Preventive Care in Japan: 7 Questions to Bring to Your Annual Wellness Visit
Life in Japan comes with new routines, new foods, and a different healthcare system. That makes preventive care more important than ever. An annual wellness visit helps you stay ahead of health concerns, keep screenings on track, and make sure nothing gets lost between different medical systems.
This visit focuses on prevention rather than treating new problems. If additional concerns are addressed, they may be billed separately, so arriving prepared helps you get the most from your appointment. Here are seven simple, high-impact questions to bring to your next wellness visit at Torii Health.
1. “How is my overall health looking?”
Start with the big picture. Even when you feel well, your provider can review trends in blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and lab results. If you’ve received care in multiple locations, this conversation helps connect your medical history and identify anything that needs monitoring. Establishing care with Torii Health gives you a consistent medical home where your health history is tracked and coordinated over time.
2. ”Are there screenings or vaccines I need this year?”
Preventive schedules vary by age, family history, and location. Some tests that are routine in the U.S. are not always automatic in Japan, so it helps to confirm. Ask about screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer screenings, along with eye and dental exams. Vaccines are another key topic, including flu and COVID boosters, Tdap, shingles (50+), pneumonia or RSV for older adults, and travel vaccines if you visit nearby countries. Our primary care team can guide you through recommended screenings and help coordinate scheduling so nothing falls through the cracks.
3. “What is my risk for chronic diseases?”
Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis often develop quietly over time. Changes in diet, portion sizes, sodium intake, stress, and physical activity can all influence long-term risk. Talking through these factors early allows you and your provider to focus on prevention and create a personalized plan to support your health moving forward.
4. “Are there lifestyle changes that would help me most right now?”
Small, realistic changes can have a lasting impact. Your provider can suggest practical steps that fit daily life in Japan, including sleep habits, stress management, nutrition using locally available foods, and exercise routines that match your schedule. Preventive visits are a chance to focus on achievable goals that support long-term wellness.
5. “How is my mental health doing?”
Mental health is an essential part of preventive care. Adjusting to new routines, distance from family, and demanding schedules can increase stress and anxiety. When primary care and behavioral health are connected, it becomes easier to talk about these concerns early and access support in a comfortable, familiar setting. Torii Health was built around this whole-person approach, providing coordinated and culturally sensitive care that integrates primary care and behavioral health. Services include support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD, along with medication management, preventive screenings, and telehealth visits across Japan—making it easier to care for both physical and mental health in one place.
6. “Do my medications and supplements still make sense?”
Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Products available locally may interact with medications or duplicate nutrients, so a careful review helps ensure everything remains safe and necessary. During your visit, our team can guide medication management, including discussing which medications may or may not be available in Japan and identifying appropriate alternatives when needed.
7. “What should I focus on before my next visit?”
End with clarity. Ask your provider to summarize one health goal, any follow-up tests or referrals, and symptoms that should prompt an earlier visit. This keeps you proactive between appointments.
Preventive care works best when it is consistent and intentional. Preparing these questions in advance—and taking the step to schedule your annual wellness visit with Torii Health—can help you stay organized, avoid surprises, and invest in long-term health and well-being while living in Japan..
Whether you’re checking in, getting started, or continuing care, we’re here—and we’re committed to moving forward with you in 2026.
Thank you for being part of the Torii Health community.
Warm wishes,
Dr. Kenji and the Torii Health-Iris Dental and Medical Team
