According to the World Health Organization, Japan is a world leader in the categories of health and longevity. With a high level of awareness of the importance of prevention and preventative life-style, as well as growing attention to beauty and anti-aging, Japan's health products industry is now booming. In response to the rapid expansion of this market, the Japanese government is promoting a healthy-life strategy by using the health industry to stimulate economic growth.

As of April 2015, health food in Japan began to feature research-backed functionality on product labels, i.e. the specific health benefits of the foods are listed. The government has also been promoting both exercise and health products which target remedies for specific disease categories including dementia and stress.

Save the Date The upcoming Tokyo Health Industry Show was designed to meet the growing consumer demand for health products in Japan. Inviting distributors and buyers to source unique and innovative health products from all parts of the world, the show supports current opportunities for overseas manufacturers and suppliers of health products to distribute in Japan. The 2017 show will feature over 600 exhibitors and is the largest event of its kind in the country.

Although the exhibition reservation has passed, 40,000 buyers are expected to attend. The February 15 -17 show is sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Bonus features include conference programs to inform the industry of the newest health-related legislation as well as seminars featuring new products backed by scientific research. Exhibitor categories include health and beauty, supplements, ingredients, health equipment, healthy living items such as bedding, water purifiers and air purifiers, sports and fitness, beauty equipment, cosmetics, organic food, clothing and cosmetics and business support.

Natural products manufacturers and distributors are welcome to expand their global market presence by attending this year's show!

Simi Summer, PhD is an organic advocate, independent researcher, educator, and free lance writer. She is a strong proponent of organic consumer education and informed consumer choices.