Shiatsu originated in Japan and is regulated there by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Their official definition states "Shiatsu therapy is a form of manipulation administered by the thumbs, fingers and palms, without the use of any instrument, mechanical or otherwise, to apply pressure to the human skin, to correct internal malfunctioning, promote and maintain health and treat specific diseases".[1] The "Foundation for Training, Licensure and Examination in Amma, Massage, Acupuncture and Moxibustion" (Toyo Ryoho Kenshu Shikan Zaidan) records the number of licensed practitioners: 168,930 for shiatsu and massage; 118,095 for acupuncture; and 117,034 for moxibustion (numbers not available for shiatsu alone).[2]

[1] Jarmey, Chris and Mojay, Gabriel (1991). Shiatsu: The Complete Guide. Thorsons. p. 8.
[2] Adams, Glyn (2002). "Shiatsu in Britain and Japan: personhood, holism and embodied aesthetics" in Anthropology and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 3.