Japan's measles cases reached 299 by April 12, exceeding the full-year total of 265 from 2025, according to the Japan Institute for Health Security. Tokyo reported 108 cases, with Kanagawa at 31. Officials urge vaccination and prompt medical consultation for symptoms.
The Japan Institute for Health Security reported on Tuesday that measles cases in Japan totaled 299 as of April 12 this year. This preliminary figure already surpasses the 265 cases recorded for all of 2025, with a record 56 cases in the week through April 12 alone.
Tokyo led with 108 cases, followed by Kanagawa Prefecture at 31, Kagoshima Prefecture at 28, and Chiba and Aichi prefectures with 23 each. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air, with vaccination offering the best prevention.
Among those infected this year, 74% had received the vaccine once or not at all, or had unknown vaccination history. The vaccine is available twice at public expense, at age 1 and preschool age. A Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry official said, “If you develop symptoms that you suspect are from a measles infection, such as a high fever or rash, you should check with a medical institution by telephone or similar means, and refrain from using public transportation.”
