hiv travel japan

With Gift Aid, your generous donation of £ 10 would be worth £ 12.50 at no extra cost to you.

I am a UK taxpayer and I understand that if I pay less Income and /or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in the relevant tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

In our 35th year we’re asking people to donate £35 – that’s just £1 for every year we’ve been providing life-changing information. Any donation you make helps us continue our work towards a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health or happiness.

• £5 allows us to reach millions of people globally with accurate and reliable resources about HIV prevention and treatment.
• £10 helps us produce news and bulletins on the latest developments in HIV for healthcare staff around the world.
• £35 means we can empower more people living with HIV to challenge stigma with our information workshops, videos and broadcasts.

Travel restrictions for people with HIV

• A number of countries restrict the entry and/or residence of people with HIV.
• Tourism or business trips are generally possible, even in countries with entry bans.
• Long-term restrictions related to work or study permits are strictly enforced.
• Undetectability is never taken into account.

Some countries limit entry for people with HIV. However, the number of countries restricting travel by people with HIV has reduced in recent years. Short-term trips usually have fewer restrictions and checks may be less consistently carried out. The rules tend to be more strictly enforced for longer-term stays, such as those requiring a work visa.

Can I travel if I am living with HIV?

Yes. Many countries clearly state that your HIV status will not affect whether you can visit, stay, or work. Most countries do not require any type of medical tests for short-term or long-term stays.

However, there are still some countries which do limit entry for people living with HIV. A small number of these have an entry ban. This means that if you travel to these countries and you are living with HIV, you might not be allowed to enter.

In other countries, restrictions only apply to longer stays. You might be allowed to enter for a short time (such as for a holiday), but not be allowed to work or live there. In these countries, you may have to take an HIV test or declare your HIV status when applying for a visa or residency permit. In some cases, you might not be asked for information about HIV, but if you are found to have HIV you could be deported (made to leave).

Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are complex and they change from country to country.  Not all countries have specific immigration laws relating to HIV, but declaring your HIV status can still sometimes cause issues. 

Travel restrictions apply even if you have an undetectable viral load. 

Which countries have HIV travel restrictions?

This page has general guidance on current regulations across different continents, based on information from the website www.hivtravel.org . This is provided by Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe, the European AIDS Treatment Group and the International AIDS Society.

Please note that the regulations may have changed since the time of writing. Before you make any travel plans, including to live or work abroad, we recommend you check the www.hivtravel.org website for up-to-date details by country. There is also a feedback form for those who need additional advice or have information to improve the site.

North America

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to North America.

In the US, people entering with prescription medication, including HIV medication , need to carry a doctor’s certificate in English, stating that the drugs are required to treat a personal condition.

Find out more: Travelling with HIV medication

In Canada, you have to take an HIV test if you plan to stay for more than six months. All long-term visitors are assessed in terms of how much ‘excessive demand’ they might put on the Canadian health service. A cost of more than CA$24,057 a year is considered ‘excessive’, but the cost of many publicly funded HIV medications is less than this amount.

Central and South America

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to Central and South America.

There are restrictions on long-term stays in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. In Paraguay, for example, those travelling to the country because they want to apply for permanent residency have to take an HIV test. A residence permit won’t be granted if the test is positive, unless you can pay for your treatment yourself.

For Aruba, Belize, Nicaragua, and Suriname, the regulations are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to the Caribbean.

Cuba, the Dominican Republic, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, and the Virgin Islands all have restrictions on long-term stays. For example, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, work permits are not renewed in the case of a positive HIV test result and HIV-positive foreigners have no access to treatment and services.

In the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines, regulations are unclear or inconclusive. No information is available for Bermuda. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Sub-Saharan Africa

There are generally few restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to sub-Saharan Africa. However, in Equatorial Guinea, you may have to present an HIV test certificate. If you are HIV positive you might be refused entry or deported.

The following countries have restrictions on long-term stays: Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sudan.

Regulations are unclear or inconclusive in Angola and there is no information available for São Tomé and Prinicipe. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

North Africa and the Middle East

Most of the countries that restrict entry based on HIV status are in North Africa and the Middle East.

Living with HIV may mean you are not allowed to enter Jordan, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen, even for a short stay. However, there are no restrictions if you’re passing through Dubai in transit as an airline passenger.

Countries with restrictions, or potential restrictions, on long-term stays include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Tunisia. Almost all these countries will also deport people based on their HIV status.

Note that regulations are unclear or inconclusive in Iran, Qatar, and Tunisia. You are advised to contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Western, northern and southern Europe

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to western, northern, or southern Europe.

In Cyprus, people from outside the EU who are applying for a temporary residence permit have to prove they don’t have HIV before a permit will be issued. However, this rule doesn't apply to diplomatic personnel and high-ranking company employees.

Central and eastern Europe

In Russia, no HIV testing is required for short-term tourist stays (up to three months), but foreign residents found to be HIV positive are expelled. You are required to present a negative HIV test result for a stay longer than three months, or if you are using a multi-entry visa.

"Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are complex and they change from country to country."

In Bosnia and Azerbaijan, there are restrictions on long-term stays, and in Slovakia, people from outside the EU applying for a temporary residence permit have to prove they don’t have HIV before one is issued.

In Hungary, you have to report your HIV status when applying for a residence permit. However, being HIV positive can’t be used as a reason for denying your permit application.

Central Asia

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan all have restrictions on long-term visits, but the rules are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to east Asia.

China used to ban short-term visitors with HIV, but it doesn’t anymore. However, the website www.hivtravel.org recommends that you don’t declare your status on visa application forms. It also advises that you should be careful with voluntary status declarations, such as wearing red ribbons. An HIV test is required for work and study visa applications of more than six months. However, Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry and visa regulations without any restrictions.

The only country in east Asia that deports people because of their HIV status is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

South and south-east Asia

There are generally few restrictions on entry and short-term stays for people living with HIV travelling to south and south-east Asia.

However, people living with HIV are not allowed to enter Brunei and people who are found to be HIV positive can be deported. In Bhutan, you have to present the results of an HIV test that was taken in the six months before your visit if you want to stay longer than two weeks. People who test positive may be deported.

In the Maldives, Malaysia, and Singapore there are restrictions on longer-term stays.

The regulations in Malaysia and Sri Lanka are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies prior to travelling for guidance.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to Oceania. The exceptions to this are the Solomon Islands, where entry may be denied on the basis of HIV status, and the Marshall Islands, where HIV testing is required for temporary visitors staying more than 30 days.

In Australia, all long-term visa applicants over the age of 15 have to take an HIV test. For those under 15, an HIV test might also be carried out if you have a history of blood transfusions, your mother is living with HIV, or there is a medical sign that you might be living with HIV.

Long-term visa applicants who have any long-term health condition, including HIV, are considered according to how much they might cost the Australian health system. Information on this can be found on the Australian government’s website.

In New Zealand, people with HIV are assessed on a ‘case by case’ basis. If you are living with HIV and in a ‘long-term stable relationship’ with a New Zealand citizen, you will be granted an automatic medical waiver. This means your HIV status isn’t considered as part of your application for a visa or residency permit.

The following countries also have restrictions on long-term stays: Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

In the Solomon Islands and Tonga, the regulations are unclear or inconclusive. For French Polynesia and Kiribati there is no information available on travel restrictions relating to HIV status. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Can I travel into a country with entry restrictions?

If you’re living with HIV and you decide to travel to a country that does have entry restrictions you may be refused entry or deported. Some countries will offer waivers that let you visit in certain circumstances, such as if the trip is to visit family members, but they can be difficult to get.

Travel restrictions for people with HIV can change quickly and so they need to be checked before any trip. In countries where restrictions have been recently changed, you should take extra caution discussing your HIV status.

If you’re living with HIV you might have travelled into a country when a travel ban was in place. In this case, it’s important to know that there is still a risk of being deported even if the travel ban has now been lifted. This could happen if there was proof you knew your HIV status and still entered the country. In this case, you could be deported for breaking the law.

Can I travel with PrEP medication?

We are not aware of any countries that ban people who are travelling with PrEP. However, most countries limit the amount of prescription medication you can travel with. Usually, you will be able to take enough medication for up to a three-month stay. But should always check the rules for the countries you are travelling to and from, as some have stricter rules. It’s usually a good idea to bring your prescription with you .

If a country has entry restrictions for people with HIV, travelling with PrEP might cause problems. This is because customs officials might think the medication is for treating HIV. In extreme cases, it could even mean you are deported (made to leave the country). A letter from your doctor explaining PrEP is for HIV prevention might help.

Other useful information

When you contact an embassy or consulate to ask about travel restrictions, you can keep your name or HIV status anonymous. For British Overseas Territories, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website is a good place to start.

It may be helpful to contact an HIV organisation in the country you are travelling to and ask them for information.

There is more information about accessing HIV services and medication in some European and central Asian countries on the Stay on ART website.

You might also find the following pages useful:

• Travelling with HIV medication
• Travel insurance for people with HIV
• HIV and travel
• HIV criminalisation laws around the world

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthy Aging
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Which Countries Restrict Travel to People With HIV?

It was only in 2010 that the United States finally lifted its 22-year ban on travelers with HIV , a law that prohibited all infected persons from obtaining tourist visas or permanent residence status in the U.S.. The order, initiated by George H.W. Bush in 2008, was made official by Barack Obama on January 4, 2010.

While efforts are being made to end similar laws throughout the world, the Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions (a joint European initiative published by the International AIDS Society) reports that as of 2023, 56 out of 200 countries are known to have entry regulations for people living with HIV, and seven of these countries will categorically refuse entry without exception. In some of these countries, entry may be allowed, but there are restrictions depending on the length of stay. For example, 54 countries have restrictions on stays over 90 days (student and work visas); whereas less than 10 countries have laws that can affect travelers visiting for less than 90 days (tourists). Furthermore, 18 of these countries will deport visitors discovered to have HIV.

HIV Travel Restrictions in Practice

It is important to note, however, that there is often a lack of clarity about these laws, with some either not addressing HIV directly (describing only "infectious disease" concerns) or not enforcing the laws all that stringently, if at all. As such, the assessments provided below are couched in terms that best reflect whether an action "will," "can" or "may" take place.

Similarly, there is a lack of clarity about the import of antiretroviral drugs —whether the drugs are allowed for personal use; how much can be brought in if they are permitted; or if possession of such constitutes the right to deny entry.

For these reasons, it is advised that you always speak with the consulate or embassy of any of the listed destinations if you plan to visit.

