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Gov't warns of increasing rates of HIV, AIDS infection

66 Comments

Health Minister Yoko Komiyama made an appearance at an AIDS awareness event in Shibuya on Sunday to encourage Japanese people to take an HIV check ahead of the U.N.-designated World AIDS Day on Dec 1.

Komiyama said AIDS checks are available at public health centers across Japan and are free and anonymous, TV Asahi reported.

World AIDS Day aims to draw attention to the steadily increasing rates of AIDS infection around the world.

The ministry revealed that reported cases of HIV and AIDS infection in Japan last year surpassed 1,500 and that infection rates are increasing. The ministry also added that of those infected, around 70% were in their 20s and 30s, TV Asahi reported.

The ministry also said that it believes around 90% of those infected caught the disease through unprotected sex with an infected partner. A spokesperson urged people to use a condom for contraception and to visit a health center for a check.

© Japan Today

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66 Comments
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nigelboy: "Why don't you enlighten us smith?"

Why don't you enlighten yourself? That's what the problem is here, and why Japan is the only industrialized nation with an increasing HIV rate.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I wonder if Japan's suicide rates, some of the highest in the world have anything to do with all of these AIDS cases? You know, you go test yourself and say HOLY MOLE! I am gonna die from having had too much unprotected sex here in Japan and all over Asia etc..so they think, better to just cut to the chase and jump in front of the Yamanote line??

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So tell me, then... what's the rate of people that get tested in Japan?

Why don't you enlighten us smith?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

LifeisPain: "On the other hand do you think people do not eventually realize they have AIDS, or that from that point they choose to quietly whither and die?"

So tell me, then... what's the rate of people that get tested in Japan? You say, "Even if the number is double...", referring to the very among the not many more that get tested who turn out positive, but it could be "even if the number is ten times...". Point is, we don't know, because next to no one gets tested.

bajhista65: "Just like the birds flu that comes from migratory birds and not inside japan."

These diseases are spreading in Japan, through Japanese -- they are not from foreign sources in each and every case, if only a fraction. Even if people go on sex tours and bring it back, all that means is that they are dumber than people in other nations who bother to wear protection. What's your excuse for the men who go on these tours? Are they tricked into thinking they wore protection while cheating on their wives?

As long as people like you express that kind of attitude and ignorance, the disease will continue to spread while the rates go down in other nations.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

A lot of comments pointing the finger at other nations for actually spreading the disease, just read bajhista65's post.

It's purely down to a lack of responsibilty. If, like bajhista65 claims, "Japanese men go on sex tours and bring it back to Japan", that is their own stupidity. AIDS/disease has no nationality. Wear a condom at least, stupid businessmen.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hehehehe Blame it on too much proliferations of pornographic materials so open in Japan. I remember during the 70's there's a TV show "11 PM" and before they do commercials, they show a 5 seconder spiel of beautiful topless lady. I am sure some, here, also knows hotels have a channel on their TV programs showing pornographic movies by inserting 100 yen coins. IMO lot's of japanese males go on sex tour packages from scrupulous travel agencies in countries with a high rate of aids and bring it back to Japan. Another case, anti social organizations bring in girls from a high rate aids countries to work as hostesses and bar girls in Japan. Men will always be men. hehehehe These are some scenarios why aids cases are growing in Japan. Just like the birds flu that comes from migratory birds and not inside japan.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

We have an HIV test automatically when we are pregnant. Mine have always been negative, as I knew (hoped!) they would be, but an opportunity for a bit of fun is an opportunity for a bit of fun so I came out of the consulting room into a crowded waiting room waved the paper across the room at hubby sitting right down the other end and yelled "Great news hun! HIV test is negative!" He has never let me forget that. British humour. Sho ga nai. Shoulda married a french chick!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

My relief must have lit up the clinic when I saw that the anonymous (no name, just a number) result of my HIV test was negative. "Yes!"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Many of those infected will certainly traveled to korea, taiwan, china, thailand, singapore. . . . .

