Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Automated Medication Dispensing Systems, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems), By Application (Drug Dispensing and Packaging, Drug Storage, and Inventory Management), and Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Size Was Estimated at USD 294.14 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.76% from 2025 to 2035
• The Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 544.34 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 544.34 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.76% from 2025 to 2035. Japan’s aging population and pharmacist shortage, which has accelerated the need for automation to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance patient care.

Market Overview

The Japan pharmacy automation market refers to the integration of advanced technologies—like robotics, AI, and software systems—into pharmacy operations to streamline tasks such as medication dispensing, packaging, labeling, and inventory control. The aging population of Japan presents problems for the pharmacy industry, notably a lack of skilled pharmacists. Automation has emerged as a promising way to alleviate this labor shortfall and improve operational efficiency. Pharmacy operations are streamlined by automation, which also improves inventory control and lowers pharmaceutical dispensing errors, all of which help to keep healthcare costs under control. Additionally, automation frees up pharmacists' time to help patients with medication adherence and offer individualized consultations, which is in line with the growing emphasis on patient care.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan pharmacy automation 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 pharmacy automation 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 pharmacy automation market.

Driving Factors

One major factor propelling the pharmacy automation industry in Japan is the country's growing aging population. For example, over 25% of Japanese people were 65 years of age or older as of 2022. Japan is regarded as the "oldest" nation in the world today, with about 30% of its citizens being elderly. The need for effective healthcare services and prescription drugs increases in tandem with the aging population. Pharmacy automation solutions, such as robots for packing medications and automated dispensing systems, can greatly increase the speed and accuracy of medicine delivery, freeing up pharmacists' time for patient care and medication adherence counseling.

Restraining Factors

The market faces restraints such as high initial investment and maintenance costs, especially for small and rural pharmacies. Integration challenges with legacy systems, cybersecurity risks, and limited technical expertise among pharmacy staff also hinder adoption. Additionally, regulatory compliance and data privacy concerns can slow down implementation, particularly for AI-driven solutions.

Market Segmentation

The Japan pharmacy automation market share is classified into product type and application.

• The automated medication dispensing systems segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Japan pharmacy automation market is segmented by product type into automated medication dispensing systems, automated storage and retrieval systems. Among these, the automated medication dispensing systems segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to their critical role in reducing human error, improving dispensing speed, and managing high prescription volumes efficiently.

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

The Japan pharmacy automation market is segmented by application into drug dispensing and packaging, drug storage, and inventory management. Among these, the drug dispensing and packaging segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. As it directly addresses the core operational burden in pharmacies and benefits most from automation in terms of time savings, accuracy, and patient safety.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan pharmacy automation 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

• CVS Health
• Boots Walgreens
• Cigna
• Walmart
• Kroger
• Rite Aid Corp.
• 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 Pharmacy Automation Market based on the following segments:

Japan Pharmacy Automation Market, By System

• Automated Medication Dispensing Systems
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Japan Pharmacy Automation Market, By Product

• Drug Dispensing and Packaging
• Drug Storage
• Inventory Management