Hmm. That might be true.

Also, visiting the doctor here is so MUCH faster and much less of a hassle, with all the paperwork, insurance and such, than it is in the…

Hmm. That might be true. Not sure. Of course with one of the oldest populations in the world, Japan is going to go to the doctor more often.

Also, visiting the doctor here is so MUCH faster and much less of a hassle, with all the paperwork, insurance and such, than it is in the U.S. One can walk into a lot of the local clinics, and be in to see the doctor in 5-10 minutes, the visit takes 10 minutes and then you go wait 5-10 minutes, they call you over and you get whatever prescription the doctor has requested. It also doesn't cost all that much---a visit like that usually cost me about $10, maybe $20 with the medicine.

Last, on a funny personal note, many of my experiences with Japanese doctors ended up them wanting to get some pointers on speaking English!