What complete and utter ignorance and how typical for a Japanese to blame it on another Asian nation. When my friend picked up a disease from a prostitute, every Japanese I spoke to about it first suggested he must have been on a business trip (it was in Shibuya) and then once that was confirmed suggested she must have been either Russian or Chinese. She was a JAPANESE prostitute and she didnt insist on a condom. He nearly died.

PLEASE - this is serious - get your heads out of your bums and understand Japanese are just as susceptible as any other to STDs.

And to those thinking they are safe because they have regular checks (which hopefully isnt many of us because most of us arent that dumb) - does that mean you have a check after EVERY time you are potentially exposed? Do you wait long enough for the virus to show up in your system before you have the test done? Do you never have unprotected sex with anyone until the results have come through? Do you test for every serious STD as well as HIV? Hep B? Chlamydia? Gonorrhea? If you want to play russian roulette with yourself that is your business, but how can you possibly live with yourself playing the same game with other people?

Just because the lifestyle in Japan is usually very clean doesn't mean you're exempt from something like HIV.

This is what I find so bemusing - you must take your shoes off at the door, wash your hands and gargle every time you come home, shower the dishes rather than washing them in a bowl of dirty dishwater - but swapping body fluids with any old Joji - no problem at all!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Ha! BlueWitch! I notice how many thumbs down we get at the very mention of the "V" word! Obviously a lot of men on here wincing and holding their Godans protectively today! (Sorry Godan - freudian slip again!)

Nah, we just realize that a vasectomy will not stop HIV. ;)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Most japanese use protection thus low birthrate and disease. I'm sure a woman will demand a guy uses something

Low birthrate because not having sex within marriage. Low disease rate - not true at all. And no, often the women dont demand ANYTHING - which was how my friends friend turned yellow and wound up in hospital for a month.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Ha! BlueWitch! I notice how many thumbs down we get at the very mention of the "V" word! Obviously a lot of men on here wincing and holding their Godans protectively today! (Sorry Godan - freudian slip again!)

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Here are solutons for you.

1): Encourage sex and HIV educations.

2) Sell condoms in vending machines.

3)Say "No" to strangers for a casual sex.

4) Encourage a FREE HIV test.

Hiv is a KILLER.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Seriously? You think that because the reported rate is low in a country where testing is next to non-existant that the rate is actually that low?

On the other hand do you think people do not eventually realize they have AIDS, or that from that point they choose to quietly whither and die? I am sure there is stalling and foot dragging. But I do not believe Japan could have kept a lid on it this long unless the numbers presented are somewhat accurate. Even if the actual numbers were double what is presented, that would put Japan on par with Britain and still far behind the U.S. Its a question of how far you want to deviate from actual numbers and instead go with cospiracy theory and imagination.

Free testing is available in Japan, and while its not nearly frequent enough, if you don't make an appointment early you will often find they are full up.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Many of those infected will certainly traveled to korea, taiwan, china, thailand, singapore. . . . .

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Most japanese use protection thus low birthrate and disease. I'm sure a woman will demand a guy uses something

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Bravo Yoheikun!!!! Thanks for sharing that great information.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Sex tours and underground sex clubs?? Umm the world I live in would scream that those places are a hotbed of disease and I'm worth too much to requent a place like that. Whoring should not take precedence over whats real, like time and growth in a relationship are real. If you wish to live the fantasy that the number of people you sleep with has great meaning then by all means live the fantasy. But be prepared to pay the price and no one wants to hear you feeling sorry for yourself cause you got an incurable disease because you did some unrealistic stuff.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So do they still blame this on gaijin?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I have a Japanese friend whose father brought home a little something extra after one of the "sex tours" to Thailand. Needless to say his mother wasn't impressed when she realized what had happened. When it comes to STDs the attitude of "it can't happen to me" is really out of control with the Japanese male population. I don't know why - it's just an observation.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

LifeisPain: "And while some of you give Japan a little kick because HIV rates are rising, try to keep in mind that they still have a very low rate and have quite a ways to go to catch up to the U.S. for example."

