The G7 health ministers are using the coronavirus pandemic as a basis for discussing how to make vaccines more accessible around the world.
They are set to meet on Saturday and Sunday in the southwestern Japanese city of Nagasaki. Japan's health minister Kato Katsunobu will chair the talks.
On Friday, Kato stressed the need to more quickly roll out vaccines, especially in developing nations that were left wanting for COVID-19 jabs.
He added that he wants to focus on improving the process from manufacture to distribution.
The delegates will also discuss how best to use a dedicated fund set up last year to prepare for another pandemic.
Other topics will include the promotion of universal health coverage around the world.
The ministers are expected to issue a joint statement calling for deeper cooperation, as well as more research and development of medicines.