Countries With Restrictions for People Living with HIV

Algeria (>90 days)

Aruba (>90 days)

Australia (>90 days)

Azerbaidjan (>90 days)

Bahrain (>90 days)

Belize (>90 days)

Bhutan (>2 weeks)

Bosnia Herzegovina (>90 days)

Brunei (no entry, will deport)

Cayman Islands (>90 days)

China (>90 days, will deport)

Cuba (>90 days)

Cyprus (>90 days)

Dominican Republic (>90 days)

Egypt (>90 days, will deport)

Equatorial Guinea (no entry, will deport)

Honduras (>90 days)

Iran (>90 days)

Iraq (>10 days, possible deportation)

Israel (>90 days)

Jordan (no entry, will deport)

Kazakhstan (>90 days)

Kuwait (>90 days, will deport)

Kyrgyzstan (>60 days)

Lebanon (>90 days, will deport)

Malaysia (>90 days, will deport)

Marshall Islands (>30 days)

Mauritius (>90 days)

Montserrat (>90 days)

Nicaragua (>90 days)

North Korea (will deport)

Oman (>90 days, will deport)

Papua New Guinea (>6 months)

Paraguay (>90 days)

Qatar (>1 month, will deport)

Russia (>90 days, will deport)

Samoa (>90 days)

Saudi Arabia (>90 days, will deport)

Seychelles (>90 days)

Singapore (>90 days)

Slovakia (>90 days)

Solomon Islands (no entry, will deport)

St. Kitts and Nevis (>90 days)

St. Vincent and Grenadines (>90 days)

Sudan (>90 days)

Suriname (entry restrictions)

Syria (>90 days, will deport)

Tonga (>90 days)

Tunisia (>30 days)

Turks and Caicos Islands (>90 days)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) (no entry, will deport)

Uzbekistan (>90 days)

Virgin Islands (>90 days)

Yemen (no entry, will deport)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Medical examination of aliens—Removal of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from definition of communicable disease of public health significance. Final rule . Fed Regist.  2009;74:56547–56562.

The Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions. Regulations on entry, stay and residence for PLHIV .

By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD Dr. Sifris is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. Myhre is a journalist and HIV educator.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory January 8, 2024

Japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Duration of intended period of stay. Please note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above subject to declaration

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Tokyo  1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-3-3224-5856 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe 2-11-5, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan Telephone: 81-6-6315-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-6-6315-5914 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Naha 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan Telephone: 81-98-876-4211 Emergency Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-98-876-4243 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Sapporo Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821, Japan Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Fax: 81-11-643-1283 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. All assistance at the Consulate General Sapporo is by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Fukuoka 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052, Japan Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-92-713-9222 [email protected] Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Routine services are provided by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Nagoya Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001, Japan Telephone: 81-52-581-4501 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-52-581-3190 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Emergency services are provided by U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Japan for information on U.S-Japan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Japan  website for the most current visa information.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Entry & Exit:

• You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
• "Visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.
• Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current information on all visa categories.
• Japanese immigration officers may deny you entry if you appear to have no visible means of support. 
• All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry. Exceptions to this requirement include diplomatic and official visa holders, minors, and individuals covered under SOFA Article IX.2. For further information about landing procedures, please visit the  Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website . 
• Make sure your passport is valid. Note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it. Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry into Japan if you attempt to do so. If you have reported your passport lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport before travel.

Transiting Japan: 

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date before you leave the United States. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may deny you boarding for transit if you do not have the required travel documents for an onward destination in another country or if your passport does not have six months of validity remaining. For the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to, visit the  State Department's Country Specific Information  website.

Military/SOFA Travelers:  While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan. Please consult the  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide  before leaving the United States.

See  the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website  for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Japan. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For police services in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance services, dial 119.

Crime:  Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. In addition:

• Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink can occur, especially in nightlife districts.
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and victims may be randomly targeted.  Victim's assistance resources or shelters are difficult for foreigners to access.
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race.
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports.
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan, as Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas. 
• In instances involving credit card theft or fraud, Japanese police often provide a report number rather than a police report.  You can provide this report number to your credit card company to confirm the incident with the police.

Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. 
• Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs slipped into drinks. 
• Drink spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has led to robbery, physical and sexual assaults, and credit card fraud.  Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations.
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues so that they will pay exorbitant bar tabs or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATMs and robbed, or made to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal syndicates. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams. 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from overseas. Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000 (011-81-3-3224-5000 from overseas).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and/or
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Contacting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services:  You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110. Fire and ambulance services can be contacted by dialing 119.  Note that English-speaking dispatchers may not be available. Please review advice on  “Calling for Help” on our  website . If you need assistance, you should be able to describe your address/location in Japanese or find someone who can do so, since few police officers speak English.

Domestic Violence:  Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

Tourism:  The Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Japanese law while you are in Japan. If you violate Japanese laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. If you are arrested in Japan,  even for a minor offense , you may be held in detention without bail for several months or more during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Some offences are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of Japanese law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The vast majority of arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses. Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers and users, including recreational users with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, blood tests, “stop and frisk” tactics, and other methods. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Please note that some drugs which may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan, including marijuana and synthetic drugs, remain illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.  Japanese law makes no distinction between medical and recreational marijuana; therefore, having a prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal medical or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine. Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages, and individuals who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.   

Confiscation of Prescription Drugs and Other Medication:  It is important to note that some medications that are routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall and marijuana, are strictly prohibited in Japan. The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available and do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients. Please see more  information on importing medicines  into Japan.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

It is illegal to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to fines of several thousands of dollars, and in some cases, re-entry bans as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders. For additional information, please see  Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  and contact the  Japanese Embassy  or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.

Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Establishing a Business : Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

A  list of English-speaking lawyers  located throughout Japan is available on our  website .

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See the Department of State’s webpage  and the Embassy’s  website  for additional information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Japan.

Laws governing rape, sexual commerce, and other activity involving sexual relations do not apply to same-sex sexual activity. This leads to lower penalties for perpetrators of same-sex rape and sexual assault and greater legal ambiguity surrounding same-sex prostitution.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Japanese disability laws require the public sector to provide reasonable accommodations and the private sector to make best efforts in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other services; however, there are no penalties for noncompliance. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Although Japan’s accessibility laws mandate that new construction projects for public use include provisions for persons with disabilities, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems. Note that many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. Information on travel in Japan for travelers with disabilities is available at  Accessible Japan .

Travelers with disabilities can learn more about resources available in country from the Japan National Tourism Organization’s  traveling with a disability page .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  U.S. citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities, food portions can be significantly smaller than what many may be accustomed to, and access to specialized medical care, particularly mental health care, at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited. Additional  information on arrests in Japan  is available on our embassy website.

Customs Regulations:  Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in the United States, or  visit the Japanese Customs website  for specific information regarding import restrictions and customs requirements.

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet in order to temporarily import professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and trade fairs into Japan.  For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or  email the U.S. CIB  for details.

Pets:  The Japanese  Animal Quarantine Service  (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan. Advance planning is critical. You can find more information about  importing a pet into Japan  or information about  exporting a pet from Japan  on our  Embassy website.

Employment Issues:  U.S. citizens should not come to Japan to work without having the proper employment visa arranged ahead of time. Teaching English, even privately, and serving as hosts/hostesses are both considered "work" in Japan and are illegal without the proper visa.

Some U.S.-based employment agencies and Japanese employers do not fully or correctly represent the true nature of employment terms and conditions. A minimum requirement for effectively seeking the protection of Japanese labor law is a written and signed work contract. If there is no signed contract, Japanese authorities are not able to act on behalf of foreign workers. If you are coming to Japan to work, carefully review your contract and the history and reputation of your Japanese employer before traveling to Japan. Complaints against U.S.-based employment agencies or recruiters may be directed to the  Better Business Bureau  or the Office of the Attorney General in the relevant state(s).

Disaster Preparedness : Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. See the  Embassy’s  webpage for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency. The Japan Tourism Organization’s  Safety Tips app  and  NHK World app  provide Japanese government emergency “J-Alerts” to your cell phone in English through push notifications. “J-Alerts” can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before an earthquake hits. 

Radiation: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant : The Government of Japan continues to closely monitor the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. You should comply with all travel restrictions and cautions put into place by the Government of Japan for areas surrounding the plant. For more information, contact the  Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority .

For police service in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance, dial 119.

Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept inbound patients unless they can provide proof of funds to pay for services.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Travelers should contact Japanese local health providers to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here on the Embassy website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Japan.
• Review the Government of Japan’s  English language website  on COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States. 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers in Japan only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan may require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

U.S.-style and standard psychological and psychiatric care can be difficult to locate outside of major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care can be very difficult to obtain.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.

Traffic Laws : Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan, and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the  NPA English website . Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the  Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site . See  the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.

Emergency Assistance : For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.

International Driving Permits (IDPs):  An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. Embassy andU.S. consulates do not issue IDPs. IDPs issued via the Internet and/or by other organizations are not valid in Japan. 

Foreign residents in Japan who use an IDP may be fined or arrested. In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan and is determined by the police. In short, a driver license from country outside Japan is not a substitute for a valid Japanese license for foreign residents. See the U.S. Embassy’s  website  for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Japan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Japan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  in the Alerts section of the Embassy’s messages. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website portal  select “broadcast warnings.”

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Japan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

HIV-related travel restrictions

• Press release
• Personal stories
• Infographic

• AIDS Q&A
• PRIVACY POLICY

Everybody may have a certain risk of HIV infection and AIDS.

Men with japanese nationals account for 80%. nearly 70% of hiv/aids cases was reported as infection among men who have sex with men., everyone may have chance of getting infected with hiv regardless of age..

• In Tokyo, HIV infected cases in their 20s and 30s account for the largest proportion of all cases.
• In Tokyo,AIDS cases in their 30s and 40s account for the largest population of all cases.
• It is reported that some cases have developed symptoms of AIDS in their 20s.

*HIV-infected cases are referred to as people who are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). *AIDS cases are referred to as people with a weakened immune system caused by HIV infection who are susceptible to pathogens with which they do not usually become infected and have developed various diseases.

The number of reported syphilis cases was the second highest ever. It has increased in both young and working-age men and women.

• Syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex and kissing.
• Syphilis causes painless sores or ulcers even if symptoms develop. Sometimes there may be no signs and symptoms.
• Patients with syphilis won’t acquire immunity to prevent another syphilis infection and can have it repeatedly.
• You may become infected through contact with the skin that is not covered by a condom.

Preventable

HIV transmission can be prevented. When used correctly, condoms are effective to protect from HIV transmission.

It is important to be tested for HIV infection.

You will develop AIDS if you don’t receive any treatment after infected with HIV. You may not find any signs and symptoms for several years or sometimes more than decades even after getting HIV. Thus, the only way to check your HIV status is to be tested. Even if you are infected, progression to AIDS can be prevented if treated early. It is important to be tested in a timely manner. HIV/AIDS is everyone’s problem. Please take action for yourself instead of seeing it as someone else’s problem. In Tokyo, anonymousfree testing is available at local health centers and HIV voluntary counseling and testing offices.

This website was developed with cooperation from the research project, Developing a multilingual model toward improving access to HIV testing and medical services, funded by Health and Labor Sciences Research Grants.