Seriously? You think that because the reported rate is low in a country where testing is next to non-existant that the rate is actually that low? This is like the argument that Japan has turned up 12 cases of BSE means Japan BSE in Japan is rampant and the US is comparatively low because they only tested one cow and that cow came up positive. EVERYONE needs a kick, big or small, and regardless of whether their nation does more or less to promote the testing. That said, Japan needs a bigger hoof than the rest because it still considers this stuff 'squeamish' or what have you instead of seriously addressing the facts. One poster said that Japan does not consider these diseases to be 'Japanese', but instead imported. I'm sure there are those that think that, but I doubt the general public does. Nonetheless, as with so many other things the government should invest in, helping people get tested and get help after testing when necessary has GOT to increase unless the nation wants to go epidemic.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Shocking considering the gains made in reducing HIV incidences and deaths worldwide. Japan needs to be a little more vigilent. Just because the lifestyle in Japan is usually very clean doesn't mean you're exempt from something like HIV.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@ Zichi - I remember working with some poor guys even as late as the mid/late 90s suffering with this awful disease in Sydney - in a country which has always had world-leading AIDS treatment. Hope they made it through. Problem is the developers of the drug treatments/drug companies are not too concerned with who gets their drugs - just whether they can cough up the massive dollars or not - hence hundreds of thousands in poor nations like India and African countries still dying.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

zichi: Over the years I've lost many good friends to HIV/AIDS. Terrible slow death.

Yes, and when you watch someone die of AIDS you become much more serious about the global problem. Elton John was right about someone becoming "a shadow on the wall".

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This is depressing news but I agree with other posters here that I'm really shocked how many readers are ignorant about this virus. Come on, guys-- the year is 2011! I have worked as a counselor here in Japan and I have many friends who happen to have tested positive in Japan-- both Japanese and non-Japanese, and I can ensure all of you that actually the Japanese healthcare system--especially in the big cities--takes extraordinarily good care of people with HIV so that they do NOT progress to AIDS. Though perhaps it's off-topic, no, this does not effect your visa status either, provided you have a legitimate status of eligibility to be here in Japan. In fact I know a few Americans with HIV who have been living here healthily and productively, getting good health care and getting the social support they need from their employers and health care providers. National health care is very proactive in providing the right medications to ensure that positive folks can lead ordinary lives to old age. People living in Japan are extremely fortunate for this and it's a complete tragedy that more people don't get tested early, whether they are Japanese or non-Japanese. There is no excuse NOT to get tested if you are sexually active with anyone, period. Tests today take as little as 15 minutes and can be done for free all over the country, anonymously. Even in a private clinic they will treat your results anonymously regardless of the result, and they are bound to do so by law.

Let me reiterate this in a clearer way. Globally, the science and medicine surrounding HIV and AIDS has changed dramatically, and Japanese health providers are fortunately able to access the latest medication. These days if you happen to get HIV (and it's very unfortunate and relatively rare, but it happens, even in all kinds of relationships and even from people who think they themselves are not infected!), you can begin taking anti-retroviral medication while your white blood cell count is still relatively high, and the virus does not have an opportunity to wreak havoc on your body. My friend takes a pill each morning and each night before bed. No side effects. In fact he feels more energy than he used to. It's just like taking vitamins. In other words, if you treat HIV early, it's actually easier to manage in many respects than diabetes or high blood pressure, with very few complications or side effects (if any, depending on the individual). This is not to say we shouldn't care or be careful about HIV or that it's a breeze to get the disease-- it's VERY costly to manage without insurance and there are indeed possible complications. But by far the biggest problem is that so many people are terrified of this disease that they resist getting tested and treated if needed. And so what happens is HIV takes its toll and takes over one's cells gradually, until your immune system is so wrecked that you can no longer resist a wide host of other diseases which can cause death eventually. When your defenses cross a certain threshold and you no longer have enough CD4 (T) white blood cells in your system, then clinically you are no longer described as having HIV, but rather, "advanced HIV disease," otherwise known as AIDS. They are two phases of the same disease. If you are treated, maybe you'll never be able to be "cured" of HIV, but you'll likely never progress to AIDS, and you'll also lead a very healthy life. And for those people who do progress to AIDS-- even with a very weak immune system, the latest medications can at least stave off any further deterioration of one's health, and many people leap back into relatively good health. All of my HIV positive friends made some unfortunate choices or had careless accidents in their lives, but thank God they're all safe, healthy, happy, and very worried that no one else in Japan, let alone the planet, ever gets infected again.

