Key Facts
• 64% of 2,600 home nursing facilities reported harassment incidents.
• April 2025: Female nurse attacked with a knife in Osaka by an 86-year-old man.
• Harassment types include verbal threats, physical/mental abuse, and sexual remarks.
• Revised Labor Policy Act (June 2025) mandates anti-harassment measures for employers.
• Shiga Prefecture created a manual to support nurses and prevent isolation.
• Fukuoka offers subsidies for safety tools and group visits, but such measures are rare.
• Estimated 1.2 million home care patients in 2023, with demand rising.
• Job openings for home nursing exceed a 4:1 ratio, indicating severe staff shortages.
• Home nursing is central to Japan’s community-based care system.
• Experts urge immediate action, including manuals, hotlines, and financial support.
Summary
Harassment in Japan’s home nursing sector is a growing concern, with 64% of facilities reporting incidents such as verbal abuse, physical threats, and sexual misconduct. A recent attack on a nurse in Osaka highlights the risks of one-on-one patient interactions. Despite the revised Labor Policy Act mandating anti-harassment measures, individual facilities face limitations in addressing the issue. Shiga Prefecture has developed a manual to support nurses, while Fukuoka provides subsidies for safety tools and group visits, though such initiatives remain uncommon. With 1.2 million home care patients in 2023 and a severe shortage of nurses, the government must act swiftly to ensure a safe working environment. Proposed measures include creating standardized manuals, establishing hotlines, and offering financial support for safety equipment and group visits. These steps are essential to maintaining the quality of Japan’s community-based care system.
