#Japan #Tokyo #Charity Event #Manulife #Tokyo Yamason

Record Participation at Tokyo Yamason

On October 4, 2025, Manulife Life Insurance, led by CEO Ryan Charland, marked its continuous commitment to health and longevity by participating in the Tokyo Yamason charity walk. This event, organized by the International Volunteer Group, saw Manulife's biggest participation to date, with 223 employees, families, and friends forming 63 teams—making them the largest participant company.

As part of their sponsorship, Manulife covered 50% of the participation fee for employees and promoted the use of their free walking app, "Manulife WALK." This initiative allowed for a dual donation model where contributions were made not just through registration fees but also via the walking activities facilitated by the app. Throughout the event, a total of over 14.6 million yen was raised, supporting four charitable organizations, including the Japan Children's Hospice Association and World Central Kitchen, all working towards various social causes.

Why Walking Matters to Manulife

According to the Asia Care Survey 2025 released in September, Japanese residents are increasingly aware of the importance of daily exercise and mental health. The survey revealed a strong link between health, economic stability, and psychological well-being, further emphasizing that small behavioral changes in these areas significantly enhance quality of life (QOL). Walking stands out as one of the simplest and most sustainable ways to support physical and mental health.

Participating in Tokyo Yamason allows Manulife to foster deeper connections, promote healthy lifestyles, and facilitate social contributions. This aligns seamlessly with their sustainability strategy's core pillar: enhancing sustainable physical and mental health.

The Impact of Participation and App Usage

Manulife's dual donation strategy includes:

• - Registration Donations: Each team of 2 to 4 members incurs a participation fee of 14,000 yen, which goes entirely to charity partners.
• - App-Based Donations: The Manulife WALK app incentivizes users to achieve specific walking goals, resulting in additional charitable contributions. This “walk, record, and give back” cycle amplifies the impact of donations.

Among the teams participating in the half-marathon (approximately 21 km), one team completed the course in 2 hours and 15 minutes, clinching first place. One of the participants shared, "This was my first time participating in Tokyo Yamason. Sharing goals with my teammates and feeling the significance of charity fostered a great sense of achievement. I plan to use this experience to maintain my health and pursue a positive lifestyle!"

Comments from Manulife's Chief Marketing Officer

Kara Hartlight, Manulife's Chief Marketing Officer, stated, "Walking is not just a means of transportation; it’s a catalyst for vitality, connection, and sustainable health. I'm proud that we could participate in this year's Tokyo Yamason with the highest number of employees ever. Each small action we take daily contributes to a larger social impact. Walking alongside colleagues, friends, and family helped strengthen community bonds and cultivate healthy habits while enjoying the process. This approach embodies our Impact Agenda's vision of advancing sustainable physical and mental health, making it one of the simplest ways to foster longevity together."

About Manulife Life Insurance

Manulife Life Insurance is a member of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading financial services group headquartered in Canada. Under the brand message, "Making certain choices in life," Manulife supports customers to make better decisions regarding their protection and asset formation. For additional information, visit Manulife's official website and their LinkedIn account.