Copyright © Tokyo Metropolitan Government All rights reserved.

FEATURE:Life goes on with HIV in Japan,but health care shortcomings persist

Hiroto Okui's HIV diagnosis took him completely by surprise. "I never thought it could happen to me. I didn't know what to do," he says. The Tokyo native said it marked the beginning of an extremely difficult period.

Now aged 52, Okui recalls how shocking it was to find out, in the summer of 2016, that he had tested positive. He did not know much about HIV, having only a vague impression it was a "scary disease."

He is among the 33,537 people in Japan living with HIV or AIDS as of the end of 2021, according to a health ministry committee that analyzes the virus' trends in the country.

With Thursday, Dec. 1 being World AIDS Day, campaigns are taking place in municipalities across Japan to raise awareness of the disease, which killed 650,000 people worldwide last year, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Key populations -- gay men and men who have sex with other men, sex workers and their clients, people who inject drugs, and transgender people and their sexual partners -- accounted for 70 percent of global HIV infections in 2021, according to UNAIDS.

Fortunately, modern treatments allow Okui to live a regular and healthy life. But as a gay man who had only come out to a handful of people by 2016, his diagnosis led to a period of self-stigmatization.

Over time, after realizing others were living happily and openly about their sexuality and status, the IT worker says he overcame that self-stigma and gained the courage to do the same.

While he appreciates that his own experience getting treatment has been relatively smooth, Okui said problems with the current system impact other HIV patients.

HIV treatments are subsidized down to 30 percent under Japan's health insurance system, "but remain expensive," Okui says.

Patients can obtain disability certification and apply for further support to reduce the costs, making them a maximum 20,000 yen ($144) a month, and in some cases provided for free, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

But to qualify, patients must prove that they are under a certain CD4 white blood cell count, which can decrease as the viral load of HIV grows in the body.

People who do not have low enough numbers, such as those who have recently been infected, are forced to wait until their CD4 count falls to a level deemed eligible for medication.

Joel Anderson, 32, is familiar with the experience.

Like Okui, the Australian living in Tokyo was diagnosed in 2016, but said when he went to get treatment, he was asked to wait until his CD4 count was low enough.

It was like being told, "We're going to wait until your immune system is compromised," he said.

Anderson did not begin receiving treatment until around nine months later.

Kota Iwahashi, head of the Tokyo-based nonprofit organization Akta, which works to raise awareness of HIV, said approaches taken in other countries, like same-day treatment after diagnosis, are yet to be seen in Japan.

"For many living here, it causes a lot of stress and is a massive problem," the 39-year-old said.

Iwahashi also said that some foreigners with HIV in Japan, rather than wait to receive treatment, would periodically return to their countries to get medication or have it delivered by courier.

But in early 2020, the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic would complicate matters further.

With flights grounded and Japan's borders effectively closed off to the rest of the world, Iwahashi said Akta and other similar organizations received numerous consultations from people seeking help.

"Some only had a week's worth of medication left," Iwahashi said, adding that the situation continued for nearly two years between 2020 and 2021.

Meanwhile, Japan is unlikely to formally approve preventative drugs that could be key to eliminating HIV among men who have sex with men, or MSM, according to a study published in May by both Chinese and Japanese researchers, including Iwahashi.

According to the article in the scientific journal The Lancet, HIV among MSM in Japan could be eliminated by 2032 if just 10 percent of the group used PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, along with a moderate increase in other measures like testing, condom use and a minor reduction in the number of sexual partners.

PrEP is free if certain conditions are met in countries like the United States and Britain. But in Japan, only generic brands not covered by health insurance are legally available.

According to the website of Private Care Clinic Tokyo, a medical center focusing on sexual health in the capital, a three-month supply of PrEP pills, to be taken daily, costs 22,000 yen. Meanwhile, PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, taken in cases of potentially high-risk exposure to HIV, costs 77,000 yen.

Clinic director Yoshitomo Kobori said the country's conservative government is unlikely to approve PrEP nor proactively recommend it to groups like the MSM community anytime soon.

Kobori added that the high price of PrEP discourages some people, who instead opt to order generic brands from abroad. He stressed that regular testing is also essential.

As for those living with HIV and AIDS, Kobori said it is now "like having high blood pressure. If you take your medication every day, you won't die," while the virus is not transmittable through sex if a person's viral load is so low it is undetectable.

Meanwhile, Anderson says his male partner, who he has known since before his diagnosis, has been "super supportive" throughout his whole experience. They plan to go to Australia this month, where same sex-marriage is legal, to get married.

"The slogan 'U equals U,' or undetectable equals untransmittable, began being used around the time I was diagnosed," Okui says, meaning he did not need to give up on sex or romantic relationships.

These days, Okui has a new lease on life. "Even though I went through such a difficult time, being able to get to this point has been a precious experience."

Dec 1, 2022 | KYODO NEWS

As war rages on, Ukrainian Refugees ready for long-term stay in Japan

Apr 23, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

FEATURE: Domestic strawberry producers of "Warring States" eying new breeds

Apr 19, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Cherry blossoms forming heart shape drawing tourists to Japan park

Apr 25, 2018 | KYODO NEWS

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - April 13-19

Japanese actress reports giving birth in online streaming.

May 1, 2019 | KYODO NEWS

More from Feature

FEATURE: Capturing the cormorants that do cormorant fishing

Apr 18, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

FEATURE: Tokyo ramen shop created close-knit community shown in film

Apr 13, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - April 6-12

Apr 12, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

South Korean President Yoon's leadership to be tested in general election

Apr 10, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

FEATURE: Muslims in Japan serve up curry for quake-hit Noto residents

Apr 7, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Subscribe to get daily news

To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription.

* Something went wrong

Please check your inbox for a confirmation email.

If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit.

Thank you for reaching out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

• About UNAIDS
• Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026
• United Nations declarations and goals
• UNAIDS governance
• UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board
• Results and transparency portal
• UNAIDS Cosponsors
• UNAIDS ambassadors and global advocates
• UNAIDS leadership
• UNAIDS evaluation office
• UNAIDS ethics office
• UNAIDS transformation
• Community pandemic response
• Education Plus Initiative
• Global alliance to end AIDS in children
• Equal access to cutting edge HIV technologies
• Save lives: Decriminalize
• Global council on inequality, AIDS and pandemics
• Resources and financing
• War in Ukraine
• Global HIV Prevention Coalition
• Global Partnership to Eliminate Stigma and Discrimination
• COVID-19 and HIV
• 2025 AIDS targets
• AIDS and SDGs
• Community mobilization

Fast-Track cities

• H6 partnership
• HIV prevention
• HIV treatment
• Human rights
• Key populations
• Private sector and the AIDS response
• Security and humanitarian affairs
• Social protection
• Universal health coverage
• Young people
• Press centre
• Publications
• Infographics
• FAQ on HIV and AIDS
• World AIDS Day
• Zero Discrimination Day
• Latest data on HIV
• Data on key populations
• Laws and policies
• HIV financial resources
• Technical Support Mechanism
• Learn about HIV and AIDS
• Take action
• Become a donor
• Investment Book

A rainbow of hope for LGBTQI+ people in rural Japan

17 May 2023

For many years Mami taught at a state school in Kanazawa, Japan.

For many years Mami taught at a state school in Kanazawa, Japan. When she started transitioning and dressing in a less masculine way, her colleagues and supervisors frowned upon it. Finally, she was fired.

As a transgender woman in a small, conservative city, Mami struggled to find another job and felt very isolated. “When a friend invited me to work at the Kanazawa Rainbow Pride community centre, I was happy to have a place where I was accepted,” she said.

Founded in 2022, the Kanazawa LGBTQI+ centre is in a 150-year-old tea house in what was the city’s former Samurai marketplace. The sliding panels allow for a variety of configurations depending on gatherings. Mami and her friend, Kennosuke Okumara, Head of the Kanazawa centre’s secretariat, were serving tea and coffee in the open bar kitchen to visitors.

“Before I worked in Tokyo but I returned to my native city,” Mr Okumara explained. “The problem was that there were and are no options for gay people here,” he said.  Mr Okumara lives with HIV and laments the fact that HIV and LGBTQI+ issues are still taboo. “There is so little information, it is a shame and I am here to share my experience and share more awareness,” he said.

Mixing a green tea in a small cup with a bamboo whisk, Mr Okumara in his apron paused and looked at Mami. “This is a safe space for all here,” he said.

Diana Hoon, the centre’s co-President called the centre a beacon of hope. “We are like a lighthouse in a very conservative, patriarchal society,” she said. Showing off the many pamphlets and flyers varying from knowing one’s HIV status to the Pride parade in the city to books about coming out in the makeshift library, Ms Hoon said that the centre not only was attracting more people, they also had 10 volunteers helping out... many of whom are mothers.

"Our parent seminars about LGBTQI+ have had a lot of impact,” she said. “People share stories about their children and a connection is made.”

As a Singaporean living with another woman who is originally from Kanazawa, Ms Hoon feels like she is doing her part to provide a lifeline for people and push for more acceptance.

“Among our many priorities we do HIV awareness as well as advocate for gender neutral toilets, gender neutral school uniforms and most importantly marriage for all, which does not yet exist in Japan,” she said. She also hopes that within five years they can add a shelter to house LGBTQI+ people.

In her mind there have been incremental steps. “Transgender people have been more outspoken of late and we have LGBTQI+ champions among the community,” she said.

Such a role model is Gon Matsunaka, Founder and former President of the Pride House Tokyo consortium and the Director of the Marriage for All movement in Japan. A former advertising executive for one of Japan’s top firms, Dentsu, Mr Matsunaka hid his sexuality for decades. “For me there was no future in my rural hometown, so I left for Tokyo,” he said. He then studied in Australia, worked in Tokyo as well as New York City and ultimately left his firm.

He came out as gay in 2010 and fixated on providing a community centre in Tokyo. The Olympic Games seemed like a golden opportunity.

The COVID pandemic struck, putting a lot of projects on hold but Mr Matsunaka and his team did not give up.

“In May 2020, survey after survey revealed that LGBTQI+ youth felt unsafe at home or they had lost touch with people, this really motivated me,” he said. He had secured 15 sponsors for a temporary LGBTQI+ safe space during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, called Tokyo Pride House. With the postponing of the Games however, the centre was cancelled.

The team persuaded the sponsors to shift their funding and create a permanent space. Years after the Olympics, Tokyo Pride House still stands proud within walking distance of the popular queer-friendly Shinjuku area in Tokyo.

In Kanazawa, Mr Matsunaka had linked up with Ms Hoon to start a Pride parade in 2021. Out of that success came the idea of a community centre.

Mr Matsunaka is particularly proud that the prefecture (city district) contributed half the funds to the Kanazawa Nijinoma centre. The rest was a result of crowdfunding.

