The National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan: 75 Years of History

Abstract

Objectives: The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS; formerly the National Nutrition Survey) has been conducted every year in Japan for the past 75 years. From its start and to the present, it has changed in order to focus on the public health issues of the time, which is the unique characteristic of this survey. Therefore, our aim is to summarize the history and origins of the national survey and describe its present situation.

Methods: Previously published national reports were investigated to obtain information on the aims, survey areas, subjects, and survey items of the NHNS.

Results: The National Nutrition Survey in Japan was initiated with the aim of obtaining information about food supplies due to postwar food shortages. This survey has since been conducted with the goal of improving nutritional health and to allow the NHNS to more comprehensively promote health in accordance with enacted laws. The survey was designed to provide national representation through randomized selection and was initially conducted in separate parts on dietary intake and physical symptoms. At present, it is conducted in three parts that collect nutrition, physical, and lifestyle data. Consequently, the purpose and content of the NHNS have expanded over time. Throughout its 75-year history, the NHNS has continued to monitor Japanese dietary intake and health status, further contributing to various national policies on health, food systems, and nutrition.

Conclusion: The current state of health in Japan may be largely due to the contributions of the NHNS to public health through public health policy based on survey results. We hope that the NHNS continues to develop in the future and that this report will contribute to the development of public health worldwide.