Pharmacy Openings Hit 2,175 in H2 2025: Clear Shift to Autumn and Urban Concentration
Review Co., Ltd. has released an analysis report on pharmacy openings across Japan from July to December 2025. The number of openings reached 2,175, with a notable shift from the traditional spring timing to a 'fall-focused' concentration in September and October. While openings are increasingly concentrated in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, the data also highlights that the role of pharmacies is transitioning from simple dispensing to becoming 'regional infrastructure' that handles home care and healthcare DX.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 18:00
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Review Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Shigeo Fujimoto) combines the power of 'people' and 'IT' to collect, organize, and provide data on existing stores, facilities, and corporations nationwide based on administrative data.
Recently, an analysis of data on pharmacies that opened nationwide between July and December 2025 revealed that compared to the previous year, openings are not only increasing but are also experiencing several simultaneous changes, such as concentration in urban areas and a shift in opening timing.
In particular, while the number of openings increased compared to 2024, there was a trend toward concentration in specific regions, such as urban prefectures.
Based on these changes, this release summarizes the analysis results of the 'National Pharmacy Opening Ranking Report ver2 (July-December 2025 vs. Past 5 Years),' which outlines the trends in pharmacy openings nationwide.
2,175 Pharmacy Openings in H2 2025: An Autumn 'Opening Rush'
The number of pharmacy openings nationwide in the second half of 2025 (July to December) was 2,175, rebounding from the decline in 2024.
A particularly notable feature was the sharp increase observed from September to October.
There were 476 openings in September and 495 in October, representing a level approximately 1.6 to 1.8 times the historical average.
Historically, pharmacy openings tended to concentrate in the early spring, but in 2025, a movement that can be described as a 'fall-focused' type was observed. Multiple factors, including the concentration of medical mall developments and preparation periods following system revisions, may be influencing this shift.
Top 5 Prefectures for Pharmacy Openings (July-December 2025)
Looking at the number of pharmacy openings from July to December 2025 by prefecture:
Urban areas and core city regions dominated the top spots, with Tokyo ranking 1st (265 openings), followed by Osaka (207), Fukuoka (159), Aichi (146), and Saitama (121).
In Tokyo and Osaka specifically, openings centered around redevelopment areas and medical malls are progressing, indicating a strategy of pharmacy expansion premised on collaboration with medical institutions.
Furthermore, openings continue at a high level in prefectures like Fukuoka and Aichi, showing a trend of expansion centered on urban and densely populated areas.
On the other hand, disparities in the number of openings were seen in rural areas, indicating a situation where trends diverge depending on the region.
Pharmacy Openings Shifting from 'Spring-Focused': Increase in September and October
Previously, pharmacy openings tended to concentrate in early spring due to the change in the fiscal year and the impact of medical fee revisions.
However, in 2025, there is a movement showing an increase in the number of cases from September to October.
September saw 476 openings against an average of 260 over the past five years, and October also saw 495, marking a significant increase compared to typical years.
Multiple factors may be influencing this background, including:
- Concentration of medical mall development
- Preparation period after system revisions
- Securing human resources and construction schedules
Pharmacy openings may be entering a phase where decisions are made not only based on traditional 'fiscal year standards' but also by taking external environments and system trends into account.
Why Are Pharmacies Increasingly Concentrating in Urban Areas?
It is becoming apparent that the need to accommodate home medical care and healthcare DX may be influencing opening locations.
In recent years, the roles expected of pharmacies have expanded, including electronic prescriptions, online medication guidance, home care support, and regional collaboration.
Consequently, there is a possibility that openings are more likely to concentrate in urban areas where capital investment and human resource acquisition are easier.
Conversely, in rural areas, even if there is demand, it is difficult to secure personnel and establish systems, leading to emerging regional disparities.
Pharmacies: From 'Dispensing Locations' to 'Regional Infrastructure'
Furthermore, the data from this analysis also suggests a shift in the very roles expected of pharmacies.
Recently, there are increasing instances where pharmacies function as entities that support regional healthcare, through:
- Handling home medical care
- Collaboration with medical institutions
- Health consultations
- Daily life support
Particularly as the population ages, pharmacies are increasingly expected not just to hand over medications but to continuously support local residents. Given these changes, it is believed that moving forward, it will become more important not simply 'where to open' but 'what role the pharmacy plays in which region.'
Pharmacy Openings: Transitioning from the Era of 'Quantity' to 'Role'
The data from the second half of 2025 confirmed multiple changes, including:
- An increase in the number of openings
- Continued concentration in urban areas
- A shift in opening timing
Pharmacy openings are transitioning from a stage of simply increasing numbers to an era that requires judgments based on regional healthcare needs and institutional trends.
Each individual decision to open a pharmacy will significantly affect the balance of regional healthcare.
Recently, an analysis of data on pharmacies that opened nationwide between July and December 2025 revealed that compared to the previous year, openings are not only increasing but are also experiencing several simultaneous changes, such as concentration in urban areas and a shift in opening timing.
In particular, while the number of openings increased compared to 2024, there was a trend toward concentration in specific regions, such as urban prefectures.
Based on these changes, this release summarizes the analysis results of the 'National Pharmacy Opening Ranking Report ver2 (July-December 2025 vs. Past 5 Years),' which outlines the trends in pharmacy openings nationwide.
2,175 Pharmacy Openings in H2 2025: An Autumn 'Opening Rush'
The number of pharmacy openings nationwide in the second half of 2025 (July to December) was 2,175, rebounding from the decline in 2024.
A particularly notable feature was the sharp increase observed from September to October.
There were 476 openings in September and 495 in October, representing a level approximately 1.6 to 1.8 times the historical average.
Historically, pharmacy openings tended to concentrate in the early spring, but in 2025, a movement that can be described as a 'fall-focused' type was observed. Multiple factors, including the concentration of medical mall developments and preparation periods following system revisions, may be influencing this shift.
Top 5 Prefectures for Pharmacy Openings (July-December 2025)
Looking at the number of pharmacy openings from July to December 2025 by prefecture:
Urban areas and core city regions dominated the top spots, with Tokyo ranking 1st (265 openings), followed by Osaka (207), Fukuoka (159), Aichi (146), and Saitama (121).
In Tokyo and Osaka specifically, openings centered around redevelopment areas and medical malls are progressing, indicating a strategy of pharmacy expansion premised on collaboration with medical institutions.
Furthermore, openings continue at a high level in prefectures like Fukuoka and Aichi, showing a trend of expansion centered on urban and densely populated areas.
On the other hand, disparities in the number of openings were seen in rural areas, indicating a situation where trends diverge depending on the region.
Pharmacy Openings Shifting from 'Spring-Focused': Increase in September and October
Previously, pharmacy openings tended to concentrate in early spring due to the change in the fiscal year and the impact of medical fee revisions.
However, in 2025, there is a movement showing an increase in the number of cases from September to October.
September saw 476 openings against an average of 260 over the past five years, and October also saw 495, marking a significant increase compared to typical years.
Multiple factors may be influencing this background, including:
- Concentration of medical mall development
- Preparation period after system revisions
- Securing human resources and construction schedules
Pharmacy openings may be entering a phase where decisions are made not only based on traditional 'fiscal year standards' but also by taking external environments and system trends into account.
Why Are Pharmacies Increasingly Concentrating in Urban Areas?
It is becoming apparent that the need to accommodate home medical care and healthcare DX may be influencing opening locations.
In recent years, the roles expected of pharmacies have expanded, including electronic prescriptions, online medication guidance, home care support, and regional collaboration.
Consequently, there is a possibility that openings are more likely to concentrate in urban areas where capital investment and human resource acquisition are easier.
Conversely, in rural areas, even if there is demand, it is difficult to secure personnel and establish systems, leading to emerging regional disparities.
Pharmacies: From 'Dispensing Locations' to 'Regional Infrastructure'
Furthermore, the data from this analysis also suggests a shift in the very roles expected of pharmacies.
Recently, there are increasing instances where pharmacies function as entities that support regional healthcare, through:
- Handling home medical care
- Collaboration with medical institutions
- Health consultations
- Daily life support
Particularly as the population ages, pharmacies are increasingly expected not just to hand over medications but to continuously support local residents. Given these changes, it is believed that moving forward, it will become more important not simply 'where to open' but 'what role the pharmacy plays in which region.'
Pharmacy Openings: Transitioning from the Era of 'Quantity' to 'Role'
The data from the second half of 2025 confirmed multiple changes, including:
- An increase in the number of openings
- Continued concentration in urban areas
- A shift in opening timing
Pharmacy openings are transitioning from a stage of simply increasing numbers to an era that requires judgments based on regional healthcare needs and institutional trends.
Each individual decision to open a pharmacy will significantly affect the balance of regional healthcare.
FAQ
How many pharmacies opened in H2 2025?
There were 2,175 openings, showing an increase. Openings surged specifically in September and October.
Are there regional trends in openings?
Yes, openings are highly concentrated in urban and core city areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Why are openings concentrated in urban areas?
Because urban areas better support the necessary equipment and staffing for advanced roles like home care and healthcare DX.