Medical departments and specialties in Japan

Use Chinese–Japanese terminology to understand common departments in Japan, suitable consultation topics and documents to prepare.

Find the right specialty before choosing a hospital

Japanese department names do not always match Chinese usage. Identify the specialty from the diagnosis and main concern, then compare acceptance criteria rather than choosing only by reputation.

Oncology / cancer centre

腫瘍内科・がんセンター

Suitable enquiries:Established pathology diagnosis, treatment comparisons, recurrence or second opinions

Suggested records:Pathology reports and slides, DICOM images, treatment records, medicines and referral

Cardiology

循環器内科

Suitable enquiries:Assessment of chest pain, rhythm problems, hypertension, coronary disease and heart failure

Suggested records:ECG, ultrasound, angiography, blood pressure records and medicine list

Neurology / neurosurgery

脳神経内科・脳神経外科

Suitable enquiries:Stroke follow-up, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumours or surgical assessment

Suggested records:Original MRI/CT images, neurological records, surgery history and medication records

Gastroenterology / gastrointestinal surgery

消化器内科・消化器外科

Suitable enquiries:Gastrointestinal, liver, biliary and pancreatic disease; endoscopy or surgical planning

Suggested records:Endoscopy reports, pathology, CT/MRI, liver function and treatment history

Endocrinology and metabolism

糖尿病・内分泌内科

Suitable enquiries:Diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, lipid and metabolic concerns

Suggested records:Glucose and HbA1c trends, thyroid tests, diet, exercise and medication records

Orthopaedics

整形外科

Suitable enquiries:Joint, spine and sports injuries; surgery or rehabilitation plans

Suggested records:X-rays, CT/MRI, surgery records, pain and mobility limitations

Ophthalmology

眼科

Suitable enquiries:Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal, corneal and complex eye disease

Suggested records:Visual acuity, eye pressure, OCT, retinal images and surgery history

Medical aesthetics / cosmetic dermatology

美容皮膚科・美容外科

Suitable enquiries:Skin treatment, non-surgical procedures or corrective consultations

Suggested records:Health, allergies, previous procedures, recovery expectations and risk tolerance

For chest pain, breathing difficulty, altered consciousness or major bleeding, contact local emergency services immediately rather than waiting for an overseas appointment.