Summary of Minister Ueno’s Press Conference | May 29, Reiwa 8 (2026) | Press Conferences – mhlw.go.jp

Key News Points

A summary of Minister Ueno’s press conference on May 29, Reiwa 8 (2026) has been released. The conference highlighted the importance of third-party succession as an alternative to closure or廃業 (going out of business) for addressing succession issues. It was recommended that medical institution directors and clinic presidents begin preparations 5 to 10 years in advance, starting around age 60. The view was expressed that utilizing specialized advisors within the medical industry during this process can be effective.

M&A Medical Editorial Department’s Perspective

The specific mention of “third-party succession” as an option for succession issues in Minister Ueno’s press conference is a signal that medical institution managers cannot afford to ignore. In particular, the concrete timeline of preparing 5 to 10 years in advance from around age 60 highlights the realistic challenges of business succession that many medical institutions will face. It indicates a growing need to reframe “third-party succession,” such as planned M&A or business transfer, as a proactive management strategy to avoid closure or going out of business, rather than simply discussing the abstract issue of “lack of successors.” The utilization of advisors specializing in the medical field will also be an indispensable element for smoothly constructing schemes in M&A within the highly specialized medical industry.

Points Raised by This News

• “Third-party succession” for successor issues has been presented as an option in a public forum.
• The necessity of preparing for business succession in 5 to 10-year increments, starting around age 60, has been specifically suggested.
• Early consideration of business succession is being emphasized as an alternative to closure or going out of business.
• The potential for utilizing advisors specialized in the medical industry as a key to facilitating business succession.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• What specific third-party succession schemes can be considered?
• What preparations should be made over 10 years, starting around age 60?
• What specific services do advisors specializing in medical institutions provide?

If You Feel “Should I Consult?”

Medical institutions where the director or president is around 60 years old, successors cannot be found, and closure or going out of business is being considered, or where there are vague anxieties, should take this opportunity to consult with specialists about the possibilities of third-party succession. By considering this early, there may be a path to a smooth retirement from management while continuing to contribute to regional healthcare, rather than simply closing down.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics as a certified M&A support institution by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, with a full success fee basis. Consultations are accepted with strict confidentiality. Free consultations here