Japan Breast Pump Market Report

Japan Breast Pump Market Executive Summary

The Japan Breast Pump Market is at around $182.8 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $336.2 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.

A breast pump is a mechanical device that lactating women use to extract milk from their breasts. They are available in two forms; they can be manual devices powered by hand or foot movements or automatic devices powered by electricity. Breast pumps are available in a variety of styles to meet the demands of moms. Hand-operated manual pumps are lightweight and silent, making them ideal for sporadic usage. Electric pumps are often used on a regular basis because of their higher efficiency and ability to run on mains or batteries. There are several uses for breast pumps. Many parents use them to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. They express their milk at work, which is later bottle-fed to their child by a caregiver. A breast pump may also be used to address a range of challenges parents may encounter during breastfeeding, including difficulties latching, separation from an infant in intensive care, feeding an infant who cannot extract sufficient milk itself from the breast, to avoid passing medication through breast milk to the baby, or to relieve engorgement, which is a painful condition whereby the breasts are overfull.

The Japan Breast Pump Market is driven by significant factors such as increasing female workforce participation, government support, and technological advancements. However, regulatory compliance, physical discomfort, stigma, and embarrassment restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players in the Japan Breast Pump Market are Horigen, Pigeon, Asia Connection, Philips Avent, Ardo Medical AG, Youha, and Magneto, among others. Pigeon offers a range of breast pumps designed to be gentle and efficient. Their pumps are designed with ergonomic handles and soft silicone cushions for comfort.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing female workforce participation: The increase in female labor force participation from 63% in 2012 to 74% in 2022 is significantly driving the breast pump market in Japan. As more women return to work after having children, the demand for convenient breastfeeding solutions rises. Breast pumps are essential for working mothers to maintain milk supply and nourish their infants while managing work commitments. This shift promotes investment in advanced, flexible, and portable breast pump technologies, fueling market growth in Japan.

Government Support: In Japan, government initiatives are crucial for the breast pump market's growth. Financial incentives, such as subsidies and tax benefits for breastfeeding equipment, along with regulations enforcing workplace lactation support and flexible hours, enhance access and affordability. These measures drive demand and market expansion.

Technological Advancements: Technological innovations in breast pumps drive market growth in Japan, where consumers value high-tech, efficient, and user-friendly products. Features like wearable, hands-free designs, improved suction, and smart connectivity cater to the tech-savvy lifestyles of Japanese mothers. These advancements enhance convenience and comfort, aligning with Japan's focus on cutting-edge technology and high-quality standards, thus promoting market expansion and adoption.

Market Restraints

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with Japan's PMDA presents a challenge for the breast pump market due to stringent regulatory requirements for medical devices. Meeting safety, efficacy, and quality standards involves extensive clinical trials, detailed documentation, and adherence to technical criteria, resulting in higher costs and longer approval timelines. This can delay market entry and slow innovation, limiting market growth.

Physical Discomfort: Painful suction, soreness, and overall bodily discomfort associated with pumping can deter mothers from utilizing breast pumps regularly. These issues can lead to reduced milk supply, decreased pumping frequency, and ultimately, early cessation of breastfeeding. Thus, physical discomfort remains a significant barrier to breast pump adoption and usage.

Stigma and Embarrassment: The stigma surrounding breastfeeding and feelings of embarrassment and discomfort pose a significant barrier to breast pump adoption. Many women are hesitant to use breast pumps due to societal pressures and the lack of supportive infrastructure. This reluctance to pump in public or even in private spaces hinders the normalization of breastfeeding and impacts the overall growth of the breast pump market.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) is a Japanese regulatory agency, working together with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Their core purpose is to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of the pharmaceuticals and medical devices in Japan.

The PMDA conducts a thorough review and evaluation of the new drugs based on safety, quality, and efficacy seeking marketing authorization in Japan. This minimizes the risk of patients experiencing adverse effects from medications or faulty medical devices. The PMDA’s responsibility extends beyond granting market authorization and includes post-marketing surveillance for reporting any adverse drug reactions. As a founding country, Japan is an important member in the development and application of ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines. The PMDA regularly participates in ICH meetings and contributes to establishing harmonized standards for the pharmaceutical industry. Japanese pharmaceutical companies can expedite the registration of their products in Japan and other ICH member nations by following ICH rules. This makes it easier for innovative drugs to be marketed internationally more quickly.

The reimbursement system in Japan plays a crucial role in balancing access to care with affordability. The majority of Japanese citizens are covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI), a government-mandated insurance scheme. For inpatient and outpatient services at approved medical facilities, NHI reimburses a significant percentage of medical expenses. However, deductibles and copayments may be necessary based on the service, the patient’s age, and income. Government subsidies are provided for certain services, such as long-term care, and for some chronic conditions, the government offers extra funding. In comparison to NHI, voluntary private insurance policies may provide more coverage and better reimbursement rates. These plans can pay for expenses that NHI does not cover, such as sophisticated procedures and diagnostics, shorter waiting times for some medical procedures, and individual hospital rooms.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Japan Breast Pump Market:

• Horgien
• Pigeon
• Asia Connection
• Philips Avent
• Ardo Medical AG
• Youha
• Magneto
• Medela
• Spectra Baby
• Advin Healthcare