SMBC Drives Fintech-Led Transformation of Japan's Healthcare

Japan’s healthcare sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation as leading technology and financial services organisations collaborate to build secure, AI-driven healthcare ecosystems.

Initiatives led by Fujitsu, IBM Japan, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC) and SoftBank Corp are focused on strengthening data sovereignty, advancing interoperability and embedding financial infrastructure into healthcare delivery through cloud and AI technologies.

By securely integrating medical and personal health data across institutions, these collaborations aim to support sustainable healthcare systems, reduce operational strain on providers and enable more personalised, patient-centric services aligned with evolving digital finance models in Japan.

Cloud platforms for secure healthcare data 

Fujitsu and IBM Japan are developing a sovereign cloud platform designed specifically for healthcare institutions in Japan, with an emphasis on secure data exchange and financial-grade infrastructure.

The platform supports the operation of both companies’ electronic health record (EHR) solutions while maintaining strict standards of data sovereignty, cybersecurity and operational resilience.

By enabling secure integration of medical data across multiple institutions, the initiative provides healthcare providers with reliable, cloud-based systems that align with domestic regulatory and data governance requirements.

This shared infrastructure also lays the groundwork for more seamless financial and administrative processes within healthcare.

By improving interoperability and data accessibility, organisations can streamline billing workflows, optimise claims processing and reduce inefficiencies tied to fragmented systems.

The result is a more connected, efficient healthcare ecosystem that reduces administrative burden while enhancing both clinical and financial operations.

AI-driven healthcare

A core element of the partnership is the deployment of AI technologies to optimise hospital operations and financial workflows.

Fujitsu and IBM Japan are leveraging AI-powered tools to generate clinical documentation, support nursing administration and automate DPC coding linked to medical fee claims.

These capabilities are designed to reduce manual processing, improve billing accuracy and allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care and high-value decision-making.

Beyond operational efficiency, the collaboration extends into data-driven healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation.

By securely integrating patient data with consent, the companies aim to improve clinical trial matching and accelerate research, while also enabling more sophisticated risk modelling and population health insights.

This creates opportunities to align healthcare delivery with financial planning, insurance models and outcome-based care strategies.

A healthcare platform for sustainable care

Fujitsu is also collaborating with SMBC and SoftBank to develop a Japan-based healthcare platform that strengthens the long-term sustainability of the country’s universal healthcare system through integrated financial and digital services.

The initiative centres on a secure data platform that combines medical and personal health information with financial data layers, governed by user consent and supported by domestic cloud infrastructure.

This approach ensures data sovereignty while enabling more efficient coordination between healthcare providers, payers and public systems.

By supporting interoperability across institutions and financial networks, the platform aims to improve access to care, streamline reimbursement models and enable more proactive, preventive healthcare services.

It also lays the foundation for embedded finance in healthcare, where payments, insurance and wellness services are integrated into a unified digital experience.

The alliance is working to build a comprehensive ecosystem that spans the full patient journey, from prevention and daily wellness to treatment and post-care management.

Through the integration of AI-powered applications, the partners aim to improve risk assessment, reduce duplicate testing and minimise inefficiencies that drive up healthcare costs.

“I am truly delighted by this announcement,” says Takashi Kitayama, VP, Head of SMBC Group Unit, Global Account Director, on LinkedIn.

“The collaboration in the healthcare sector between the SMBC Group, Fujitsu and SoftBank is a historic initiative.

“We are taking a new step forward for the future of healthcare in Japan.

“I’ve been involved in this project from the very beginning, so it’s very moving for me.”

AI, data integration and digital healthcare innovation

As part of the initiative, the three companies are developing app-based AI agents designed to function as personalised health and financial management tools.

These AI-driven services will securely utilise medical and personal health data, shared with user consent, to deliver tailored health recommendations, support ongoing care and enable integrated payment and wellness services through a single digital interface.

The collaboration also aligns with Japan’s broader digital transformation agenda by promoting data standardisation, interoperability and integration with national platforms such as the Nationwide Healthcare Information Platform and My Number Portal.

Each partner contributes specialised capabilities to drive scale and adoption.

SMBC Group is focused on integrating healthcare with financial services through digital channels such as Olive, expanding into healthcare payments, insurance and wellness-linked financial products.

Fujitsu is leading the development of the healthcare data platform, sovereign cloud infrastructure and AI technologies, leveraging its expertise in healthcare-focused large language models and secure data governance.

SoftBank is overseeing user-facing applications and domestically operated AI services, using platforms such as LINE, Yahoo! JAPAN and the PayPay ecosystem to extend reach and engagement.

Together, the partners aim to scale the platform to approximately 60 million users and 4,000 medical institutions, supporting improved healthcare outcomes while reinforcing the financial sustainability of Japan’s healthcare system.