ERIA and Medical Excellence Japan Advance Japan–India Healthcare Collaboration

Tokyo/Online, 27 July 2026: ERIA, in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ), successfully co-organised the Medical Excellence India Research Debriefing in Tokyo, bringing together approximately 160 participants both onsite and online.

The event convened representatives from the Embassy of India in Japan, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Indian government agencies, healthcare institutions, industry leaders, and private-sector stakeholders. It provided a platform to strengthen Japan-India collaboration in healthcare innovation, technology transfer, investment, and sustainable healthcare development.

Opening the event, Dr Sarah Krull Abe of ERIA highlighted the shared commitment of India and Japan to advancing healthcare innovation and improving access to high-quality healthcare by combining Japan's technological strengths with India's clinical expertise. Mr Mitsunori Fukuda of METI and Ms Debjani Chakrabarti of the Embassy of India in Japan likewise reaffirmed the importance of closer bilateral collaboration to support healthcare innovation and sustainable development. The opening session also featured remarks by Mr Shailendra Kumar Bhatia of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Dr Gaurav Kaithwas of the Uttar Pradesh Promote Pharma Council (UPPPC).

Research Debriefing

The research debriefing opened with a presentation by Mr Chihiro Kono of Frontier Management Inc. (FMI), who shared findings from a joint study with Nomura Research Institute (NRI) on high-potential opportunities in India's healthcare market and successful models of Japan-India collaboration.

The study identified promising opportunities in senior care, antibiotics, and advanced medicine, while also highlighting barriers to market entry, including financing constraints, research and development (R&D) capacity, and healthcare infrastructure. Mr Kono outlined practical approaches for Japanese companies to develop business models tailored to India's healthcare market, with potential for subsequent expansion into ASEAN.

Dr Shubnum Singh of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) presented India's growing strengths in healthcare human resources, clinical expertise, pharmaceuticals, health technologies, and advanced oncology services. She also highlighted increasing investment in digital health and mid-market healthcare, emphasising the importance of identifying suitable local partners and adopting effective market-entry strategies.

Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussion

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Naresh Trehan of CII and Medanta - The Medicity highlighted opportunities for deeper Japan-India collaboration through joint manufacturing, collaborative R&D, and more resilient healthcare supply chains.

Mr Shinnosuke Tokumoto of MEJ and SMBC Nikko Securities presented an overview of market opportunities for Japanese healthcare companies in India, emphasising the importance of building long-term partnerships that align commercial opportunities with healthcare needs. Mr Jagmohan S. Chandrani of the Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan (ICIJ) shared perspectives from the Indian business community in Japan.

The event continued with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Kenji Shibuya of MEJ, featuring Mr Masakazu Toyoda (MEJ, Space One Inc., and the Japan Economic Foundation), Mr Tokumoto, Mr Bhatia, Dr Kaithwas, and Mr Aman Parnami (TMI Associates).

The discussion explored priority areas for future collaboration, including advanced medical device manufacturing, joint R&D, technology transfer, AI-enabled diagnostics, digital health, and workforce development. Panellists also highlighted the importance of robust legal frameworks for collaborative projects, stronger partnerships across government, industry, and healthcare institutions, and resilient healthcare supply chains.

Participants further discussed challenges facing Japanese companies entering the Indian healthcare market, including regulatory complexity, market-based pricing systems, and differences in business culture and commercial practices.

Closing the event, Dr Shibuya emphasised that successful long-term collaboration depends on a strong mutual understanding of each country's policy environment, business practices, and institutional frameworks. An onsite networking session followed, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore future partnerships in healthcare innovation and investment between India and Japan.