Event Detail

ACCJ is honored to welcome as speaker Ms. Yoko Komiyama who spent 742 days in 2010-2012 as Cabinet Minister and as Vice Minister of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Based on her recently published book of memoirs, Ms. Komiyama will reflect on her experiences promoting health and innovation in this exclusive luncheon for ACCJ members. She will also explain her views for the outlook of health policy as Japan faces the double challenge of rising medical fees and pensions payments for its super aging society and keeping it massive government debt under control.

During the 742 days she spent leading the Ministry of Health, Ms. Komiyama was closely involved in introducing many ground breaking policies. For example, medical reimbursement fees in Japan were increased in 2010 and 2012 to maintain healthcare quality for Japan's aging society after being severely cut in 2006 and 2008. The Ministry redoubled efforts to reduce the drug lag and device lag and ensure Japanese patients have access to the world's latest treatments with ambitious programs to cut product approval times in half. The government extended an important new drug pricing system to reward investment in innovative drug development and created a new price premium for innovative medical devices. The Ministry also launched new disease detection and prevention programs, with a special focus on breast cancer and cervical cancer screening, public funding for vaccines, and Japan's first-ever numerical targets for reducing smoking rates by 40 percent.

Ms. Komiyama's advice for future policy makers includes implementation of measures to foster innovation in the health sector, implementing comprehensive tax reform and taking more advantage of women in the workforce (a treasure trove of talent). A graduate of Seijo University and a former NHK TV Newscaster, Ms. Komiyama served in parliament five terms as a member of the Democratic Party of Japan. She retired from politics in late December but will continue to wield considerable influence behind the scenes. She will be happy to sign copies of her recently publish book of memoirs after the question and answer session.

Venue: Tokyo American Club, Manhattan (B2)

Note 1: Consecutive interpretation will be provided

Note 2: This meeting is ON THE RECORD


Healthcare Committee
William Bishop, Chair
R. Byron Sigel, Vice-Chair

Government Relations Committee
Arthur Mitchell, Chair
C. Lawrence Greenwood, Jr., Vice-Chair