Ota Ward, Tokyo Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disorders

By Barrier Free Japan, extracts from Nikkei & The Asahi Shimbun

November 5 2024

TOKYO – A national subsidy system has been launched for “five-year-old health checkups” conducted by local governments. The main aim is to detect developmental disorders early before entering elementary school and connect them to support through medical care, welfare. The results of the checkups are thought to have a bearing on each individual’s schooling. 

Ota Ward in Tokyo has decided to introduce a free “5-year-old health check” for preschool children. It has already started on a trial basis at nurseries in the ward. The test places more emphasis on mental development than the current school entry health check, takes more time to test. The aim is to lead to early detection and support of developmental disorders. Ota Ward began the trial of five-year-old health checkups in October for some nursery school children. Based on the results, it is considering implementing them for all five-year-olds in 2026.

Currently, municipalities are required by law to conduct three pre-elementary school health checks: at 18 months and 3 years old, and at the time of school entry, which are generally conducted in groups from autumn to winter for kindergarteners. Five-year-old health checks are left to the discretion of municipalities. However, some research has shown that five-year-old health checks have reduced the number of school-age children who do not attend school. It is hoped that by placing emphasis on “development” during the period when children’s language comprehension and socialization are increasing, it will lead to early detection of developmental disorders.