Medical innovations have been increasingly reliant on the pharmaceutical industry. Leading countries such as Japan exert enormous efforts and investment to sustain the demand for continuous progress in the field. Private companies do their share as well by augmenting their workforce, attracting employees around the world who can work in pharmaceuticals.
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Pharmacy Practice in Japan
Overview of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Japan
When it comes to the production and marketing of drugs used for medications, Japan is one of the top countries excelling in that industry. The Japanese government is prioritizing drugs' innovation to address the healthcare needs of the growing aging population while preserving its reputation in the medical industry.
According to CPhI (Convention of Pharmaceutical Ingredients), Japan is one of the most flourishing mature pharmaceutical companies globally, surpassing all of the European Nations and Korea, and is second only to the United States and China. A report from CPhI in 2018 also displays their massive GDP valuing up to $4.7 trillion (U.S. dollars) with a growth rate of 0.5 percent in their sales in just one year!
※ CPhI, "Japan Report 2018 - a big year for Japanese pharma," p.2
Japan Health Policy on Pharmaceuticals
A government organization in Japan, namely PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency), is assigned to oversee the medicinal drugs, ensuring its quality and efficacy by undergoing clinical trials. The PMDA would also review the drug's details and evaluate if it passes the standard for safe use and consumption.
Once the PMDA approves of the drug's sale, manufacturers must then apply for reimbursement pricing under the NHI (National Health Insurance) system. The NHI prices are based primarily on the MHLW's (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) Central Medical council on either those similar approved products existing on the market or based on the cost-based method for novel drugs with no similar approved products on the market.
Before applying as a pharmacist or to any related work in Japan, it is recommended to educate oneself on the specific rules and regulations in this industry.
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Employment & Qualifications
Responsibilities of a Pharmacist
If you are an aspiring pharmacist, you must be considering the several duties and responsibilities of the job. What does the pharmaceutical industry expect from a Pharmacist, especially in Japan?
The main line of work for pharmacists circulates around the field of handling medicinal drugs. Interpreting prescriptions from physicians, and subsequently preparing medications must be one of their areas of expertise. Also, they should be able to accurately do the tasks, ensuring that patients are given proper dosages of medication.
There are times when exercising judgment based on professional knowledge, and personal experience is needed, such as noticing that patients might be taking conflicting medicines. If questions from patients are raised, the pharmacist should respond, offering them pharmacological guidance.
The pharmacist also contributes to developing the hospital’s pharmacological knowledge by participating in clinical programs and conferences; training pharmacy staff, including medical students, interns, externs, and residents if they are assigned to a task in researching in the field of medicine.
A pharmacologist adheres to the rules set by the Japanese government, ensuring that infection-protocols are followed. They must also keep hold of the records for medicinal drugs, observing standard quality by removing damaged and expired products from the storage, compounding drugs, packing, tagging, and labeling them.
Pharmaceutical Qualifications, Requirements and Salary in Japan
Before an applicant is accepted to work in the pharmaceutical industry, strict qualifications and requisites must have complied. Here is a shortlist of some of the basic qualifications of what a company looks for an employee:
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
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Must be a graduate on a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, more preferably a Master’s Degree.
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Have a Japan Medical Services Visa
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Passed the national licensing examination in Japan after taking a 6-year pharmaceutical science course (note: the exam is only conducted in the Japanese language)
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Available to travel domestic and abroad.
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Fluent in the English and Japanese language to promote better interaction between colleagues and patients.
Pharmacist Qualification and Skills:
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Showcases critical thinking skill by assessing and evaluating the status of the research, addressing any problems that arise quickly and efficiently
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Focuses on the quality of the product rather than compromising quality for speed
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Displays great interpersonal skills to promote efficient, and peaceful contact with associates.
Salary
Based on the 2017 reports from the National Personnel Authority’s statistics office, a pharmacist's average income in Japan is around 6 million yen per year. The average monthly income is about 366,000 yen, excluding overtime and commuting allowances. Depending on the company, some pharmacists receive an additional 1.48 million yen bonuses that are usually given twice a year.
According to the recorded salary based on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Basic Survey on Wage Statistics, the average yearly income of a Certified and Professional pharmacist is more than 6 million yen while a hospital pharmacy director can earn more than 8 million yen per year.
※ Heikinnenshu, "Pharmacist annual income"
Some of the top companies in Japan to aim for when applying:
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Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.
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Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
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Astellas Pharma. Inc.
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Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.
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F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
Reminders!
Are you interested in working in Japan’s pharmaceutical industries? Well, before you rush and apply for one right now, it is important to take note of the following things.
Acquiring the right visa (Japan Medical Services Visa)
Before being qualified to practice medicine in Japan, one must first acquire the Medical Services Visa. This visa certifies that the person retaining it is eligible to work as a medical professional in Japan. Those who have obtained this visa, either via studying in Japan and acquiring a domestic Japanese qualification or those who acquired a foreign professional qualification and then obtained recognition from a relevant professional body in Japan, can then practice medicine in the country.
※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "Working Visa" ※ Embassy of Japan in the United States of America, "Work (Medical Service)"
Again, fluency in Japanese is a must. Especially when working in the medical service in Japan, it is more than recommended to get the education and degree in a Japanese university, as it may be a challenge to get the overseas degree approved as equivalent schooling as Japan’s to work in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry. And as you will have to take the national licensing exam in Japanese, it is not an easy task. But it’s there for people who are willing to put in the work.
Strict regulations on the practice
Pharmacists and physicians can adversely affect patient care, as well as the reputation of the medical profession. Physicians are expected to decide on the betterment of the patient detachedly. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry also focuses on its shareholders' financials by selling or promoting their products and out-competing rivals. This sometimes leads to a conflict of both medical professions on what brand to offer patients.
Due to this reason, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (JPMA) created the "Transparency Guideline for the Relation between Corporate Activities and Medical Institutions" to encourage complete transparency in pharmaceutical industry and physician relationships, instead of prohibiting them from interacting with each other. But of course, deciding on what to give will always be based on what the doctor prescribes, depending on the need of the patients.
Summary
Japanese pharmaceutical companies are willing to extend their hands to foreign workers, welcoming them to join their team for the endeavor of medical advancement! Are you one of those persons who are thrilled in the progress of medicine and up for the challenge? I bet you now feel inclined to take a step forward in joining Japan with their journey in the pharmaceutical industry. Start your promising career in Japan now!
