Scoping review finds limited research on workplace health promotion in Japan

Researchers searched the National Diet Library Search database for Japanese literature published between 2006 and September 2024. Eligible articles had “health management” in the title, were original peer-reviewed journal papers, and had open full text. Of 1,195 initial search hits, 17 papers met the criteria. The team used quantitative text-mining to map themes and compare the research with Japan’s national corporate guidebook.

Business administration accounted for 76% of the included research, with productivity a central outcome. Studies commonly examined population-based approaches within small and medium-sized enterprises, often involving public health nurses. In contrast, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry guidance emphasized high-risk approaches, collaboration with health insurance societies, health-check results, and investor awareness of corporate value.

The authors describe the evidence base as nascent and identify gaps between academic research and policy objectives. They call for research on large enterprises, broader measures such as work–life balance, and qualitative methods. The review maps published research rather than evaluating program effectiveness; its findings are also limited by the search and inclusion criteria, including the requirement for “health management” in article titles.