2025/02/25 Japan’s Salt Reduction Efforts and Their Impact on Public Health and Healthcare Costs

Japan’s persistently high salt intake contributes to rising healthcare costs and cardiovascular disease (CVD) burdens, yet new research underscores how national policies, industry collaboration, and food reformulation can drive significant health and economic benefits. A study published in Hypertension Research evaluated Japan’s salt reduction initiatives and their impact on public health and social security expenditures.
 
Excessive salt consumption is a major contributor to hypertension and CVDs. While Japan has successfully reduced average daily salt intake from 13.9 grams in 1995 to 10.1 grams in 2019, this still exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams. The study highlights the disproportionate burden on older adults, as CVDs account for 24% of healthcare spending in this demographic. Addressing excessive salt intake remains a national priority to mitigate health risks and contain rising medical costs.
 
Japan has implemented various salt reduction policies since the 1950s, preventing an estimated 298,000 deaths in men and 118,000 in women. The Health Japan 21 program set progressive dietary salt targets, aiming to lower intake to 7 grams per day by 2032. Despite these efforts, consumption remains high, prompting calls for more stringent industry regulations and consumer education.
 
Globally, the WHO has recognized excessive sodium consumption as a critical health risk, recommending a 30% reduction by 2025. Japan’s sodium reduction efforts received a Level 3 rating on the WHO’s 2023 sodium scorecard, indicating progress in mandatory labeling and school lunch programs but highlighting gaps in industry regulation compared to top-performing nations like Spain and Mexico.
 
Recognizing the role of traditional seasonings in Japan’s high sodium intake—where soy sauce, miso, and salted fish contribute 66% of dietary salt—the Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH) has led industry collaborations to promote low-sodium products. Since 2013, 108 reduced-sodium products have been approved, preventing an estimated 9,678 tons of salt from entering the food supply. However, broader consumer adoption and stricter industry regulations are needed to meet national targets.
 
The study’s simulation models estimate that achieving Japan’s salt reduction goals could reduce CVD cases by 1–3% and cut related healthcare costs by up to 2% over the next decade. The long-term economic and health benefits underscore the importance of sustained policy action, expanded food reformulation, and increased public awareness campaigns.
 
Japan’s experience highlights the necessity of multi-sectoral cooperation in addressing dietary risks. While significant progress has been made, the study suggests that stronger regulations, wider adoption of low-sodium products, and continued investment in public health education are essential to achieving lasting reductions in salt intake and lowering healthcare costs. As other nations confront similar dietary challenges, Japan’s approach offers valuable insights into balancing public health objectives with industry collaboration.
 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02108-z