*Abortion techniques used
According to Sekiguchi et al. (2015), "Safety of induced abortions at less than 12 weeks of pregnancy in Japan", International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 129:54-57, more than 80 % of the abortions before 12 weeks of pregnancy (LMP) in Japan are done using D&C w/wo vacum aspiration.
This study asked the number of induced abortions performed before 12 weeks of pregnancy between January 1 and December 31, 2012, methods used, complications, and routine management approaches before and during the procedure.
Another study which asked the method used for abortion in Japan is the research that Prof. Kinefuchi, Dr. Mizuno and Dr. Tsukahara conducted in 2010. A questionnaire was sent to Japanese "regignated" (abortion) doctors all over the nation to ask what kind of early abortion methods they use etc.
The survey found out that more than 80 % of the abortions before 12 weeks in Japan are done using D&C w/wo vacum aspiration. The findings were announced at the annual conference of Japan Society of Maternal Health on September 30, 2011 using three posters. Main part of them are cited on my blog. http://f.hatena.ne.jp/okumi/20111012115647
Japanese doctors typically use prostaglandin (gemeprost pessary) for abortion >12 weeks.
Just recently, MVA kit was affirmed by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and a small number of Japanese abortion doctors began to use Manual suction method.
D&E is probably used in case of emergency.
