Japan's healthcare system is gearing up for a significant change, planning to increase the cost of initial and follow-up consultations. The specific details about the change, like the scale of increase or timeline, are yet to be disclosed. This move is seen as an effort to sustain Japan's healthcare system, which is under strain due to the country's aging population and economic circumstances.

Given Japan's universal healthcare system, this news directly impacts nearly the entire population. Rising healthcare costs have been a significant concern for Japan, mainly due to its rapidly aging society and lower birth rates leading to staff shortages. The public typically has varying opinions on such fee hikes, balancing concern over personal expense with empathy toward healthcare providers.

In contrast, healthcare costs in the US are often dictated by insurance companies, while many EU countries also employ a taxpayer-funded universal healthcare system, though fee structures may vary. Policy changes around healthcare fees can also be a contentious issue in these regions, reflecting public anxiety about access and affordability of care.