check-Ups Include?

The statutory examination covers a wide range of tests, including:

Review of medical and work history
Assessment of subjective and objective symptoms
Measurements: height, weight, abdominal circumference, vision, and hearing
Chest X-ray
Blood pressure check
Anemia test (hemoglobin and red blood cell count)
Liver function tests (GOT, GPT, gamma-GTP)
Blood lipid profile (LDL, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides)
Blood glucose test
Urinalysis (sugar and protein levels)
Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

Who Needs to Take the Exam?

New Employees: Must complete a health check within 3 months before or after their start date.
Existing Employees: Must complete the exam once per year and submit the results to the company.

Where Can You Get Checked?

Horizons is enrolled with Kyokai Kenpo (Japan Health Insurance Association). Employees are encouraged to book their health check-ups at one of the approved Kyokai Kenpo clinics across Japan. You can find a list of these institutions here.

Who Covers the Cost?

Employers covers the full cost of the legally required health check-up items. If you choose to add optional tests beyond the statutory scope, you’ll need to pay the additional fees yourself.

How Does the Process Work?

Step 1: Book Your Appointment

Schedule 3 months in advance.
Clinics may require cash payment.
You can choose a clinic outside your residential area.
You can find a list of clinics/centers here.

Step 2: Attend Your Health Check

Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Results: Delivered to your postal address in 2–4 weeks

Step 3: Submit Your Results

During onboarding: Share results with your onboarding specialist.
After onboarding: Email results to support@joinhorizons.com

Step 4: Follow-Up (If Needed)

If your results suggest further testing or treatment, please follow medical advice.

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