Technological advancement, which is accelerating rapidly, will play a key role in "Society 5.0", he said, and policymakers will need a clear picture of what it will look like to prepare for it. Dr Sandro Galea, dean of Boston University's School of Public Health, noted that the world is growing increasingly urban, which opens up possibilities for health-focused innovation in various areas such as housing, education and public transport.
For instance, providing affordable public transport brings health benefits such as reducing pollution and increasing physical activity, he added.