Beaming in the Tokyo Pride House surrounded by rainbow flags, he said, “I never dreamed of this and never imagined it could be possible especially in a small city like Kanazawa.”

In his mind, women have been key. “Women have 2 nd rank to men especially in rural areas like Kanazawa, so they have been our greatest allies to change the patriarchal mentalities,” he said. “Mind you we have a lot more work ahead, but I only want to go forward not backwards."    

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphopia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), UNAIDS stands in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community. We must unite and celebrate diversity; a society where everyone, no matter where they live or whom they love, is able to live in peace and security; a society where everyone can contribute to the health and well-being of their community.

Related: UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalise homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all

Discover which countries criminalize key populations

Save lives: decriminalize

UNAIDS and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan bolster collaboration to end AIDS

26 November 2020

TOKYO/GENEVA, 26 November 2020 —UNAIDS and the National Center for Global Health

TOKYO/GENEVA, 26 November 2020 —UNAIDS and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) in Japan are joining forces to end AIDS in Japan. The two organizations today signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the response to HIV and sexually transmitted infections ahead of and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to promote the Fast-Track cities initiative to end AIDS by 2030.

“This new partnership further strengthens the long-standing cooperation between UNAIDS and Japan,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Japan’s strong leadership and commitment to global health, at a time when the world is fighting COVID-19, is highly commendable and we look forward to working together closely on responding to the colliding pandemics of HIV and COVID-19.” 

Japan has been firmly engaged in the global AIDS response for many years. In 2000, Japan introduced infectious diseases on the agenda of the Group of Eight summit in Okinawa, paving the way for the establishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Japan remains a strong supporter of the Global Fund and is one its leading donors.

“This partnership will enable communities and health-care providers to work together in the response to HIV, sexually transmitted infections and COVID-19,” said Shinichi Oka, the Director of the AIDS Clinical Center of NCGM.

Through the memorandum of understanding, UNAIDS and NCGM will promote awareness of HIV, including HIV prevention, during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are due to open in Tokyo in July 2021. The games, which usually draw millions of people, were scheduled to take place in 2020 but were postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.

UNAIDS and NCGM will also be working together to promote the Fast-Track cities initiative, which supports cities and municipalities to take transformative action to ensure equitable access to HIV services and to reduce stigma and discrimination.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .

Resources and financing for the AIDS response

UNAIDS thanks Shinzo Abe for his years of commitment to the AIDS response and to global health and development

01 September 2020

As the Japanese Prime Minister steps down, UNAIDS recognizes Shinzo Abe’s contribution to glo

As the Japanese Prime Minister steps down, UNAIDS recognizes Shinzo Abe’s contribution to global health, notably to universal health coverage

GENEVA, 1 September 2020 —UNAIDS commends Shinzo Abe for his significant contribution to global health during his tenure as Prime Minister of Japan. Japan has been a longstanding partner of UNAIDS and is one of the leading investors in the AIDS response. Under Mr Abe’s leadership, Japan has supported programmes focused on key populations across Asia and has invested in projects such as the Kenya HIV Situation Room, which is using cutting-edge technology to provide high-quality data about Kenya’s HIV epidemic.

Upon Mr Abe’s appointment as Prime Minister in 2012, Japan was already a prominent voice in global health and development, having introduced the issue of infectious diseases to discussions at the Group of Eight Kyushu-Okinawa summit in 2000. Those discussions contributed to the creation of the most important public–private mechanism for financing the AIDS response, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Building on Japan’s engagement in health and development, Mr Abe launched Japan’s Strategy on Global Health Diplomacy in 2013. The strategy focused on promoting universal health coverage and mobilizing Japan’s knowledge and expertise to contribute to realizing a world where everyone has access to basic health-care services at an affordable cost.

It was thanks to the leadership of Angela Merkel and Mr Abe that universal health coverage was on the agenda of the Group of Seven summit in 2016. Japan also hosted the Group of Twenty summit in Osaka in 2019, where the first joint Group of Twenty finance and health ministers meeting was held to discuss sustainable health financing to achieve universal health coverage.

Mr Abe was also a strong voice at TICAD (the Tokyo International Conference of African Development), promoting development, peace and security in Africa through the strengthening of relations in multilateral cooperation, under the principles of African ownership and international partnership.

UNAIDS wishes to thank Mr Abe for his commitment and leadership in global health and development and wishes him good health and the very best for the future.

• Read more about countries_japan_stories

Japan hosts major conference on financing the response to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria

17 December 2015

Japan hosted the Fifth Replenishment Preparatory Meeting of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberc

Japan hosted the Fifth Replenishment Preparatory Meeting of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) on 16 and 17 December, which laid the groundwork for a pledging conference in mid-2016 at which donors will finalize the Global Fund’s next three-year funding cycle.

The participants included Japan’s Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida, health ministers from several countries, Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Luiz Loures, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS.   

”We have an unprecedented opportunity in the next five years to break the AIDS epidemic,” said Mr Loures. “If we scale up care, treatment and prevention services and create an environment where people have full access to them we will be on course to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.”

On the eve of the meeting, Japan also organized a conference on universal health coverage in order to evaluate the financial systems and funding required by countries to promote access to affordable health care and medicine. Universal health coverage is key to ending the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, which are fuelled by poverty, stigma and discrimination.

Japan has been one of the leading investors in the AIDS response, supporting programmes focused on key populations across Asia and investing in projects such as the Kenya HIV Situation Room, which is using cutting-edge technology to provide high-quality data about that country’s epidemic.

While he was in Japan, Mr Loures also visited PLACE Tokyo, which provides community-based services related to HIV and sexual health, including consultation services for people living with HIV.

“The role of communities remains as critical as ever in addressing the realities, needs and challenges of people living with HIV in Japan,” said Mr Loures. “I congratulate PLACE Tokyo for the work they are doing to support people living with HIV, their partners and family members.”

The world meets to discuss disaster risk reduction at high-level UN conference

17 March 2015

Disasters are an increasing threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the

Disasters are an increasing threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the globe and can have a profound impact on social, economic and health outcomes. Participants at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place in Sendai, Japan, are discussing how to promote a sustainable development agenda addressing risk and supporting greater resilience for countries and communities.

The high-level meeting, which is taking place from 14 to 18 March, is being attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, several heads of state, a number of UN heads of agencies and more than 100 ministers. It also includes some 8000 delegates from government, civil society, the private sector and donor agencies, as well as tens of thousands of members of the public attending the various public forums.

A broad array of issues are being debated over the five days, ranging from how to cope with emergency disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis, to reducing the risks of epidemics, such as Ebola, bird flu and HIV. Emphasis is being placed throughout on providing practical solutions to protect the most vulnerable. There is also a recognition that efforts to achieve key development, economic and health goals cannot succeed when disasters continue to erode progress and cost hundreds of billions of dollars a year globally. 

UNAIDS has a significant presence at the conference and is co-organizing, with WHO, UNFPA and UNISDR, a number of official events, including a day-long public forum on protecting people’s health from disaster risks.

A dominant theme across these events involves showcasing how risk reduction in the post-2015 development agenda can draw on the experience, lessons learned and successes of the AIDS response. The importance of mobilizing vulnerable communities, putting them at the centre of disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery and rehabilitation efforts, is being highlighted, along with the need to foster effective shared accountability. Mainstreaming health interventions across risk management programmes is also a prominent message. 

A post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, which will govern this area for the next 15 years, will emerge from the conference. Health is fully embedded in the current framework, with particular mention of pandemics and epidemics. A Sendai Declaration will also be adopted reaffirming political commitment to strengthen efforts and cooperation for disaster risk reduction worldwide. 

"The bottom line is that resilience can never be produced in isolation—we need to bring actors together and provide the means for multisectoral coordination based on a “whole of society approach”.

Helena Lindberg, Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency

“Communities are the foundation stone for global disaster resilience. Lessons of preparedness and recovery from disasters and epidemics, including HIV and Ebola, demonstrate that people and communities succeed when placed at the centre of decision-making and action.”

Steve Kraus, Director, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific

“Strengthening health systems must go hand in hand with community strengthening and resilience. This is where the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers come in, putting people at the centre, accompanying communities to address their needs and building on their norms, values and knowledge.”

Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

“In the 10 years since Hyogo, governments have increasingly recognized that healthy people are resilient people and that resilient people recover much more quickly from emergencies and disasters.”

Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director General for Emergencies, World Health Organization

“Health and well-being underpin resilience, which is something a disaster risk reduction framework cannot succeed without. This is why health is such an essential component of the post-2015 framework.”

Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, New Zealand

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

Sendai Declaration

Resolution on stakeholders’ voluntary commitments

Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

First Lady of Japan to champion ending AIDS

18 February 2014

The First Lady of Japan Akie Abe has made a personal commitment toward ending AIDS.

The First Lady of Japan Akie Abe has made a personal commitment toward ending AIDS. In her first official solo visit as First Lady, the spouse of Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe attended the UNAIDS and Lancet Commission meeting in London on the 13-14, February 2014.

At the meeting Mrs Abe delivered a moving speech about how she came to understand the toll of the AIDS epidemic through her travels and through her work in Japan.

She was especially struck by the discrimination and stigma that people living with HIV face—the difference between a hug and keeping people at arm’s length. “A mere one meter that is the gulf so deep that continues to trap us all with unjustifiable discrimination toward people living with HIV,” she said.

She concluded her intervention by promising to work the rest of her life on ending AIDS by “amplifying the voice of the voiceless”. 

The UNAIDS and Lancet Commission: Defeating AIDS – Advancing global health, convened by Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet , is co-chaired by Malawi President Joyce Banda, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Director Peter Piot.      

As part of the Commission ’ s efforts to provide a framework for informing how to address AIDS and health in the context of the post-2015 development agenda, dialogues have been held across regions, bringing together diverse perspectives to inform the discussions of the Commission’s London meeting. The final recommendations will be compiled in a comprehensive report which will be published in the medical journal The Lancet .

TICAD V: First Ladies highlight importance of continued commitment to getting to zero

04 June 2013

First Ladies from across Africa joined the First Lady of Japan Akie Abe at a symposium entitled ‘

First Ladies from across Africa joined the First Lady of Japan Akie Abe at a symposium entitled ‘Let’s talk about AIDS: Africa and Japan’s Shared Challenges’ during the opening day of the Fifth Tokyo Conference on Africa Development (TICAD V) held in Yokohama, Japan, from 1-3 June. The session assessed progress made and areas for intensified action on HIV. Participants underlined how continued commitment on AIDS and united responses across nations are critical to achieving the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Panellists stressed the need for Japan and African nations to share experiences and build on progress together, putting at the centre of the AIDS response the respect for rights of people living with HIV and the involvement of young people.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Management and Governance, Jan Beagle highlighted progress made in Africa under the leadership of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) and stressed the importance of investing in women and girls.

