Transplant Tourism in Japan: Insights from Nationwide Surveys and Emerging Ethical Challenges

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DOI: 10.23880/ijtps-16000195

Volume 10, Issue 1

Abstract

Transplant tourism persists globally despite international ethical frameworks intended to prevent organ trafficking. Japan, characterized by low deceaseddonor rates and prolonged waiting times, has historically relied on overseas transplantation. This study synthesizes findings from Japan’s 2006 national survey and the 2023 emergency nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), integrating global literature on transplant tourism, donor exploitation, and regulatory frameworks. The 2023 survey identified 543 Japanese transplant tourists receiving domestic followup care: kidney (n=250), heart (n=148), liver (n=143), and lung (n=2). Transplantation occurred in 25 countries, most commonly the United States (227), China (175), and Australia (41). Only 25 cases involved identifiable intermediaries. Over the past five years, 38 patients died and 25 experienced graft failure. Persistent ethical concerns include donor exploitation, lack of transparency, and the absence of standardized followup protocols. Japan’s reliance on overseas transplantation raises significant ethical and regulatory challenges. Strengthening domestic transplant capacity, improving oversight of intermediaries, and establishing national followup guidelines are essential to align Japan with global ethical standards and reduce dependence on transplant tourism.

Keywords: Transplant Tourism; Japan; Organ Trafficking; Ethics; International Transplantation; Donor Exploitation

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