Vol. 1 | How Should We Think About Women's Health in Japan? A Gentle Explanation of the Current State of Women's Health and Femtech

Estimated reading time: Approximately 4 minutes

Hello. Welcome to Dr. Amina’s Guide.

Hello.
I'm Amina Sugimoto from fermata.

Why am I, a public health specialist, in the Femtech and Femcare field?
And why did I decide to start "Dr. Amina's Guide" now?

Today, I’d like to briefly explain the background.

This series is not
“a place to provide the correct answers,”
nor is it “a place to introduce products.”

It is a place where you can understand your body with peace of mind and composure.
And based on that understanding, you can learn about methods and options that suit you,
and find accurate, reliable information.

I hope to create such a space.

Is Japan really "behind"?

When discussing women's health,
we sometimes hear the phrase, "Japan is behind."

However, I don't believe that's true.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal and infant mortality rates are among the lowest globally, and it is said to be one of the safest countries in the world for giving birth.

Access to obstetricians and gynecologists is also relatively good.
While some countries require waiting several weeks for an appointment, in Japan, you can often be seen relatively quickly.

The number of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy is also very comprehensive by global standards.

Furthermore, screenings for women-specific cancers like cervical and breast cancer
can be accessed frequently with municipal subsidies.

And now, there's a growing trend to incorporate women's health items
into corporate health checkups.

In other words, Japan is by no means indifferent to women's health.
Rather, the institutional support is very substantial.

Yet, why does "confusion" arise?

So why is there still some bewilderment and confusion regarding topics such as
menstruation, menopause, urinary incontinence, and sexual discomfort?

It's not because we are "behind,"
but perhaps because the focus of support is slightly different.

Systems for pregnancy, childbirth, and cancer screenings are well-established.
However, daily fluctuations in physical condition and discomfort that aren't clearly diagnosable illnesses
tend to remain personal.

Also, Japan is said to have a "high-context culture."
It's a society where things can be understood without being explicitly stated.

Therefore,

We endure without explicitly saying "it's tough."
We manage without clearly stating "we're in trouble."

Perhaps that has become natural.

This is not a weakness; it's a culture.
However, you don't have to silently bear physical changes.

That's what I believe.

Common Misconception: Is this a "special topic"?

Women's health is sometimes treated as a special issue.

However, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy
are natural changes that occur throughout life.

It's not difficult because it's special;
it's precisely because it's an everyday matter that it tends to be put off.

You don't deal with your body only when it's broken.
You deal with it as it changes.

It's also not something that can be simply divided into normal or abnormal.

That's why, in this Guide,
without inciting anxiety, yet without being ambiguous,
we will together cultivate a "state of understanding."

The small gap between systems and options

In Japan, products are classified into categories such as
"medical devices," "quasi-drugs," and "miscellaneous goods."

This difference affects:

• What expressions can be used
• The time required for approval
• The hurdles to market entry

This is an important system for ensuring safety.

However, some common overseas products may not easily gain traction in Japan.
As a result, there are situations where people feel "there are people who need it, but the options are limited."

It's not that the system is inadequate, but that the structure is different.
Just knowing this background can bring a calmer perspective.

What fermata aims for

fermata is not a company that sets aside women's health as something special.

Rather, it is a company that ensures women's health can be naturally and securely integrated into daily life.

Building upon Japan's well-established institutional foundation,
we aim to add a little more ease of choice and understanding.

Our role is to translate overseas products to fit Japanese systems and culture,
create an atmosphere where people can comfortably talk through collaborations with companies and local governments, and
develop pathways within e-commerce where people can learn and choose.

Finally

Thinking about your body can sometimes take a bit of courage.

But for starters, just knowing is enough.

Japan is by no means behind.
There are many aspects where it is protected.

Therefore, on top of that, we will further refine "understanding" and "options."

May this Guide be a place where you can face your body with peace of mind.

Next: We will organize "What is Femtech?" as simply as possible.