TICAD V concluded with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration 2013 and the Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017 that included the promotion of human security, emphasis on the empowerment of women and youth, support for African initiatives for peace and stability, and the recognition and promotion of the role of the private sector through public-private partnerships.

I thought HIV was an issue far away from home, but then I met people including women and children living with HIV and learned that the issues were relevant also in Japan. I realized that we must tackle the epidemic together.

First Lady of Japan, Akie Abe

The African Union Roadmap on shared responsibility and global solidarity for AIDS, TB and malaria, reviewed by the recent African Union Summit meeting, is an example of political commitment at the highest level that has made such advances possible. We are still faced with challenges – not least high levels of stigma and discrimination that persist in all parts of the world – but combined efforts will yield the greatest results.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Management and Governance, Jan Beagle

We have seen enormous progress in the last decade, thanks to African leaders including OAFLA and with the cooperation of Japan. We now have the scientific means to defeat HIV, TB and malaria.

Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Mark Dybul

Former UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot wins prestigious Africa Health Prize

13 March 2013

Dr Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and former UNAIDS Executive Director. Credit: UNAIDS

The Japanese Government announced on 13 March that it was awarding the Second Hideyo Noguchi Africa prize to Dr Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London, U.K. and former UNAIDS Executive Director and Dr Alex Godwin Coutinho, Executive Director of the Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

The prize honours medical researchers and practitioners with outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services in Africa. Dr Piot received the prize for his pivotal research on viruses and diseases endemic to much of the African continent, including HIV and Ebola. The prize honours Dr Hideyo Noguchi who is remembered for his efforts to discover a vaccine for yellow fever in Africa.

While we have collectively achieved many successes, infectious diseases are far from under control, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. New pathogens will continue to emerge, and we must sustain local and global efforts for many years to come.

Dr Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and former UNAIDS Executive Director

The cabinet office of the Government of Japan said that the prize is a clear testimony to Japan’s efforts to be “at the forefront of global health issues with a particular focus on Africa. It is with great joy that we welcome these new laureates who embody the spirit of the Prize.”

Dr Piot was Executive Director of UNAIDS from its creation in 1995 until the end of 2008.Under his leadership the organization became the chief advocate for worldwide action against AIDS. The Government of Japan recognized Dr Piot’s role in bringing the AIDS epidemic to the forefront of global attention, raising international commitments to its funding and building scientifically grounded responses to its control and treatment.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been considered for this award. Dr Noguchi holds a special place in the history of medical research and was in many ways a pioneer of what we now call global health,” said Dr Piot. “While we have collectively achieved many successes, infectious diseases are far from under control, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. New pathogens will continue to emerge, and we must sustain local and global efforts for many years to come.”

Dr Coutinho received the award for his pioneering efforts in expanding access to live-saving treatment for people living with HIV. He is known as a compassionate clinician who treated thousands of HIV patients at a time when there was a lot of stigma and fear.

Japan has been a supporter of the global AIDS response and an important partner of UNAIDS. The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe will formally award the Second Hideyo Noguchi Africa prize to Dr Piot and Dr Godwin on 1 June during the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development which will take place in Yokohama, Japan.

Japan hosts follow-up meeting to discuss outcomes of MDGs Summit 2010

03 June 2011

Dr Paul De Lay at the MDGs Follow-up Meeting Credit: UNAIDS

The Government of Japan, along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), convened a follow-up meeting on 2-3 June 2011 in Tokyo to discuss the outcomes of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Summit that took place in September 2010.

With less than five years remaining before 2015, the target year for achieving the MDGs, the meeting brought together high level delegations from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, as well as to discuss more effective measures to strengthen coordination among a broad range of stakeholders.

The meeting was opened by H.E. Prime Minister Kan, who expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity shown by the international community in the wake of the unprecedented earthquakes and tsunami on 11 March 2011. Mr Kan also assured the audience that Japan remains committed to the achievement of MDGs.

Japan remains fully dedicated to carrying out faithfully the international commitments it has expressed in the past to achieving the MDGs

H.E. Mr. Takeaki Matsumoto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Mr Takeaki Matsumoto, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, underlined this commitment saying, “Japan remains fully dedicated to carrying out faithfully the international commitments it has expressed in the past to achieving the MDGs.”

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme, Paul De Lay took part in the meeting and also participated in one of the several side events, titled Preparing the health systems for the challenges beyond MDGs.

“UNAIDS has called for taking HIV out of isolation. At the High Level Meeting on AIDS next week, one of the major themes will be “integration”, including exploring synergies between HIV programmes and preventing and caring for non-communicable diseases,” said Dr De Lay.

UNAIDS has called for taking HIV out of isolation. At the High Level Meeting on AIDS next week, one of the major themes will be “integration”, including exploring synergies between HIV programmes and preventing and caring for non-communicable diseases

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme, Paul De Lay

The event, moderated by Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Senior Advisor on Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, included presentations from Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Dr Mickey Chopra, Chief, Health Section, Program Division, UNICEF; and Dr Kenji Shibuya, Professor and Chair, Department of Global Health Policy Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.

Coming just days before the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York, the meeting enabled participants to exchange their good practices and also learn from others about projects and programmes focused on hard-to-reach regions and groups. Participants also discussed the “way forward” beyond 2015, using lessons learned in the decade under the current MDGs.

During his visit to Japan Dr De Lay also met with Dr Masato Mugitani, Assistant Minister for Global Health, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Mr Masaya Fujiwara, Deputy Director-General for Global Issues of the International Cooperation Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss Japan’s active participation in the UN High Level Meeting, especially regarding prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Dr DeLay also met with civil society representatives who will attend the General Assembly event. 

Traveling with HIV

Get tailored information about your risk and learn how to protect yourself.

Download resources from the Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign.

• HIV by Group
• HIV Risk and Prevention
• HIV Nexus: Resources for Clinicians
• HIV Public Health Partners
• HIV Resource Library
• HIV Statistics Center
• About the Division of HIV Prevention
• VIH en Español
• @StopHIVTogether
• Get Email Updates
• Send Feedback

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu.

The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser.

• Entertainment

Japan's early HIV diagnosis numbers fall in 2020 amid focus on coronavirus

March 17, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)

Japanese version

TOKYO -- In 2020, 1,076 more people in Japan were found to have HIV, down from 1,236 in 2019, according to preliminary figures released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's AIDS trend committee on March 16.

Within this number, 740 people had their infections confirmed before developing symptoms. The results indicate a significant drop on the preceding year, at around 20% fewer than the 903 people in 2019. It appears the results have been affected by a swift fall in the number of tests carried out at public health centers and other institutions in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

Following infection with HIV, it is said that individuals can go up to around 10 years before showing symptoms. 2020's results for people who had not been tested and were diagnosed after symptoms occurred was almost the same as in 2019, with 336 in 2020 and 333 in 2019. A large number of symptomless carriers were in their 20s to 40s, while patients with AIDS were concentrated in their 30s to 50s.

About 69,000 antibody tests were carried out in 2020 by public health centers and other medical institutions, fewer than half of the around 142,000 done in 2019. Broken down by month, there was a remarkable drop in testing during the April to June period of 2020 when the first state of emergency declaration was issued, with less than 30% of the testing compared to the same period in 2019.

Shirasaka Takuma, head of the clinical research center at Osaka National Hospital and a member of the ministry's AIDS trend committee, said, "For people infected with HIV, finding out you have the virus is hugely important personally for getting early treatment and societally because it can lead to the prevention of it spreading."

He added, "We want people to make active use of the opportunities for free, such as anonymous consultation and testing services provided at public health centers and other locations."

(Japanese original by Sooryeon Kim, Lifestyle and Medical News Department)

Related Articles

• News Navigator: Are there any employment restrictions on people with HIV?
• Online events to learn more about young cancer patients being held in west Japan

Also in The Mainichi

Latest articles.

More Articles

• Go to Page Top

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Canada - Regulations on Entry, Stay and Residence for PLHIV

Restriction category relative to canada.

• Countries without restrictions

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Canada

Editor’s note

In the past, it was difficult for people living with HIV to immigrate to Canada due to limitations set by federal immigration legislation. In the federal government’s most recent revision (April 2021), the cost representing an “excessive demand” for the health care system was increased to $21,798 CAD. This is likely to remove most, but not all, barriers to immigration for people living with HIV. We refer to the HIV Legal Network statement below.

Entry and residence regulations

• A person who intends to temporarily stay in Canada for less than 6 months (e.g. to visit, study or work) generally doesn’t need a medical examination which includes an HIV test, unless they are coming to Canada to work in a job that brings them into “close contact with people” such as workers in health-care settings, clinical laboratory workers, or agricultural workers from certain countries.
• A person who intends to temporarily stay in Canada for more than 6 months must undergo a medical examination which includes an HIV test if:
• In the previous year, they spent six or more consecutive months in a country designated by Canada as having a higher prevalence of serious communicable disease than Canada;
• They are coming to Canada to work in a job that brings them into “close contact with people” (e.g. workers in health-care settings or clinical laboratory workers); or
• They are applying for a parent and grandparent super visa.
• Everyone who applies to become a permanent resident of Canada must have an immigration medical examination which includes an HIV test. Canada assesses the results of the examination and decides if the applicant can reasonably be expected to place an “excessive demand” on Canada’s publicly funded health or social services. If an applicant’s annual health care costs, including the cost of their HIV medication, do not exceed $21,798 CAD (as of June 2021), the person will not be considered to pose an “excessive demand” on Canadian health services, and may obtain permanent resident status.
• There are exceptions to the rule on “excessive demand” for the following groups of people:
• Refugee applicant living with HIV
• HIV-positive sponsored spouse or common law partner of Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• HIV-positive sponsored and dependent child of Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• April 16, 2018: Federal government announces changes under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Joint statement by the HIV Legal Network (formerly the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network) and the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO):
• Today, after years of advocacy by HIV, disability and migrant rights organizations, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship announced changes to the rules that exclude would-be residents of Canada based on projected “excessive demand” on health and social services. These changes, however, fall far short of the full repeal of the current flawed, discriminatory regime , which is what advocates called for and a Parliamentary sub-committee recently recommended. Under the  Immigration and Refugee Protection Act  (IRPA), foreign nationals are inadmissible as permanent immigrants to Canada if their health condition might reasonably be expected to cause an “excessive demand” on health or social services, or if their application to immigrate includes a family member in this situation. Due to the high cost of antiretroviral medications, people living with HIV are generally deemed medically inadmissible if they apply to immigrate to Canada. Today’s proposed changes include increasing the cost threshold for defining what constitutes “excessive demand,” to three times the current level of $6,655 per year. This increase to the cost threshold may mean that many people living with HIV will no longer be found medically inadmissible and excluded from immigration to Canada. We welcome this change. However, HALCO, the Legal Network, and many other disability and migrants rights organizations have long been calling for a full repeal of the medical inadmissibility regime. In November 2017, representatives from HALCO and the Legal Network appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. We argued that the “excessive demand” barrier is (i) discriminatory, in violation of the  Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms  and Canada’s international human rights obligations; (ii) not in line with IRPA’s objectives; and (iii) costly, cumbersome and inefficient to administer. The Standing Committee agreed with our recommendation and called for the government to repeal the provision. Today’s changes are important first steps. But what is truly needed is a full repeal of the deeply flawed and discriminatory excessive demand regime. As the Minister himself said, this regime does not reflect Canadian values. It must end. For further information on why the excessive demand regime is problematic, please read our joint submission to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (November 15, 2017): https://www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/submission-to-the-house-of-commons-standing-committee-on-citizenship-and-immigration-in-relation-to-its-study-of-federal-government-policies-and-guidelines-regarding-medical-inadmissibility-o/?lang=en

(Source: 1)

June 2005 effective changes to visitor visa process affecting entry into Canada for people living with HIV:

• Canada does NOT require people applying for a visa to enter Canada as a short-term visitor to disclose known HIV infection on the visa application form.
• Canada does NOT routinely impose mandatory HIV testing on short-term visitors, nor does it categorically bar visitors based on their HIV-positive status.
• HIV-positive status does NOT prevent a person from visiting Canada, but for the rare and exceptional circumstance where the person’s health condition is such that they are assessed as likely to require health and social services, during their stay in Canada, that will create an excessive demand on Canada’s public system (e.g., hospitalization). This is the same standard applicable to all persons.

