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News report
Eastern promise

New data from the GWI names Japan the world’s third highest performing wellness economy


Japan’s wellness economy is worth US$303 billion (€283 billion, £242.6 billion) which makes it one of the most successful in the world, trumped only by the US at US$1.2 trillion (€1.1 trillion, £994.3 billion) and China at US$683 billion, (€637.4 billion, £546.3 billion).

This is based on data that’s just been revealed by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). It focuses on 12 sub-sectors that GWI uses to measure the US$4.4 trillion (€4.1 trillion, £3.6 trillion) global wellness economy.

Sub-sector rankings
The country’s three most lucrative wellness markets include personal care and beauty (US$105.9 billion, €98.8 billion, £84.7 billion), healthy eating (US$70.1 billion, €65.4 billion, £56.1 billion) and physical activity (US$41 billion, €38.2 billion, £32.8 billion).

Wellness real estate is one of the fastest-moving markets. It grew from US$2.5 billion (€2.3 billion, £2 billion) in 2017 to US$11.5 billion (€10.7 billion, £9.2 billion) in 2020.

Meanwhile, spa-related markets come lower down the rankings. Traditional and complementary medicine in Japan is valued at US$16.7 billion (€15.5 billion, £13.3 billion), thermal and mineral springs at US$9.2 billion (€8.5 billion), £7.4 billion) and spas at US$4.2 billion (€3.9 billion, £3.4 billion).

Geography of wellness
The new data came to light after the GWI added Japan to its Geography of Wellness website. Launched last year, the platform gives a deep dive into a country’s distinctive wellness assets.

Other nations featured include Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, the US and Indonesia.

“Japan is an amazing example of a sustainable, strong wellness economy,” says Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO.

GWI partnered with Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration to unveil the findings.

“Japan’s ancient customs heavily inspire our wellness culture today,” explains Yoriko Soma, CEO of Conceptasia. “These include onsen and forest bathing, hiking, a culture of cleanliness, a healthful diet and focus on martial arts based in the Zen mindset.”
photo: Yorika Soma

"Japan’s ancient customs heavily inspire our wellness culture today" – Yorika Soma

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Eastern promise

News report

Eastern promise

Current article
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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
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News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
News report
Eastern promise

New data from the GWI names Japan the world’s third highest performing wellness economy


Japan’s wellness economy is worth US$303 billion (€283 billion, £242.6 billion) which makes it one of the most successful in the world, trumped only by the US at US$1.2 trillion (€1.1 trillion, £994.3 billion) and China at US$683 billion, (€637.4 billion, £546.3 billion).

This is based on data that’s just been revealed by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). It focuses on 12 sub-sectors that GWI uses to measure the US$4.4 trillion (€4.1 trillion, £3.6 trillion) global wellness economy.

Sub-sector rankings
The country’s three most lucrative wellness markets include personal care and beauty (US$105.9 billion, €98.8 billion, £84.7 billion), healthy eating (US$70.1 billion, €65.4 billion, £56.1 billion) and physical activity (US$41 billion, €38.2 billion, £32.8 billion).

Wellness real estate is one of the fastest-moving markets. It grew from US$2.5 billion (€2.3 billion, £2 billion) in 2017 to US$11.5 billion (€10.7 billion, £9.2 billion) in 2020.

Meanwhile, spa-related markets come lower down the rankings. Traditional and complementary medicine in Japan is valued at US$16.7 billion (€15.5 billion, £13.3 billion), thermal and mineral springs at US$9.2 billion (€8.5 billion), £7.4 billion) and spas at US$4.2 billion (€3.9 billion, £3.4 billion).

Geography of wellness
The new data came to light after the GWI added Japan to its Geography of Wellness website. Launched last year, the platform gives a deep dive into a country’s distinctive wellness assets.

Other nations featured include Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, the US and Indonesia.

“Japan is an amazing example of a sustainable, strong wellness economy,” says Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO.

GWI partnered with Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration to unveil the findings.

“Japan’s ancient customs heavily inspire our wellness culture today,” explains Yoriko Soma, CEO of Conceptasia. “These include onsen and forest bathing, hiking, a culture of cleanliness, a healthful diet and focus on martial arts based in the Zen mindset.”
photo: Yorika Soma

"Japan’s ancient customs heavily inspire our wellness culture today" – Yorika Soma

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Eastern promise

News report

Eastern promise

Current article
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FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]

MSpa Oslo series: a timeless bestseller
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Borghese Roma

Borghese is an Italian luxury skincare brand founded in 1957 by Princess Marcella Borghese. [more...]
+ More profiles  
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+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS