The wide distribution of CT scanners in Japan

Computerized tomography (CT) scanners have been widely distributed throughout Japan since 1975, with the total number reaching 2120 in December 1982. This figure is larger than that of all European countries. Furthermore, the number of CT scanners per million population, Japan exceeds the United States. An investigation to explain the reasons for this rapid increase of CT in Japan with comparisons between Japan and the United States is presented. Uniquely 'Japanese' characteristics may explain the diffusion of CT as follows: the government has no explicit policy to control the adoption of CT. CT has been widely distributed, not only to the large public hospitals, but also, to smaller private hospitals. CT is frequently adopted without assigning additional skilled personnel. Japanese manufacturers have produced low-price CT in addition to developing an active marketing campaign.