The "scary stories" alluded to by previous posters do happen-- but they happen because people don't get tested, and because they're too afraid to get help when they know something's wrong. Please pass on this message. These days-- in fact in just the past few months alone-- the progress researchers are making toward curing this virus is astounding. Many experts predict that we WILL see a cure for AIDS in our lifetimes. Last year they cured a man of advanced AIDS. They are already finding that anti-retroviral drugs can lower the contagiousness of HIV-positive people, and also that such drugs even prevent infection in HIV-negative partners of positive people. And simply, by taking a few precautions, we can all avoid this disease altogether while having some real compassion and appreciation for the brave souls who are now living with this disease.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

One of my Japanese friends is a doctor out in Hachioji, boy oh boy! He told me some very scary stories about many of his young male patients and ALL JAPANESE!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"where a dome"

???

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Christ the ignorance is INCREDIBLE about this disease: If it has been less than three months since your possible exposure, the result is not considered conclusive and you could still be infected with HIV, but the levels are not detectable.

If you received a negative result and it has been more than three months since your last possible exposure, your results are considered conclusive and you do not have HIV at this time.

With the amount of sex tours to SE Asia from here who knows what is brought back and then given partners. I truly believe the rate is under reported, not through intent, but through simply not knowing. Give me a rain coat ANY day.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

So when i ask someone if they have been tested recently and are negative, and i too am negative then i can go ahead without a condom.

Wow. If this is the way people live, then no wonder HIV rates are increasing.

Scary!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

If you are participating in risky behaviour use a condom, not that a condom on the end of the needle you are injecting drugs with will help.

EDUCATION again is the KEY.

Risky sex is dangerous, using condoms is sometimes inconvenient, doing drugs while sharing needles is also dangerous.

Wise up people.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@It's called freedom of choice. I make my own and you make yours. The government (or anyone) should not interfere in the private affairs of individuals. I have no sympathy for those who get HIV-AIDS through their own fault. Wearing a condom is an individual's responsibility. You must make your own decision. Just play it safe.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@Nicky Washida

@Mabodofuls: try persuading a Japanese man to have a vasectomy! He will only finally give in I think when he knocks me up for the fourth time!

Ha! You tell me...last night after having a "pleasant time" with him, I went to the kitchen and for some unknown reason I started rubbing my belly and then he comes in and asked me if I'm pregnant... I was like.."WHAT?! we use protection, remember?" I kept thinking... He's really looking forward for baby #5.. and NO, it's not happening. We both have 6 (2 from his previous marriage) children together!! When is it gonna be enough?... MEN!!

-5 ( +4 / -8 )

Now I have to take responsibility for someone else's carelessness.

Did you imagine that a woman can wear the condom for you? Or do you expect her to put in a female condom? I can say I have even seen one. And I don't want to. I use a standard condom. And I am not telling you this from the perspective of being a "real man" but just as a point of physical reality: the male condom is at least 90 percent the responsibility of the male. Don't call a female careless as she has no practical ability to control a male condom, therefore, she leaves it up to you. She could demand a condom. That would be her little ten percent of control. But from her position she could easily get fooled. So she leaves it you. Just take the responsibility. Its worth it.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@Now I see: Well, obviously you don't. I've never read such rationalized nonsense... ever. You're either purposefully denying facts or VERY VERY misinformed. Read up. Get real. HIV KILLS.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

recherche88@ Yes you are correct, my mistake.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Does this mean that if you are HIV positive, Japan will deport a foreigner? This is basically what's happening by not renewing the visa of an infected person. What if a foreigner who has permanent status is positive? Do they get deported too?

They don't get deported, their visa is not renewed when they go to renew it... a PR reviews every 5 years.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Back on topic please. Visas are not relevant to this discussion.

Does this mean that if you are HIV positive, Japan will deport a foreigner? This is basically what's happening by not renewing the visa of an infected person. What if a foreigner who has permanent status is positive? Do they get deported too?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Friend worked as a volunteer nurse at an AIDS clinic in Hawaii some years ago.

She said it was constantly busy with Japanese who had flown over specially and who would never dare visit a clinic back home.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

That's a very serious problem especially if you are a foreigner. Would need to find a private clinic or doctor to make the test.

Yep a private doctor can submit fake information to the government on your behalf if you test positive.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Holy ****! Now I have to take responsibility for someone else's carelessness. I'm accused of murder even.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

A spokesperson urged people to use a condom for contraception and to visit a health center for a check.

Well this is not about contraception/ birth control. Its about safe sex. Two totally different things.

And while some of you give Japan a little kick because HIV rates are rising, try to keep in mind that they still have a very low rate and have quite a ways to go to catch up to the U.S. for example.

As a male, i hope its true.

Its true. But keep using condoms anyway, at least until you have a steady monogamous relationship going. The girl does not know if you have AIDS and you probably don't either. So consider it protection and a service for her if not yourself.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Komiyama said AIDS checks are available at public health centers across Japan and are free and anonymous,

This is only for the test, if you test positive you MUST register with the government as infected, if you are are on a visa your visa will not be renewed next time you apply. Ask your doctor they will confirm this.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm surprised the tests aren't free and more confidential here. NHI doesn't cover it either. You have to pay for the test 100%. That's how Japan's government feels about it.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

YongYang, condoms are a good idea, but everyone is different. Some can have very enjoyable sex with a condom. Otjers, it feels like (as someone mentioned) having a shower with a raincoat. Whats the point of having sex if for some, its a horrible experience. Nothing to do with growing up, but, everyone shoud get tested frequently and make sue you are healthy. So when i ask someone if they have been tested recently and are negative, and i too am negative then i can go ahead without a condom. But TRUST ME, i wish it felt even semi good with a condom so i could use it more often and not have to be very selective with my partners. On another note, from the CDC site, Asians do have a low risk, lowest, black have highest, circumcised men cuts ur risk in half...check it out. Get tested people. Anyone know a free one in the nagoya area? I usually pay but as i am hearing now, its free!!

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

@those who are dimissive of wearing a condom you are irrepsonsible and very possibly murdering people. QUIT IT. Bag AND grow up!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The ministry also said that it believes around 90% of those infected caught the disease through unprotected sex with an infected partner.

Oh, believes, that was rich.

And me believe that only the 65% caught the disease through unprotected sex and the rest caught it in hospitals, dentist, ophthalmology and cosmetic surgery clinics.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@Naruhodo1 A male having unprotected vaginal intercourse is less likely to contract HIV from a single exposure with an infected female than vice-versa. The odds of anybody (outside of gay anal sex) contracting HIV from a single unprotected act is low but certainly far from non existent. Why risk the odds with your life though? Proper and consistent use of condoms take 99% of the worry away.

3 ( +3 / -1 )

Doctors in Japan tell their patients that males have a very low chance of catching hiv from heterosexual sex. Not the same for females. I searched the web and found same info. As a male, i hope its true. Has anyone heard of the same thing?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

If you are worried, I suggest you make a blood donation to the Japan Red Cross, since they screen all donors and notify you if they find anything serious.

No, this is the last thing you should do if you think you may have HIV. The screening isn't 100% effective and instead you have the possibility of sharing your disease with a blood transfusion recipient.

If you are worried, get an HIV test.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably but they are actually separate components of the same disease without a cure and is not a same-sex disease. However the treatment options can often help people live longer and healthier. Therefore the greatest barrier seems to be the stigma and discrimination that surround the disease especially with marginalized groups, but still can infect anyone in the general population. HIV is a threat to anyone who engages in risky behavior or is not careful during medical procedures or when exposed to blood. Sadly myths and discrimination continues to hinder effective prevention of further infection because information and awareness is the key in keeping the spread of the disease in check. Hence people living with HIV and AIDS require respect and support from their loved ones, friends, family, and communities.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What's scarier that the rates in Japan are INCREASING (instead of decreasing as with other industrialized nations) is that the results are OBVIOUSLY from people who have been tested, and the majority of people here, to my knowledge, DON'T get tested.

I am glad to see this woman using a public forum to ask people to get tested. Everyone should at some point if they have been sexually active -- even if they used protection. It's good for you to know yourself, and it's also responsible. While I was pleasantly surprised, the last time this topic came up, to find out there are more anonymous testing sites than I previously thought, there still need to be more, and they need to be advertised more.

As well, I think the education system needs to stress more the need for condoms and other disease preventative measures to students if they choose to be sexually active -- from at least the junior highschool level. I know it's a sensitive topic, and some parents, and teachers, are squeamish about the idea, but they need to be realistic.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

If you are worried, I suggest you make a blood donation to the Japan Red Cross, since they screen all donors and notify you if they find anything serious.

...or just go get an HIV test...

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Hats off for him,

The minister's name is Yoko, so chances are good she is a woman.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Proactive politician, speaking about the unspeakable in a public forum. Hats off for him, " raincoat" on for others.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Japan is believed to have many thousands of cases that have been diagnosed but unreported. If you are worried, I suggest you make a blood donation to the Japan Red Cross, since they screen all donors and notify you if they find anything serious.

2 ( +5 / -4 )

@Mabodofuls: try persuading a Japanese man to have a vasectomy! He will only finally give in I think when he knocks me up for the fourth time!

-5 ( +3 / -7 )

lostrune2 - thats what I heard too.

The tests will only tell you when you have it. And even then, only after a certain period of time from infection when it shows up in your system, and when you have gotten around to having the test, leaving you free to go ahead and infect other people until you are aware you have it.

I thank God I am no longer "out there" sometimes with this kind of thing floating around. Assuming of course hubby doesnt bring home any nasty surprises for me. Protect yourself. Wearing a raincoat is a small price to pay for saving your life.

0 ( +7 / -6 )

Don't just tell people to where a dome. Educate them. In my town these free testing places are only twice a month for two hours each time. Make the tests more available.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Who wants to use a condom? That's like taking a shower with your raincoat on.

-19 ( +3 / -21 )

I think Japan is the only industrialized nation where the infections are increasing.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

This is just what I need to discourage me from having sex.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

drug resistant strains of HIV/AIDS are popping up. This article I read said this happens when two people with two different strains of HIV/AIDS have intercourse and infect one another. Their former strain must mutate when incorporating the new strain into their system. The article of latest cases I read about are in Singapore.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It does not hurt.

-6 ( +2 / -9 )

Condoms are good if you are playing around. Vasectomy is great if you have a steady 1 only partner.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I thought the Japanese could not get AIDS?? Too many of the Japanese guys I know think like this, they go to brothels all the time, condoms?? Nah! Who needs a rubber when you are drunk out of your brains and you have just paid for sex, right??

3 ( +10 / -7 )

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