Language is one of the biggest concerns for international patients in Japan. This guide explains the interpreter and language options available, and which hospitals offer strong multilingual support. Back to the Medical Travel to Japan directory.
Options for language support
Leading hospitals offer several layers of help: an international department with English- (and often Chinese-) speaking coordinators; on-site medical interpreters; remote/telephone interpretation covering many languages; and document translation for medical records. Independent medical coordinators can also accompany patients.
Hospitals with strong Chinese & English support
The NCGM Center Hospital provides on-site English and Chinese interpreters plus remote interpretation in 19 languages. Kameda Medical Center has English- and Chinese-speaking staff. Kyushu University Hospital’s IPAC has English and Chinese medical translators, and the Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR and St. Luke’s International Hospital provide interpretation through their international services.
Tips
Request an interpreter in advance (availability and languages vary by day); bring your medical records already translated; confirm whether interpretation is free or chargeable; and keep a written list of your medications and history. Tsubaki Trading can provide language and coordination guidance to help you reach the right desk.
赴日就医的语言与翻译支持（中文）
语言是赴日就医最大的顾虑之一。可用支持包括：医院国际部（中英文协调）、现场医疗口译、远程/电话口译（多语种）、病历翻译，以及独立医疗协调员陪同。中英文支持较强的有：国立国际医疗研究中心医院（中英文现场口译+19 语远程）、龟田、九州大学医院 IPAC（中英文医疗翻译）、癌研有明、圣路加。建议：提前预约口译、备好翻译病历、确认口译是否收费、随身携带用药与病史清单。
訪日患者向けの言語・通訳サポート（日本語）
言語は外国人患者の大きな不安の一つ。主な支援は、国際部門（英語・中国語の調整）、院内医療通訳、遠隔/電話通訳（多言語）、診療文書の翻訳、独立系医療コーディネーターの同行など。英語・中国語対応に強い例：国立国際医療研究センター病院（院内英・中通訳＋19言語の遠隔）、亀田、九州大学病院IPAC、がん研有明、聖路加。事前予約・翻訳済み記録の持参・費用確認をおすすめします。
General information only, not medical advice. 仅供信息参考。情報提供のみ。