The Establishment of the Dementia Basic Act in Japan: Key Contents and Implications

Abstract

As Japan has become a “super-aged society” earlier than the rest of the world, it has been ahead of the curve in addressing the problem of dementia at the national and societal levels. Japan’s Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society, enacted in 2023 and composed of a total of four sections and 37 articles, is a mainstay legal framework that broadly defines policy norms and values concerning dementia. This article explores the content and significance of Japan’s Dementia Act, focusing on its composition, objectives, underlying principles, related policies, timeframes, and national and local governments’ responsibilities in planning and implementing programs. The Act is significant for its integrated approach that combines medical treatment and caregiving, for ensuring that the perspectives and rights of individuals with dementia and their families are reflected and protected, and for the emphasis it places on the importance of communal efforts that engage various stakeholder groups.