Japan Oncology Drugs Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Drug Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Hormonal Therapy), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Japan Oncology Drugs Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

Japan Oncology Drugs Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Oncology Drugs Market Size Was Estimated at USD 14.88 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 11.44% from 2025 to 2035
• The Japan Oncology Drugs Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 48.98 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the Japan Oncology Drugs Market Size is Anticipated to Reach USD 48.98 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 11.44% from 2025 to 2035. Japan’s aging population, rising cancer incidence, and strong government support for precision medicine and accelerated drug approvals.

Market Overview

The Japan oncology drugs market refers to the segment of pharmaceuticals focused on the development and commercialization of drugs used to treat various types of cancer, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The market for oncology medications in Japan is mostly driven by the startlingly high number of cancer diagnoses—nearly 1 million new cases and 400,000 cancer-related deaths are reported each year. This has made it more urgent to design and implement efficient anticancer treatments. Issues unique to a given region, such as the significantly greater incidence of gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan, increase the need for specialized care. Due to these considerations, investments in precision oncology, new drug development, and targeted therapies that are suited to Japan's distinct epidemiological profile are increasing.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan oncology drugs 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 oncology drugs market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and 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 oncology drugs market.

Driving Factors

The aging population and increased incidence of cancer in Japan are the main factors driving the market for oncology drugs. Lung, colorectal, stomach, and breast cancers were the most frequent types of cancer in Japan, which had over 1 million new cases each year as of 2023. The need for cutting-edge oncology treatments is being fueled by the high illness burden, rising awareness, and early detection. Additionally, access to cutting-edge treatments has been greatly enhanced by government programs, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) funding system, expedited medication approval processes, and support for precision medicine and immunotherapies. Furthermore, Japan is leading the way in next-generation technologies that are changing the standards for cancer care and drawing in international pharmaceutical investments, such as AI-driven diagnostics, targeted medicines, and innovative immunotherapies.

Restraining Factors

The market faces several restraints. High drug development and treatment costs limit affordability and access, especially for newer immunotherapies and targeted therapies. Japan’s stringent regulatory approval process, despite recent reforms, can delay market entry for innovative drugs. Additionally, the shortage of oncology specialists and regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure hinder equitable access to advanced treatments.

Market Segmentation

The Japan oncology drugs market share is classified into drug type and distribution channel.

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

The Japan oncology drugs market is segmented by drug type into chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Among these, the targeted therapy segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer deaths in Japan, with 27,416 male and 24,404 female deaths reported in 2019. Its high burden has increased demand for targeted therapies like anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF drugs, reinforcing CRC’s leading role in Japan’s oncology therapeutics market.

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

The Japan oncology drugs market is segmented by distribution channel into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Among these, the hospital pharmacies segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Direct access to patients has increased demand, and bulk purchasing and specialized infrastructure have been anticipated to be the primary drivers of the segment's growth.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan oncology drugs 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

• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Astellas Pharma Inc
• ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
• TAIHO PHARMA
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED
• Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.
• Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• SymBio Pharmaceuticals
• PeptiDream Inc.
• J PHARMA.CO., LTD
• Pfizer Inc.
• Others

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 Japan, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the Japan Oncology Drugs Market based on the following segments:

Japan Oncology Drugs Market, By Drug Type

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy

Japan Oncology Drugs Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies