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)