Japanese Law requires that all children be inoculated against a total of eight diseases; tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella and Japanese encephalitis* at certain times throughout their childhood. Several coupons for vaccinations are included in the "Mother and Child Health Handbook" (boshi-techo) while others will be administered once the child enrolls in school.

There are numerous differences between Japan and other countries regarding vaccinations. For example, in western countries children are inoculated against polio three times, however, the vaccine is only administered twice in Japan. Those who wish to be inoculated for a third time must pay a fee. The inoculation against Haemophilus influenza type B is also unavailable in Japan as it has yet to be approved by health authorities. To be properly informed about vaccinations please consult the proper municipal authorities, a medical professional or a public health center.

* Japanese encephalitis, currently the Japanese government is not recommending this vaccination unless people expect to live in areas where they may be exposed to pigs and mosquitoes. The disease, Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes that bite infected pigs. So, depending on the year a different version of the vaccine may be given or not given at all. Please consult a medical professional regarding this vaccine.