INTRODUCTION: In 1998, the first Japanese practice guidelines on osteoporosis 
was published. It has been updated several times, with the most recent being the 
full-scale 2011 edition and its abridged edition. The present guidelines provide 
information for the managements of primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women 
and men over 50 years old, a summary of the evidence for the treatment of 
secondary osteoporosis, and a summary of the evidence for the prevention of 
osteoporosis in younger people.
METHOD: The present Executive Summary is primarily based on the content of the 
2011 Japanese abridged edition. One of the key changes is revision of the 
criteria for initiation of pharmacological treatment, along with an introduction 
of the fracture risk factors used in FRAX®. Key figures and tables were selected 
from the Japanese abridged edition and a reference list was added.
RESULT AND CONCLUSIONS: The essential points of the Japanese practice guidelines 
on osteoporosis were translated into English for the first time. It is hoped 
that the content of the guidelines becomes known throughout the world.