OBJECTIVE To provide reference and ideas for optimizing the continuing education system of pharmacists in China. METHODS By introducing the continuing professional development （CPD）model of pharmacists in Japan ，the current situation and existing problems for continuing education of pharmacists in China were analyzed to puts forward some suggestions. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The continuing education system of CPD model for pharmacists in Japan included five continuous cycle processes ：self-assessment，making plan ，implementing plan ，learning record and result evaluation. It emphasized the autonomy and sustainability of pharmacists ’learning and promoted the sustainable development of pharmacists ’career. The education and training of pharmacists in Japan were subject to the certification system ，and a diversified implementation organization composed of industry associations ，colleges and universities and commercial education institutions had been formed. After continuous reform ，Japan had established a relatively mature and perfect sustainable career development model for pharmacists. Our country can refer to the CPD model of Japanese pharmacists ，promote the legislation of pharmacists ，explore the unified management model （the unity of hospital pharmacists and licensed pharmacists ），explore the construction of pharmacists ’ continuing education certification mechanism ，carry out refined continuing education for pharmacists in different practice fields ， improve the enthusiasm of industry associations ，and add practical content to pharmacists ’continuing education projects.