The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) has released Japan’s AMR Response 2013–2025, providing a comprehensive review of the country’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategies over the past decade. Launched alongside the Tokyo AMR One Health Conference (February 18–19, 2025), hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and co-hosted by WHO’s regional offices for the Western Pacific and South-East Asia, the report highlights key achievements, challenges, and actionable lessons from Japan’s National AMR Action Plans (NAP1: 2016–2020 and NAP2: 2023–2027). These insights aim to support other nations in fortifying their AMR response strategies.

Japan’s AMR Action Plan: Achievements and Challenges

NAP1 (2016–2020): Strengthening Foundations

Japan’s first National AMR Action Plan (NAP1) was built on six core pillars:

1. Public Awareness and Education
2. Surveillance and Monitoring
3. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
4. Appropriate Use of Antimicrobials
5. Research and Development
6. International Cooperation

NAP1 significantly improved Japan’s AMR surveillance systems, reinforcing the evidence base for policy decisions. However, challenges emerged, including:

• Geographic Data Bias – AMR surveillance data lacked nationwide uniformity.
• Expansion of IPC Measures – Implementing infection prevention in long-term care facilities remained difficult.
• Public Awareness Limitations – Despite efforts, AMR awareness among the general population remained low.

NAP2 (2023–2027): Building on Progress

Recognizing these challenges, Japan’s second National AMR Action Plan (NAP2) retains NAP1’s core framework while introducing more targeted, actionable goals to enhance AMR control efforts.

Key Lessons for Global AMR Strategies

Japan’s AMR initiatives offer valuable insights for global health systems, emphasizing:

1. Embedding AMR Response into Health System Strengthening

AMR strategies must integrate with primary health care (PHC), universal health coverage (UHC), and emergency preparedness rather than function as isolated programs. A people-centered approach is essential to ensuring interventions remain patient-focused and sustainable.

2. Strengthening Antimicrobial Supply Networks

With global antimicrobial shortages threatening treatment accessibility, Japan’s dual approach—supporting domestic production while maintaining import-based supply chains—serves as a model for ensuring a stable, resilient antimicrobial supply.

3. Enhancing Surveillance Data Collection and Utilization

Reliable AMR surveillance data is essential for monitoring trends, evaluating interventions, and detecting outbreaks early. Japan’s improvements in data standardization offer a template for strengthening global AMR surveillance networks.

4. Adapting Strategies to Local Contexts

Japan’s AMR policies reflect localized needs. However, successful strategies in Japan may require modifications before being applied elsewhere. Flexible, context-specific approaches are crucial for global AMR initiatives.

Japan’s Global Leadership in AMR Response

Japan has played a leading role in technology transfer, surveillance capacity-building, and AMR policy development. By sharing expertise in IPC, diagnostics, and infectious disease management, Japan continues to support international AMR control efforts.

The launch of Japan’s AMR Response 2013–2025 at the Tokyo AMR One Health Conference underscores the country’s commitment to global health security. As nations seek to strengthen their AMR strategies, Japan’s decade-long experience offers a roadmap for more effective, sustainable AMR responses worldwide.

Source: AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital (Commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)