(Source: 2)

HIV treatment information for Canada

Hiv information / hiv ngos in canada.

• Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)  555 Richmond Street West, Suite 505 Box 1104 Toronto, Ontario M5V 3B1 Canada Toll-free hotline 1.800.263.1638 www.catie.ca Services available in English and French
• HIV Legal Network 1240 Bay Street, Suite 600 Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A7 www.hivlegalnetwork.ca E-mail: [email protected]
• Battista Smith Migration Law Group Law firm with extensive experience in advising clients on HIV and immigration to Canada. Web: www.migrationlawgroup.com

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

• HIV Legal Network / Réseau juridique VIH, Immigration and Travel to Canada for People living with HIV: Questions and Answers : www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/canadas-immigration-policy-as-it-affects-people-living-with-hiv-questions-and-answers/?lang=en
• Sandra Ka Hon Chu, Deputy Director, HIV Legal Network / Réseau juridique VIH, June 30, 2021 

updated: 6/30/2021 Corrections and additions welcome. Please use the contact us form.

Comments on HIV-restrictions in Canada

JMA Journal

Risk of increasing the sudden diagnosis of aids in japan during and after the covid-19 outbreak.

Corresponding author: Masamine Jimba, [email protected]

DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2021-0174

Received: September 16, 2021 Accepted: October 1, 2021 Advance Publication: December 24, 2021 Published: January 17, 2022

Cite this article as: Jimba M, Suzuki M, Kitamura T, Carandang RR, Sieber NL. Risk of Increasing the Sudden Diagnosis of AIDS in Japan during and after the COVID-19 Outbreak. JMA J. 2022;5(1):104-106.

Public health centers have played an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Japan. However, the staff members of 469 centers have been overwhelmed by the huge increase in workload, and some public health centers were obliged to temporarily stop regular HIV testing. With the halting of HIV testing during the COVID-19 crisis, the proportion of “ Ikinari -AIDS” or a sudden diagnosis of AIDS without prior knowledge of the HIV infection status is expected to rise. To provide essential public health services, it is time for Japan to focus on delivering public health services beyond the existing public health centers.

Key words : HIV, AIDS, COVID-19, health service, Japan

• Introduction

Japan has been successful in controlling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with relatively low morbidity and mortality compared with some countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The total number of reported deaths was just 16,313 as of September 9, 2021 (1) . Among other factors, the 469 public health centers located throughout Japan have played an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

However, the impact of COVID-19 is not limited to the morbidity and mortality it causes directly. It also has a detrimental effect on the delivery of routine, essential health services. In March 2020, WHO issued a key document warning about the challenge of maintaining basic health services during the pandemic. Countries have to make tough decisions to balance the demands of the COVID-19 response while engaging in strategic planning and coordinated action simultaneously. As anticipated, the public health system in Japan has indeed been overwhelmed by the demand for PCR testing and the need to respond to positive and negative cases.

Because of the high demand for COVID-19 control, many routine and elective services have been postponed or suspended in Japan. For instance, public health centers’ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing has been cancelled indefinitely during the COVID-19 outbreak (2) . This cancellation may have led to public health concerns related to HIV/AIDS epidemiology in Japan during the pandemic. For example, Japan’s current HIV testing system seems to have missed more HIV cases without an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) diagnosis during the pandemic (3) . While Ejima et al. presented the proportion of HIV cases with an AIDS diagnosis increased significantly in the second quarter of 2020, they did not differentiate “late testers” and those with “sudden” cases of AIDS in their analysis (3) . This article describes the concern that Japan is at risk of an increase in “sudden” cases of AIDS in the context of COVID-19 and proposes a way forward.

• Challenges Faced by the Public Health Centers in the Context of COVID-19

In Japan, public health centers carry out a wide range of duties. Their major work is preventing infectious diseases, collecting vital statistics data, and providing other community-level public health services (4) . On January 14, 2020, Japan reported its first case of COVID-19, an imported case. Japanese authorities expanded the state of emergency into all of Japan on April 16, 2020. Throughout the ongoing outbreak, workers of public health centers have focused their efforts on the surveillance of COVID-19 cases, answering phone calls from returnees and close contacts, and transporting people to hospitals.

To meet the demands of the COVID-19 crisis, the public health centers have had to stop testing for routine infectious diseases. For example, the public health center in Shinjuku-ku , one of the largest cities in Tokyo, announced the temporary cancellation of HIV testing and testing for other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis B. The date when testing will resume has not been determined (2) .

New cases of HIV/AIDS have exceeded 1,300 per year since 2006 in Japan. In 2018, 940 new “HIV cases” (without AIDS symptoms) and 377 new “AIDS cases” were detected (5) , which suggests that approximately one-third of HIV/AIDS cases are not diagnosed with HIV until the patients seek care for AIDS symptoms. Such patients are considered to have “ Ikinari -AIDS,” a term coined in Japanese. “ Ikinari ” is a Japanese word meaning an “unexpected, sudden” situation, and “ Ikinari-AIDS” refers to a situation when HIV-positive people are diagnosed with AIDS without knowing their HIV infection status.

• Risk of Increasing “ Ikinari-AIDS ” during the COVID-19 Crisis

With the halting of HIV testing during the COVID-19 crisis, the proportion of “ Ikinari -AIDS” (denominator is HIV/AIDS cases) is expected to rise. Anonymous testing for HIV and other STIs is normally available for free at public health centers in Japan (5) , making it easy for high-risk populations to be regularly tested for HIV, even in the absence of symptoms. We expect that ending HIV testing in public health centers may decrease the number of tests performed on members of the targeted high-risk populations. Ejima et al. supported our assumption as they stated a 73% reduction in the number of tests conducted in the public health centers and municipalities in Japan compared with the year before the COVID-19 pandemic (3) . This reduction in testing may imply that we could not fully capture the epidemiological situation of HIV/AIDS in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more likely that there is a substantial proportion of undiagnosed cases, and whether the incidence increased (or decreased) during the COVID-19 pandemic is presently unknown.

Early detection of the HIV status reduces transmission because it leads to changes in risky behaviors and the reduction of viral load in patients receiving medical intervention. Late diagnosis of HIV is associated with lower Cluster of Differentiation-4 (CD4) counts and the need for more expensive HIV-related hospital care and anti-retroviral drugs. Furthermore, medical costs for AIDS-naive HIV patients are reported to be about one-fourth of what they are after the onset of AIDS.

• The Way Forward

The term “ Ikinari -AIDS” is similar to the term “late testers” of the HIV status, which has been reported in the US, France, and Thailand. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US defines “late testers” as persons who had their first positive HIV test less than one year before the diagnosis of AIDS. They noted that 65% of late testers sought HIV testing because they became aware of symptoms, and 87% of late testers had their first positive HIV test at an acute or referral medical care setting. While there are some differences in the timing of their initial diagnosis, both “ Ikinari-AIDS ” patients and “late testers” share a common characteristic: they do not come to health facilities to check their HIV status in the early stages of their infection.

What, then, can we do? We recommend that populations at high risk of STIs seek their routine HIV testing in medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals, particularly facilities with expertise in STIs, rather than public health centers. Although a self-testing kit for HIV is available in Japan, Japanese health authorities have not approved it due to technical issues (3) . Moreover, healthcare providers should be aware of our recommendation for HIV testing, as well as current HIV epidemiology trends to promote HIV testing. That is why we should determine if the rate of “ Ikinari -AIDS” in Japan is increasing in the context of COVID-19.

However, recommending behavioral changes among high-risk populations and healthcare providers is not enough. For example, all should be aware that HIV testing in medical facilities is not always covered by Japanese medical insurance. The COVID-19 crisis has changed the landscape for community-level public health services in Japan for the foreseeable future.

The crisis, however, creates an opportunity to reform the operation of public health centers to make them better able to carry out their missions in the face of a surge in demand. It is a chance to determine which are the “essential health services,” including HIV testing, and to reduce the burden of “non-essential health services.” The US CDC recommends that public health strategists re-assign staff members from less busy services to assist with essential services and that they work with the Ministry of Health and local healthcare workers’ societies to determine how task shifting can best be used to provide essential services. This advice is relevant in Japan, and the government should focus on delivering public health services beyond public health centers to provide truly essential health services.

• Article Information

Conflicts of Interest

Author contributions.

MJ and RRC wrote the manuscript. MS, TK, and NLS reviewed and revised the manuscript critically. All authors approved the submission of the manuscript.

Approval by Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Not applicable.

Availability of Data

All the data used in this opinion paper are drawn from the references provided.

COVID-19 Situation Update Worldwide [Internet]. 2021 Sept [cited 2021 Sept 15]. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases .

Shinjuku City. HIV and sexually transmitted infection countermeasures [Internet]. 2020 Jun [cited 2021 Aug 27]. Available from: http://www.foreign.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/en/kenko/kenko_10/ .

• View Article

NIID in Japan. HIV/AIDS in Japan [Internet]. 2019 Nov [cited 2021 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/en/865-iasr/9212-476te.html .

© Japan Medical Association . All rights reserved.

• Subscribe Digital Print

• LDP funds scandal
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

New HIV carriers in Japan up for the first time in seven years

The number of HIV carriers newly confirmed in 2023 in Japan rose by 37 from the previous year to 669, the first increase in seven years, the health ministry has said.

