A Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis, referred to as a GD Diagnosis or GI (Gender Incongruence) Diagnosis, is a required first step for those wanting to undergo any medical transition in Japan. The process intends to confirm the discrepancy between an individual's gender, and the gender they were assigned to at birth, and help the individual navigate their gender and transition.
As of right now (August 2025), the most recent version of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gender dysphoria (性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン) was published in August, updated in October of 2024. It's the fifth version of the guidelines since they were first established in May of 1997.
These guidelines not only provide information on the history of gender affirmation and medical transitioning in Japan, but also gives details regarding what the diagnostic processes look like, how getting approved for, and receiving hormone therapy, or gender affirmation surgery might be like. It's highly recommended to read through these guidelines prior to starting medical transitioning, as it will give you an idea of what's to be expected.
The guidelines are currently only officially published in Japanese.
The Guidelines (5th currently newest edition) : 性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン
The Guidelines Website (includes past guidelines) : 日本精神神経学会
The process of getting a GD diagnosis (Gender Dysphoria) is different for everyone. The amount of time it can take could range from months to years, depending on the individual, and how long it takes them to navigate the process. This is due to the fact that the main part of it is a psychological evaluation, which is highly individualized to each person. The whole process intends to confirm that the patient is transgender, through discussion of their childhood, present, and their experience with their gender.
You can make an appointment and speak to a psychiatrist at a gender dysphoria clinic whenever you choose to, no matter where you are in your transitioning, and journey of figuring out your gender identity. Some choose to get a GD diagnosis simply for the purpose of being able to medically transition, after having already figured out their gender identity or socially transitioned, whereas others may choose to get a GD diagnosis, or go to a gender dysphoria clinic with the intent of trying to figure out their identity, as they may not have had the information or support available to navigate their gender on their own, or be able to socially transition. Psychiatrists can help individuals navigate and figure out their gender identity for those who need that support, or can be there to just diagnose and help you through the process of finding gender affirmation options. The process of a GD diagnosis is dependant upon what the individual desires and requires.
GD diagnoses will often be done through physically going to a clinic and talking with a psychiatrist, meaning that it's essential to find one in your area. Though there are many clinics that provide hormone therapy or counseling, there are often fewer that provide diagnoses or gender dysphoria, since there are only a few psychiatrists certified to do so in Japan. According to the Asahi Shimbun, "The GI society has certified a total of 38 physicians to date (October 2024). Of that figure, 15 are psychiatrists" (Nikaido, 2024). Due to this, there are fewer clinics that offer GD diagnoses, but I have gathered a list of a few that do.
Here are some clinics I have found:
北海道 | Hokkaido
Sapporo Medical University Hospital | 札幌医科大学附属病院
Location : Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Maps Link)
関東地方 | Kanto Area
Abe Mental Clinic | あべ メンタルクリニック
Location : Urayasu City, Chiba (Google Maps Link)
近畿地方 | Kansai Area
Kijima Cocoro Clinic | きじま こころ クリニック
Location : Kishiwada City, Osaka (Google Maps Link)
SON Mental Clinic | そん メンタルクリニック
Location : Osaka City, Osaka (Google Maps Link)
More clinics will be listed as I find them, but it is encouraged for anyone to research into their own local area that they live in, to see if any clinics may be nearby that offer GD diagnoses.