Health promotion policies in the Republic of Korea and Japan: a comparative study.

Health promotion strategies have been developed and implemented in some Asian countries, particularly in the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Japan. It would help to understand features of health promotion in each country to compare health promotion strategies between them. In this study, using categories developed by HP-Source.net, we conducted a comparative analysis of health promotion strategies between Korea and Japan to understand features of health promotion in each country and contribute to the improvement of population health. One of the goals of Health Plan 2010 is to assess its achievements with numerical targets, which is also the case in Japan. One of the important discussion points involves a decision on the optimal number of targets for evaluation. There is a major difference in the funding of health promotion activities between Korea and Japan. They are financed through the general account in Japan, while in Korea a foundation for health promotion has been established and the income from tobacco tax is ring-fenced for this fund. The database and methodology of HP-Source needs adaptation for global use. We encountered some disadvantages in using its current framework for comparing and analysing information on health promotion in Korea and Japan. It has been recognised that HP-Source could influence the development and implementation of health promotion strategies in other parts of the world. Health promotion tools can help decision makers, planners and researchers to formulate and enhance comprehensive plans. In this study we learned many lessons in expanding policy tools outside of one region to aid the global development of effective health promotion policy and practice.