The combined number of new AIDS patients and other HIV carriers came to 960, according to preliminary data released by the ministry on Tuesday.

The number of HIV antibody tests conducted at public health centers and elsewhere increased by 33,033 to 106,137, and that of related consultation cases rose by 19,079 to 86,088.

Of the new HIV carriers, 84% were infected through sexual contact. The proportion stood at 69% among AIDS patients.

Men accounted for 90% of both new HIV carriers and AIDS patients.

The ministry's AIDS surveillance committee called on the public to take free and anonymous HIV tests available at public health centers and elsewhere.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for LGBTQ+ Travelers

A-List travel advisor John Clifford shares a six-day itinerary to Japan.

vladimir zakharov/Getty Images

John Clifford is a member of  Travel + Leisure ’s  A-List , a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an excerpt from one of the many itineraries he creates — in this case, a food-focused sojourn through Japan.

Day 1: Arrival Into Tokyo

After arriving into Tokyo and checking in to the Trunk Hotel , you'll head to a half-day guided tour of the Outer Market and the Ginza shopping area, followed by a ramen dinner tour.

Outer Market

While the wholesale fish market has been relocated to its new Toyosu location, Tsukiji's Outer Market is as busy and bustling as ever. The Outer Market is a mixture of wholesale and retail shops selling everything from carrots to cakes, pottery to kitchen knives. It is also filled to the brim with restaurants serving the freshest sushi and sashimi. In contrast to Toyosu's new ultra-modern facility, Tsukiji's Outer Market retains an essence of traditional charm that makes it well worth a visit.

Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure

Ginza is Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs, and cafes. One square meter of land in the district's center is worth over ten million yen, making it one of the most expensive real estate in Japan. It is where you can find the famous $10 cups of coffee and where virtually every leading brand name in fashion and cosmetics has a presence. From 1612 to 1800, today's Ginza district was the site of a silver coin mint, after which the district was eventually named. Ginza evolved as an upmarket shopping district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Most shops in the Ginza district are open every day of the week. If you are feeling a bit hungry, or just interested in food, the depachika (basement floors) of department stores are filled with foods of all kinds. Most are already prepared and ready to take away and eat at home, which is exactly what many people do in order to balance busy work and home lives. A mouthwatering mix of Japanese and western dishes, sweets, and snacks await.

A Ramen Dinner Tour

During this personalized 2-3 hour ramen tour, your expert guide will take you to some of Tokyo's hidden ramen shops for lunch or late afternoon meal. He will take you to two ramen restuarants, one for a thick, rich bowl of ramen and one lighter bowl. Ask him any question about ramen and he will be able to answer. Meet your ramen expert in your hotel lobby.

Didier Marti/Travel + Leisure

Day 2: Touring Tokyo

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a private vehicle tour of Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, and the Nakamisedori Sensoji Temple — possibly one of the most photographed structures in the city. An official temple was built in 645AD, making it not only the oldest temple in Tokyo, but among the oldest in Japan. Sadly, after standing for 1300 years, it fell to the bombings of WWII, only to be rebuilt during the aftermath as a symbol of peace and resurrection to the Japanese people. Today, millions of visitors pass through the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate annually, known for the huge brightly painted lantern dominating the entrance. Just beyond Sensoji’s Kaminarimon you’ll find yourself on the Nakamisedori, a vibrant shopping street lined with souvenir shops selling everything from Samurai swords to paper fans, and all manner of snacks and trinkets. teamLab Planets One of Japan’s most creative spaces, this art encounter places you within large scale installations that combine digital and physical media. The variety here is impressive, with infinity rooms of digital light, knee-deep illuminated water, and mazelike cavernous halls of huge balloons. There are plenty of memorable surprises in this uniquely Japanese art space – and all highly Instagrammable.

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills is one of the best examples of a city within the city. The building complex in the Roppongi district is home to an amalgamation of offices, apartments, shops, restaurants, a hotel, the Mori Art Museum , a view deck and more. The 238-meter Mori Tower at the center is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Just behind the tower and hotel is Mori Garden, and TV Asahi is also located on the site. The Mori Art Museum, located near the top of Mori Tower, shows innovative exhibitions of international contemporary art. At the heart of Roppongi's arts district, Tokyo Midtown feels almost like a city in itself. Home to a sophisticated mix of shops, galleries, and residences, it is a pleasant area to explore. The main shopping mall features international restaurants, a dining terrace, and a range of stores from everyday essentials to luxury boutiques. The complex also contains many museums and art galleries. Their top floor features interior design and houseware shops as well as the Suntory Museum of Art , a modern space with beautiful city views that displays traditional works.

In the Evening: Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo, but is often referred to as the huge entertainment, business, and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. Colorful signs decorate the narrow streets at all stories, blocking out the city sky and filling it with life. More than 2 million passengers go through Shinjuku Station every day, making it the busiest railway station in Tokyo, which effectively makes it the busiest railway station in the world. Shinjuku's skyscraper district is home to many of Tokyo's tallest buildings, including several premier hotels, the twin towers of the Metropolitan Government Office, and is also home to famous game companies, such as Square Enix (right outside Higashi-Shinjuku station). Dinner tonight is at Kaiseki Komuro for flavors of cha-kaiseki, a meal served during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Since opening in 2000, this two Michelin star restaurant has become a gem for urban gourmands that long to immerse themselves in the beauty of the seasons.

Day 3: Tokyo's Museums and Shopping

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to head to the Nezu Museum , a collection that once belonged to Nezu Kaichiro, an industrialist and former president of the Tobu Railroad. Although he enjoyed everything from delicate calligraphy to Chinese bronzes, the center of the collection concerns “the way of tea.” There are several authentic teahouses scattered throughout the extensive gardens, as well as many lovely artifacts. A collection of painted folding screens in the Rinpa style is not to be missed. The museum’s grounds are a highlight as well. Designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan’s brightest architectural stars, the soaring roof and strategic use of glass and steel create a perfect setting for the works within.

Harajuku is the epicenter of Japanese street-fashion and fashion subcultures. The neighborhood's modern identity stems from the post-war history of the area, but its continuous development is heavily reliant on today's youth culture trends. The Harajuku area is divided by a boulevard called Meiji-dori, which separates its two main areas: Takeshita Street and Ura-Harajuku. The side most internationally associated with Harajuku is Takeshita Street, an extremely popular pedestrian street overflowing with fashion boutiques, sweet crepe stands, innovative snack shops, photobooths, and fast food outlets marketed to tweens and teens. Even though many of Takeshita Street's energetic trends are starting cross over to the other side, Ura-Harajuku has retained a more relaxed atmosphere. Its streets lie behind Omotesando and are filled with high-end vintage shops, street-fashion brands flagship stores, privately-owned boutiques, and cafes.

This area of Tokyo is just one station away from busy Shibuya, but has a very different atmosphere, with small high-end boutiques, restaurants and cafés sharing the space with embassies, high-class residential areas, and Hillside Terrace, the symbol of Daikanyama. The laidback vibe and trendy fashion found here has made it a hot spot among the hip crowds of Tokyo but remains a pleasant counterpart to the busy streets of Shibuya.

karimitsu/Getty Images

Tempura Cooking Class

This private cooking lesson from the head chef of one of Tokyo’s best tempura restaurants is the ideal way for travelers to experience Tokyo gastronomy at its finest. The tempura restaurant is located inside a former geisha house in a historical Tokyo district. You will learn cooking techniques from the head chef himself, and explore this Japanese specialty’s rich history by tasting and comparing Edo-period vs. contemporary tempura. As part of the class, participants enjoy a full course meal with a sake pairing personally selected by the chef.

Dinner at Sushi Saito

Chef Takahashi Saito is at the helm at this restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and near impossible to get seating. Booked in The Private Room, you will enjoy such delicacies as bonito sashimi, tender simmered octopus, kuruma-ebi shrimp, and more.

Day 4: Taking in Hakone

You'll take a bullet train to Kyoto, where you'll be staying at the Hakone Retreat Villa . Your guide will take you to the Old Tokaido road, a highway which once linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the feudal Edo Period. Today, you can enjoy a beautiful cedar-lined passage of the road along the shore of Lake Ashinoko. Even a short walk down the cobbled highway for a few minutes is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the nature and history of the area. Visitors desiring a longer walk can continue deeper into the mountains towards the restored Amazakechaya Teahouse .

Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine buildings are hidden in the dense forest but are well advertised by its huge torii gates, with one standing prominently in the lake and the other two over the main street of Moto-Hakone.

Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum is a harmonious mix of nature and art. This museum allows visitors to experience the beautiful mountainous backdrop of Hakone while viewing numerous sculptures and art exhibits spread out across the museum’s grounds. The main building of the museum features works by various artists including Picasso.

Kaiseki Dinner at Nijo Yamagishi

Born from the near impossible-to-book the kaiseki favorite Tominokoji Yamagishi, Nijo Yamagishi is a chance to enjoy premium quality in a more casual setting, with hot pot cuisine from an exciting young chef.

tekinturkdogan/Getty Images

Day 5: Kyoto

You'll transfer for a stay at luxury royokan Yoshida-Sanso , the historical university villa of Prince Higashifushimi, then explore Gion. Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district located near Maruyama Park. The district has a number of traditional machiya townhouses where geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) enter and exit in the evening when entertaining guests. Lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a geisha on her way to her next appointment.

Tea with Maiko

Enjoy tea, conversation, and a short performance from one of the few professional maiko (geisha-in-training) still active in Kyoto. The teenage maiko will explain in detail about her life and what it takes to become a geisha – a rare opportunity that many travelers never have a chance to experience. This unique meeting is a great way to enjoy geisha culture in the former capital of Kyoto. You can take a photo with the maiko as well.

Dinner at Gion Nishikawa

Michelin-starred chef Masayoshi Nishikawa crafts unique, seasonal kaiseki dishes at this outstanding restaurant , and offers vibrant counter seating to interact and watch the chef's magic.

AwOiSoAk/Getty Images

Day 6: Temples and Culture in Kyoto

The Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is one of Kyoto’s hidden gems due to its isolated location and a unique display of Buddhist art. Although the roots of this temple go back to the 8th century, the current grounds were revitalized in the modern era by Kocho Nishimura, a respected Buddhist artist and priest. In the 1980s, he invited worshippers to this small mountain temple to learn the techniques of stone carving to create 1,200 rakan (a disciple of Buddha) statues that are now on display at the temple. No two statues are the same, with many depicting lighthearted and comical features that you rarely find in Buddhist art. From singing priests and parents cradling babies to acrobats and surfers, all walks of life are present in stone at Otagi Nenbutsuji. Nishimura’s family continues to care for the temple and carry on his legacy of blending personal expression through art with the teachings of the Buddha.

