As global demand for world-class medical care rises, Japan’s new Central Japan International Medical Center (CJIMC) is stepping forward as a leader in advanced cancer treatment and preventive medicine — with a focus on serving patients from all over the world.
Located in Gifu Prefecture, the brand-new facility combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate, patient-centered care. Designed with international visitors in mind, CJIMC is quickly becoming a trusted destination for medical travelers who seek top-tier treatment in a comfortable, accessible and culturally sensitive environment.
“Having seen medical care from all over the world, I designed this medical center with a global approach, equipped to treat patients from all backgrounds,” says Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, chairperson of CJIMC and a former international president of Lions Clubs International. “The facility is supposed to feel more like a hotel than a hospital.”
Advancing Cancer Treatment with Proton Therapy
CJIMC is home to one of the most advanced radiation oncology systems available: the Varian ProBeam 360°, a third-generation proton therapy unit manufactured in the United States. Unlike traditional radiation therapies that rely on X-rays, proton therapy delivers precise, targeted beams of protons to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it particularly effective for treating tumors in delicate or hard-to-reach areas.
“Cancer is the scariest diagnosis a patient can receive,” Dr. Yamada says. “We’re working hard to make it easier for international patients to receive cutting-edge cancer treatment here.”
Led by renowned radiation oncologist Dr. Nobukazu Fuwa, CJIMC’s Proton Therapy Center operates on an outpatient basis. Most sessions take just 10 to 15 minutes, and in some cases, full courses of treatment can be completed in a single month. For international patients — especially those from countries where healthcare costs are high — the combination of quality and value makes CJIMC an attractive option.
“Even after purchasing round-trip airfare to Japan and getting gifts for your family here, the total cost would still be lower than just receiving treatment in the US,” notes Dr. Yamada.
A Destination for Preventive Care
Beyond cancer treatment, CJIMC is a leader in preventive medicine. The center offers comprehensive health screening packages that include full-body MRI scans, PET/CT scans and advanced cardiovascular and brain screenings — all designed to catch health concerns before they become critical.
One notable innovation is the Elmammo PET scanner, a breast cancer imaging system that delivers high-resolution images without the discomfort of traditional mammograms. The technology is especially popular with female patients seeking a more accurate and less invasive alternative.
Designed for International Visitors
To accommodate a growing number of overseas patients, CJIMC offers multilingual support, including English-speaking coordinators who assist with scheduling, payment, medical interpretation and follow-up care. Every effort is made to ensure patients feel comfortable, safe and supported throughout their medical journey.
And while many international visitors may not be familiar with Gifu, its central location makes it highly convenient. The center is approximately 1.5 hours from Chubu Centrair International Airport and easily accessible from Nagoya by high-speed rail or expressway.
Tranquil Recovery in Japan’s Heartland
Gifu’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage provide a peaceful backdrop for recovery and rehabilitation. Patients and their families can take in local sights such as Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its charming thatched-roof farmhouses, and Okuhida, a mountainous region famed for its natural hot springs and dramatic alpine views.
The nearby town of Inuyama offers even more cultural exploration. It’s home to Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s five national treasure castles, and Museum Meiji-Mura, an open-air museum preserving over 60 historic buildings from the Meiji era — including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed entrance from Tokyo’s former Imperial Hotel.
A New Standard in Global Healthcare
As more patients seek reliable, affordable and innovative treatment abroad, CJIMC is answering the call. Combining Japanese precision and hospitality with world-class medical technology, the center represents a new standard in international healthcare.
“I always teach new doctors that the center of medicine is not the doctor, but the patient,” says Dr. Yamada. “Patients come to us troubled by illness, and it is our job as doctors to use our knowledge to support them.”
With its unique blend of advanced care, cultural hospitality and international accessibility, CJIMC is redefining what it means to be a global medical destination.
More Information: Hospital Guide Book About the Proton Therapy Center Dock Guide
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