Interested in becoming a pharmacist in Japan? Pharmacists hold an important role in Japan’s healthcare system. Learn how to become a pharmacist in Japan in this article.
First Published: 2020-10-26
Updated: 2024-06-10
Table of Contents
- Role of a Pharmacist in Japan’s Healthcare System
- How to Become a Pharmacist in Japan
- Pharmacist Licensing Examination in Japan
- Pharmacist Salary in Japan
- Find Jobs in Japan with WeXpats
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
Role of a Pharmacist in Japan’s Healthcare System
Pharmacists, called 薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi) in Japanese, are a vital part of Japan’s healthcare system. Apart from the traditional responsibilities of dispensing prescription medication, pharmacists in Japan’s other responsibilities include:
- Medication Counselling and Advisory
- Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
- Medication Management and Review
- Clinical Pharmacy Services
- Community Health and Education
- Regulatory and Administrative Roles
- Research and Development
- Emergency and Disaster Response
- Professional Development and Education
Read more about how to receive healthcare when sick in Japan in this article. A helpful step-by-step guide to getting medical care in Japan is included.
Writer's Pick
How to Become a Pharmacist in Japan
To become a pharmacist in Japan, you must have completed the necessary education and pass the pharmacist national exam in Japan.
Study a Pharmaceutical Course in Japan
In Japan, there are two routes to complete your education in pharmaceuticals:
- 6 Years Pharmacist Training Course (薬剤師養成課程) at University
- 4 Years University Education with Pharmacy as a Study Subject + 2 Years Graduate School (with specific subjects to take)
After which, you need to take the national examination to become a pharmacist in Japan. The first route is the more straightforward and specialised course to become a pharmacist.
Study a Pharmaceutical Course Overseas
It is certainly possible to complete your education overseas before taking the national examination to become a pharmacist in Japan. However, keep in mind that the national examination will be conducted in Japanese, and not knowing the industry terminology in Japanese will be a huge challenge.
It is not possible for foreign licensed pharmacists to practise in Japan. You will have to sit for the national examination to become licensed and practice in Japan as a pharmacist.
※ MHLW, “薬剤師国家試験”
Pharmacist National Examination in Japan
The pharmacist national examination is called 薬剤師国家試験 (Yakuzaishi Kokka Shiken). It is held once a year over a weekend in major parts of Japan. Apart from specialised pharmaceutical knowledge, examinees are also tested on laws and ethics.
Those who are eligible to sit for the national examination include…
- Graduates from a regular pharmacy course at a recognised university
- Graduates from foreign pharmaceutical universities
- Foreign licensed pharmacists
- Graduates from graduate school in pharmacy
Those who wish to take the examination are recommended to apply by post to the relevant office of administration for the national examination. Pay attention to what documents are required as well as the deadline for applications.
After passing the examination, registration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s register of pharmacists is required to practise as a pharmacist in Japan.
For more information, check the MHLW’s page here and look for「薬剤師国家試験 (Yakuzaishi Kokka Shiken)」. Details include examination date, examination venues, eligibility criteria, and application information. Results of examinations can also be confirmed.
Pharmacist Salary in Japan
The average annual income of full time pharmacists in Japan is around 5.8 million yen a year. As for part time staff, the average hourly wage is around 2,400 yen nationwide.
Factors that affect a pharmacist’s salary in Japan include experience, location and type of facility. There are several prefectures in Japan whose average pharmacist’s income is higher than the nationwide average. For example, the highest average salary for pharmacists is recorded to be in Miyagi Prefecture at 7 million yen a year, followed by Kumamoto Prefecture at 6.8 million yen a year.
Additionally, workplace is also an important factor for salary. Pharmacists working in pharmaceutical companies can earn up to 6.6 million yen a year, while pharmacists in hospital pharmacies earn up to 5.4 million yen a year. Other types of facilities pharmacists work at include dispensaries (up to 5.9 million yen a year) and drug stores (up to 5.9 million yen a year).
Find Jobs in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including the medical field. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Our career advisors support and help you prepare your resume and practice job interviews with you. Clearly communicate your strengths to the hiring company.
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We will handle communication with companies on your behalf, such as arranging interview dates and negotiating conditions. And thereby reducing your stress and time spent.
Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