Saga-Toriimoto Street

One of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets is this quiet district tucked away in the hills on the western rim of the city. A long street runs through a preserved village with rows of charming wooden houses below forested slopes. This is a rare chance to see a grouping of original thatched roof houses so close to the city. Many of these farmhouses are from the Meiji-era (late 1800s/early 1900s) and remain in their original state. At the top of the street is a lovely traditional teahouse with a mossy thatched roof and impressive torii gate. Along the road are several quaint shops selling regional crafts, including bamboo goods, pottery, and whimsical local folkart made from the cocoons of silkworms.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries. When you stop for lunch at Izusen Enjoy, you'll enjoy traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine ( shojin-ryori in Japanese) in a charming space on the backstreets of the quiet Sagano district. The vegetarian fare is sure to delight and surprise both your tastebuds and eyes.

Okochi Sanso Villa

This samurai-style villa is the former home and garden of the famous Japanese film actor Denjiro Okochi (1898-1962), known for his roles are fierce samurai in the early silent film days. The beautiful garden is dotted with rustic teahouses and hidden pathways that open onto expansive city views. One of the best spots for early autumn leaves in Arashiyama, the villa also has a rest area where matcha tea and unique sweets are served.

gyro/Getty Images

Kinkakuji Temple

Perhaps best known in English as the “Temple of the Golden Pavilion,” this icon of Kyoto rises above a quiet reflecting pond, shimmering in its layers of gold leaf regardless of the weather. A remainder of a former villa of the Shogun, the pavilion successfully incorporates three distinctly grand architectural styles: Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Rebuilt in the mid-20th century, Kinkakuji remains the epitome of Kyoto's gilded past as the cultural capital of the nation. The layout of the garden is based on ancient Chinese writings, and the stones of the main pond serves as a representation of the Japanese islands themselves. As a whole, the entire landscape serves as a fine example of the magnificent villa that once occupied this space.

Candlelit Tea Ceremony and Ritual

As dusk falls and the city begins to settle, enter the traditional home of our in-house tea expert for a special experience. Candles light your way through the garden as you remove your shoes and step into a charming tea room. This special ocassion is multifaceted and focuses on more than just tea. You’ll begin with a glass of local sake paired with two light seasonal foods as a way to better understand the culinary culture of Kyoto. Purified by the sake, you are ready to move on to the main event: an informative tea ceremony served with sweets. Your host will explain the meaning behind the ritual and how it ties to both the mundane world and the spiritual realm. This is an ideal pre-dinner activity to whet the appetite and learn about an important element of Japanese culture.

To work with John or to read the complete version of his Japan LGBTQ+ culinary adventure itinerary, contact him at  [email protected] .

• Maintenance

Infectious Deseases

• Avian influenza A(H7N9)

Basic Research

• Achievement
• Laboratory manuals for pathogen detection
• From Laboratories
• Annual Report
• International cooperation

Surveillance

• Infectious Diseases Weekly Report (IDWR)
• Infectious Agents Surveillance Report (IASR)
• National Surveillance of Vaccine-preventable Diseases (SeroEpi)
• Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (JANIS)

Information

• Lectures and Open-campus

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Covid-19-associated manuscripts accepted for publication in the japanese journal of infectious diseases (jjid), new articles, measles in japan (idsc), idwr surveillance data table 2024 week 15, idwr surveillance data table 2024 week 14, 2022年nesid年報グラフ一覧, 2022年nesid年報集計表一覧, idwr surveillance data table 2024 week 13, idwr surveillance data table 2024 week 12, risk assessment for increase in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (stss) in japan, 薬剤耐性研究センター第八室, idwr surveillance data table 2024 week 11, welcome to niid website..

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) is a research institute attached to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for conducting (i) fundamental and applied research on infectious diseases and (ii) national test for lot release and development of antibiotics and vaccines. This site will be to close two notable important news of infectious diseases in Japan. It will also present many comprehensive informations of latest researches being done on all depertments including Infectious Disease Surveillance Center.

• " onclick="window.open(this.href,'win2','status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no'); return false;" rel="nofollow"> Print

HIV/AIDS in Japan, 2019

(IASR Vol. 41 p175-176: October 2020)

　HIV/AIDS surveillance in Japan started in September 1984. It was conducted under the AIDS Prevention Law between February 1989 and March 1999, and has operated under the Infectious Diseases Control Law since April 1999. Under the law, physicians must notify all diagnosed cases (see http://www.niid.go.jp/niid/images/iasr/34/403/de4031.pdf ). The data presented in this article are from the annual report of the National AIDS Surveillance Committee for the year 2019 (published by the Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases Control Division, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), https://api-net.jfap.or.jp/status/japan/nenpo.html ).

　For surveillance purposes, HIV/AIDS cases are classified into two categories, “HIV” or “AIDS” (see footnote*). The cumulative number of notified cases (excluding coagulating agent-related cases) from 1985-2019 was 21,739 for “HIV” (19,216 males; 2,523 females) and 9,646 for “AIDS” (8,793 males; 853 females) ( Fig. 1 ). According to the National Survey of Blood Coagulation Abnormality Cases (as at 31 May 2019), the cumulative number of coagulating agent-related HIV-infected cases was 1,440, including 720 deaths. An estimated 38.0 million people are currently infected with HIV worldwide. Each year, 1.7 million become infected and an estimated 690,000 die from the disease (UNAIDS FACT SHEET 2020; https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet ).

　 HIV/AIDS cases notified in Japan in 2019: The number of new HIV/AIDS cases notified annually has exceeded 1,300 since 2006, and has remained at a flat to slightly decreasing trend after peaking at 1,590 in 2013. In 2019, 903 “HIV” (857 males; 46 females) and 333 “AIDS” (318 males; 15 females) cases were notified ( Fig. 2 ). Among the total 903 “HIV” cases, 770 were Japanese (741 males; 29 females) and 133 were non-Japanese (116 males; 17 females), and Japanese males accounted for 82% of the total “HIV” cases (741/903). The number of newly notified foreign male HIV cases increased in 2015-2017, but has remained almost unchanged since 2017. Among all “HIV” cases, 72% (651/903) were MSM (men who have sex with men, including bisexual contacts), and among Japanese male “HIV” cases, 78% (575/741) were MSM ( Fig. 3 ), with the majority in their 20’s to 40’s ( Fig. 4 ). On the other hand, among the total 903 HIV cases, 99 males  (11%) were infected through heterosexual contact, and among 741 Japanese male cases, 81 (11%) were infected through heterosexual contact. Among 29 Japanese HIV-infected females, 27 were infected heterosexually and 2 were infected through unknown routes. Among Japanese male cases, intravenous drug use has been notified annually since 2001 (except in 2013, 2017, and 2018) and two cases were notified in 2019.

　 Suspected place of infection: Until 1992, the majority of infections were acquired abroad; thereafter, most infections were acquired in Japan. In 2019, 82% of all “HIV” cases (742/903) and 87% of “HIV” cases in Japanese nationals (667/770) were presumed to have acquired infection in Japan.

　 Place of notification (based on place of notifying physician): Areas that notified many HIV/AIDS cases in 2019 were the Kanto-Koshinetsu area (includes Tokyo), which notified 480 “HIV” and 143 “AIDS” cases, the Kinki area with 149 “HIV” and 52 “AIDS” cases, the Kyushu area with 84 “HIV” and 55 “AIDS” cases, and the Tokai area with 89 “HIV” and 49 “AIDS” cases. When prefectures were compared by notifications per 100,000 population, 5 of 8 prefectures in Kyushu were in the top 10 ( Table ).

　 Reference information 1. HIV antibody positivity among blood donors: In 2019, among 4,859,253 donated blood specimens, 38 were HIV-positive (37 males; 1 female), which corresponds to 0.782 HIV-positive specimens (male: 1.057; female: 0.074) per 100,000 blood donations ( Fig. 5 ).

　 Reference information 2. HIV antibody tests and consultations provided by local governments: The number of HIV antibody tests conducted by local governments at public health centers and other facilities was 142,260 in 2019, which increased from that in 2018 (130,759) ( Fig. 6 ). The number of HIV antibody-positive cases was 437 (385 antibody-positive cases in 2018) and the positivity rate was 0.31% (0.29% in 2018). The positivity rate was 0.24% (258/105,859) in the tests conducted at public health centers and 0.49% (179/36,401) in tests at other facilities, being higher at the latter. In addition, the number of persons who used consultation services in 2019 was 129,695, increasing from 2018 (127,830 consultations).

　 Conclusion: The number of HIV/AIDS cases notified in 2019 was 1,236 (1,317 in 2018). Approximately 27% of the HIV/AIDS cases in 2019 were detected after the development of AIDS, which suggests that there are HIV-infected persons who are unaware of their own infection. Based on the Guidelines for AIDS Prevention, it is important to raise awareness regarding the prevention and early detection of HIV infection, and plan and implement effective countermeasures based on the care cascade framework (see p.177 of this issue). Preventive measures include making HIV testing and medical consultations more accessible both time- and location-wise for those where prevention is important, such as MSM and commercial sex workers. It is important to be aware and mindful of human rights and coordination among key stakeholders (e.g., healthcare workers, non-governmental organizations, and those in the education sector).

　To control HIV/AIDS in Japan, it is necessary that the national HIV/AIDS control efforts be connected to global HIV control efforts, in addition to efforts aimed at monitoring and understanding domestic infection trends, raising awareness for prevention, and early diagnosis and treatment. Although it effectively prevents progression to AIDS, anti-HIV chemotherapy does not eliminate HIV from the patient. Life-long treatment is necessary, and it is associated with the development of drug-resistant HIV variants and serious pathological conditions due to latent infection under antiretroviral therapy, such as neurocognitive dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorder, which are new challenges for HIV/AIDS management.

　*HIV surveillance in Japan counts a case as an “HIV case” if a case is laboratory diagnosed with HIV infection (but without manifestation of AIDS-indicator diseases), and as an “AIDS case” if a case is laboratory diagnosed with HIV infection and manifests AIDS-indicator diseases at the time of initial diagnosis and report. An HIV-infected case once registered as an “HIV case” is not registered as an “AIDS case” even if he/she subsequently develops AIDS. However, “AIDS cases” reported through 31 March 1999 include those who subsequently developed AIDS.

Vogue articles

• IDWR過去10年との比較グラフ（週報） -インフルエンザ Influenza-
• IDWR過去10年との比較グラフ（週報） -マイコプラズマ肺炎　Mycoplasma Pneumonia-
• IDWR過去10年との比較グラフ（週報） -感染性胃腸炎 Infectious Gastroenteritis-
• IDWR過去10年との比較グラフ（週報） -RSウイルス感染症　RSV Infection -
• COVID-19 Pick up Report/Research リスト
• Online Submission
• Field Briefing: Diamond Princess COVID-19 Cases
• Active epidemiological investigation on SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by Omicron variant (Pango lineage B.1.1.529) in Japan: preliminary report on infectious period
• TERMS OF USE

Copyright 1998 National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan