BCG Vaccine in Japan

What Is the BCG Vaccine?

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) protects against tuberculosis — a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. Tuberculosis rates in Japan are relatively low, but the country still vaccinates all infants as standard, and the small scar on the upper arm is something you'll notice on most Japanese adults.

Most Western countries stopped routine BCG vaccination years ago, so if you grew up outside Japan, this one might come as a surprise. But it's completely standard here, it's free, and there's nothing to worry about.

When Is It Given?

BCG is given between 5 and 8 months of age. The earlier in that window the better, but it must be done before your baby's first birthday. Your municipality handles the scheduling — it's usually a group session rather than a regular clinic appointment.

How Is It Administered?

This catches a lot of parents off guard: BCG in Japan is not a regular needle injection. It's given using a small stamp device with multiple tiny needles, which is pressed gently onto the upper arm. The vaccine is applied to the skin first, and the stamp is pressed twice.

The technique is called 管針法 (kanshinhou). It looks a little unusual if you've never seen it before, but it's quick and most babies handle it well. Some cry briefly, but it's generally over in seconds.

What to Expect After Vaccination

The BCG reaction takes a while to show up — don't expect anything immediately. Over the following weeks, you'll see a gradual change at the vaccination site. This is normal and expected.

• 2–4 weeks after: A small red bump appears. Leave it alone.
• 4–8 weeks after: It may blister slightly. Don't squeeze it or cover it tightly.
• 2–3 months after: It dries out and leaves a small scar — the classic BCG mark.

What to Bring

• 母子健康手帳 (Boshi Techou) — the vaccination gets recorded here.
• 接種券 (Vaccination voucher) — the BCG voucher sent by your municipality.
• マイナ保険証 (Insurance) — your child's My Number Card linked to health insurance. As of December 2024, the old 健康保険証 is no longer accepted. If you haven't linked your card yet, bring your 資格確認書 (shikaku kakuninsho — certificate of qualification) instead, which is issued automatically by your insurer.
• 予診票 (Medical form) — fill this in at home before you go.

Dress your baby in a short-sleeved top so the upper arm is easy to get to.

Where to Get It

BCG is usually given at your local health center (保健所, hokenjo) in a group session with other families. Your municipality will send you the date and location. Some areas allow it at designated pediatric clinics — if you're unsure, just call your city hall and ask.

Don't be surprised if you're in a room with several other babies getting the same vaccine at the same time. That's how BCG sessions typically work in Japan.

BCG is one date on a schedule that runs from birth to around age 12, and the shots around it need to be spaced correctly. To see where this one sits and what comes next, see our complete guide to Japan's childhood vaccination schedule.

📖 Japanese Vocabulary

Useful terms for your BCG appointment.