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 Health Support for Japanese and English Speakers

Professional counseling that bridges the gap between where you are and where you feel at home.

If you have severe symptoms, call 119 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are unsure whether it’s an emergency, you can call #7119 (Tokyo area and many prefectures) for medical advice in Japanese.

Empowering Your Health

Our Mission

At Health Navigator, we specialize in assisting people worldwide to effectively navigate the healthcare system. Our team, with RN/NP expertise from Japan and the U.S., provides personalized counseling based on health conditions, lab results, and symptoms. We strive to break down barriers, enhance understanding, and ensure you have access to quality healthcare.

Why Choose Us

With a unique understanding of both Japanese and US healthcare landscapes, we provide tailored services that address your specific needs. Our commitment to effective communication and personalized care ensures that you receive the support necessary to manage your health effectively.

What We Do

Japan Health Navigator helps both English and Japanese speakers manage their chronic condition, help to understand their health concerns, assists to find right providers or facility, and prepare for clinic visits.
We also support you in understanding test results and navigating the health system.

Medical support in Japanese for English speakers living in Japan and Japanese speakers in the U.S.

We help you explain symptoms, choose the right clinic, and understand test results.

What We Don't Do​

We do not provide diagnosis, prescriptions, or treatment.
If you think you might have a serious or urgent condition, please go directly to a hospital or call 119 (Japan) or 911 (the US).

Before Your First Session

Please prepare:

  • A brief description of your symptoms (in English or Japanese)

  • Any medical records or test results you would like to discuss

  • Your questions or concerns

  • A stable internet connection (Video session link will be provided)

Services

Welcome to our health consultation service, where we specialize in providing personalized health consultations and managing chronic conditions, while facilitating connections with healthcare providers. Our professional team is dedicated to supporting you with personalized advice and tailored resources that address your specific health needs.​​

Health consultation

Listen your current symptoms and health concerns. Helps to understand the test results and offer insights and suggestions.

Connect to healthcare system 

Suggest an OTC medication option or direct to appropriate local provider based on your condition.

Chronic condition coaching

Assist in monitoring and managing chronic conditions, including blood pressure, blood glucose control, weight monitoring and healthy likestyle.

This is awesome.  Thank you for advising me on medicines regarding my diabetes and also which noninvasive blood measuring devices to use.  Aside for being helpful, friendly and respectful, you are very knowledgeable at what you do.   You are a great asset trying to bridge communication problems between Japanese and English due to language and culture barrier.  Translating the meaning of test results can be challenging to folks especially the elderly.  Continue to strive and reach out to those who are in need of your service.  

​Lydia G. 

Your Consultant

YUKO MEDINA, APRN, FNP-C

After earning my registered nurse license in Japan, I worked at a general hospital where I gained valuable hands-on experience. Driven by a desire to expand my skills and deepen my understanding of healthcare, I moved to the United States.

 

There, I obtained my U.S. registered nurse license and spent years working in hospitals and clinics. Eventually, I became a Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing primary care services to the Japanese community living in the U.S.

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Through this journey, I often heard patients express feelings of anxiety and confusion—struggling to express their symptoms in English, unsure about when to see a doctor, or uncertain about which over-the-counter medicines are safe and appropriate for their conditions. I realized that these worries often stem from differences in language, culture, and healthcare systems.

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Now, as more people from around the world make Japan their home, I believe many face similar challenges that Japanese people experience overseas. I created this website to offer guidance and reassurance—so that everyone can feel supported, make confident health decisions, and enjoy a safe and comfortable life.

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Common Questions

Q.Is this a Telemedicine Service?

A. No. We do not diagnose or prescribe. We help you prepare for and understand your clinic visit.

Q. Can you contact the hospital for me?

A. We can help you prepare your explanation and find suitable clinics, but we cannot make official appointments on your behalf.

Q. Can I send lab results?

A. Yes, you can share them securely before your consultation. We’ll help you understand the meaning, but final interpretation belongs to your physician.

Q. Are consultations in English only?

A. We can support in English and Japanese.

Q. Is this service covered by insurance?

A. No, this is a private navigation/education service and is not covered by Japanese National Health Insurance.

Q. What to do in case of Emergency?

If you have severe symptoms (chest pain, breathing difficulty, high fever, injury, loss of consciousness, etc.), please call 119 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you are unsure whether it’s an emergency, you can call #7119 (Tokyo area and many prefectures) for medical advice in Japanese.

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