Health Checkups in Japan: Kenko Shindan, Ningen Dock & Costs

Quick answer (30 seconds): Japan takes preventive health seriously, and there are three kinds of checkup to know: the annual "kenko shindan" your employer is legally required to provide full-time staff (basic and usually free to you); the "ningen dock", a comprehensive, paid screening (roughly ¥30,000–¥60,000+, not covered by insurance) you book yourself; and the "tokutei kenshin" for ages 40–74, offered through your insurer/municipality to catch lifestyle diseases. Major hospitals offer English support for these.

Disclaimer: General information, not medical advice. Contents, eligibility, and prices vary by employer, insurer, municipality, and clinic — confirm details before booking.

The three checkups

1. Kenko shindan (employer annual check)

If you work full-time in Japan, the Industrial Safety and Health Act requires your employer to provide an annual health check ("kenkō shindan"). The standard version ("ippan kenshin") typically includes:

Height, weight, blood pressure, vision/hearing
Blood tests (anemia, lipids/cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function)
Urine and stool tests, and a chest X-ray

It's basic but valuable, and usually free to you (the employer arranges it).

2. Ningen dock (comprehensive, paid)

The famous "ningen dock" goes much deeper — on top of the basics it can add abdominal ultrasound, ECG, lung function tests, stomach screening (barium or endoscopy), and more. It can take a half-day to a full day (some offer overnight courses).

Cost: roughly ¥30,000–¥60,000+ for a typical day course (simpler ~¥30,000; premium can exceed ¥100,000).
Not covered by public insurance — you pay out of pocket (some employers/insurers subsidize part).

3. Tokutei kenshin (specific checkup, 40–74)

The "tokutei kenshin" targets ages 40–74 and focuses on metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-disease prevention. It's offered through your health insurer or municipality, often at low or no cost — watch for the voucher/notice they send.

Which one do you need?

Employed full-time? You'll get the kenko shindan through work — just attend.
Want a deeper, proactive screening? Book a ningen dock (and check if your employer/insurer subsidizes it).
Aged 40–74? Use the tokutei kenshin from your insurer/municipality.

English support and booking

Major hospitals (e.g., Juntendo, St. Luke's, Tokyo Midtown Clinic) and dedicated screening centers offer checkups with English (or Chinese) support and international coordinators.
For a ningen dock, book ahead — popular slots fill up, and you may need to fast beforehand (they'll tell you).
Bring your insurance card, residence card, and any voucher from your insurer/municipality.

FAQ

1. Is a health check mandatory in Japan? Employers must provide an annual kenko shindan to full-time staff. You're expected to attend; it's usually free to you.

2. What's the ningen dock? A comprehensive paid screening (ultrasound, ECG, endoscopy, etc.), roughly ¥30,000–¥60,000+, not covered by insurance.

3. Is the ningen dock covered by insurance? No — it's out-of-pocket, though some employers or insurers subsidize part of it.

4. I'm over 40 — is there a special checkup? Yes, the tokutei kenshin (ages 40–74) via your insurer/municipality, focused on lifestyle-disease prevention.

5. Can I do a checkup in English? Yes — major hospitals and screening centers offer English support; book ahead and mention your language needs.