Japan Cough Syrup Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Expectorants, Cough Suppressants/Antitussives, and Combination Medications), By Age (Pediatric and Adult), and Japan Cough Syrup Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

Japan Cough Syrup Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Cough Syrup Market Size Was Estimated at USD 155.5 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Around 3.08 % from 2025 to 2035
• The Japan Cough Syrup Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 217 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, The Japan Cough Syrup Market Size is anticipated to Reach USD 217 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 3.08 % from 2025 to 2035. The cough syrup market in Japan is driven by various factors, including the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, growth in the self-medication trend among consumers, rise in the geriatric population, and increase in air pollution.

Market Overview

Cough syrup is a liquid medication, frequently sweet and flavored, intended to prevent coughing or soothe an inflamed throat. The Japan cough syrup market refers to the production, distribution, and sale of liquid oral formulations. The market includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that cater to acute cough caused by infections, chronic cough from respiratory disorders, and seasonal cough related to allergies or environmental changes. This market includes expectorants, cough suppressants/antitussives, and combination medications, each designed to address different symptoms and therapeutic requirements. The Japan cough syrup market is expanding rapidly, owing to the increasing incidence of respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, around 4.6 million individuals in Japan suffer from asthma and 1.1 million from COPD, indicating a high demand for efficient cough and cold therapies. The rising illness burden is a primary element driving market growth. The growing interest in non-drowsy formulations gives a potential opportunity for industry players to create novel solutions that appeal to customers seeking effective cough treatment without interfering with their regular activities.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan cough syrup market based on various segments and regions, and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Japan cough syrup market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Japan cough syrup market.

Driving Factors

Japan has aging population is one of the major contributors to this market, as the aging population is more susceptible to respiratory illness, which further creates the demand for effective treatments such as cough syrup. The rising self-medication trend, with more than 50% of Japanese consumers preferring OTC cough syrups, is driving the market demand. Additionally, advancements in R&D, such as sugar-free and organic cough syrup formulations, are rising in popularity among health-conscious consumers.

Restraining Factors

The side effects associated with cough syrup are one of the notable restraints in this market. Additionally, stringent regulatory frameworks and approval processes for novel cough syrup formulations might cause delays in product development and market entry.

Market Segmentation

The Japan cough syrup market share is classified into product type and age.   

• The cough suppressants/antitussives segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period.    

The Japan cough syrup market is segmented by product type into expectorants, cough suppressants/antitussives, and combination medications. Among these, the cough suppressants/antitussives segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period. This segmental growth is attributed to its easy availability at chemist stores or pharmacies. Additionally, the rising prevalence of dry cough plays an important role in segment growth.

• The adult segment held the highest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.  

The Japan cough syrup market is segmented by age into pediatric and adult. Among these, the adult segment held the highest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to a rise in the geriatric population and growing respiratory illness among adults. Additionally, government regulations in Japan restrict OTC cough syrups to adults, limiting pediatric use and reinforcing the adult segment’s dominance.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan cough syrup market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Kaigen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
• Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited
• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Johnson & Johnson
• Pfizer Inc.
• Novartis AG
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Others

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Bain Capital announced the acquisition of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma from Mitsubishi Chemical Group for ¥510 billion (USD 3.3 billion), strengthening its presence in Japan’s pharmaceutical sector

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the Japan, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the Japan cough syrup market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Japan Cough Syrup Market, By Product Type

• Expectorants
• Cough Suppressants/Antitussives
• Combination Medications

Japan Cough Syrup Market, By Age

• Pediatric
• Adult