What happened at the Osaka cancer clinic?

A man was arrested for allegedly practicing medicine without a license after faking his qualifications to work as a clinic director.

Are there other cases of fake doctors in Japan?

Yes, there have been similar incidents, including dentists and surgeons performing unauthorized procedures without licenses.

How can medical institutions verify doctor qualifications in Japan?

The Ministry of Health advises thorough verification of original medical licenses and diplomas during hiring, though public systems have limitations.

Home / Crime and Justice / Fake Doctor Arrested in Osaka Clinic Scandal

Fake Doctor Arrested in Osaka Clinic Scandal

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Man posed as doctor, treating 169 patients at Osaka clinic.
Alleged fake doctor falsified university credentials for job.
Past cases include dentists and a surgeon performing unauthorized procedures.

Fake Doctor Arrested in Osaka Clinic Scandal

An Osaka man, 66, has been arrested and indicted for allegedly practicing medicine without a license. The former executive is accused of fabricating his university medical school credentials to secure a director position at a cancer treatment clinic. He reportedly saw 169 patients, prescribing medication and leveraging fabricated research achievements.

This case is the latest in a series of violations of Japan's Medical Practitioners' Act. Previous incidents include a 2016 case in Tokyo where a dentist administered unapproved drugs to cancer patients, and a 2021 arrest of a Peruvian man for performing tumor removal surgery without a license.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is urging medical institutions to enhance qualification verification. Despite a system for checking medical licenses by name, it does not confirm employment details, leading to potential confusion. Directives in 2012 emphasized thorough verification of original licenses and diplomas during hiring.