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Care Baton: Transforming the Future of Care Business Transition

In the healthcare and welfare sectors, a significant issue has emerged over recent years: the increasing difficulty in continuing operations due to a variety of factors, including staff shortages, rising costs, and changes in reimbursement for care services. On January 20, 2026, a new platform called 'Care Baton' was officially launched by Care Baton Inc., a company specializing in AI business succession solutions for the care sector. This matching site is designed specifically for the caregiving, welfare, and medical industries, taking a timely approach to an urgent problem.

Background of Launching Care Baton

According to research by Tokyo Shoko Research, the number of bankruptcies among care providers hit an all-time high in 2024, with 172 cases, a staggering increase of 40.9% year-over-year. Further compounding the issue, 612 businesses either suspended operations or dissolved, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. A total of 784 businesses vanished from the market in just one year, with home care providers facing particularly acute challenges.

Given these circumstances, Care Baton aims to intertwine the future of care services through thoughtful business succession. The founders of Care Baton recognize the detrimental impact that closures have not only on the businesses but also on the users of these services and communities at large.

Unique Features of Care Baton

1. Clear Visibility of Sellers' Intentions
Unlike traditional M&A platforms, Care Baton offers an intimate glimpse into buyers' motivations. Users can see what drives potential buyers to take on care and welfare businesses, thus facilitating trust and alignment in values. Information about the buyers' aspirations and messages to sellers can be freely accessed.

2. No Fees for Sellers
Sellers can register and complete transactions at no cost. The buyers incur only a minimal fee of 2.5% upon successful succession agreements, significantly reducing the financial burden on care providers.

3. Sector-Specific Expertise
By focusing specifically on the care and welfare arena, Care Baton comprehends the unique challenges and considerations inherent in this industry. They also offer free consultations via video calls to assist potential businesses considering succession strategies.

Features Launched Today

In this release, the platform has introduced features primarily aimed at buyers in the form of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Features for sellers will be rolled out progressively, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in ongoing improvements.

Insights from the Care Baton Leadership Team

Yasumasa Tanaka, CEO:
"Every day, we witness, on average, two bankruptcies or closures in the care industry. Business succession involves not just numeric transactions but also vital relationships with clients and employees that need nurturing. Matching the intentions of owners is critical for smooth transitions in the care sector. Through Care Baton, we aim to connect care across generations with a dedicated team committed to inclusivity."

Tatsunobu Inazuma, CTO:
"The care sector faces mounting operational pressures that force many dedicated businesses to shutter, despite their commitment to quality care. My background as both a software engineer and someone who understands mental health issues has intensified my resolve to support this mission. We prioritize practical application over perfection, emphasizing minimal viable functionality to ensure care quality carries on seamlessly into the future."

Miku Yamabe, CMO:
"As the number of care facility closures reaches unprecedented levels, it’s critical that those with commitment to quality care find pathways to continue their work. I encourage anyone interested in this field to consider succession as a solution. Taking that initial step and reaching out could lead to impactful change."

Observing Inclusive Thinking Day

January 20th is Inclusive Thinking Day, which recognizes Japan's ratification of the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014. It highlights the need for inclusive societies that protect the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities. On this day, Care Baton strives to deliver services developed in cooperation with individuals with disabilities to tackle sector-specific challenges, fostering a future where everyone can access trustworthy care.

Join Our Crowdfunding Initiative

Care Baton is currently engaging in a crowdfunding campaign aimed at addressing the critical issue of facility closures through AI for Business Succession Project Development. We invite support for this initiative, which also aims to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a meaningful impact in the welfare sector.
Details regarding the project can be found here: Crowdfunding Link.

Company Information:

• - Company Name: Care Baton Inc.
• - CEO: Yasumasa Tanaka
• - Established: September 10, 2025
• - Location: 2F-C, Shibuya Tokyu Building, 10-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043
• - Business Focus: AI-powered business succession solutions specialized for caregiving and welfare sectors.

For more information, visit our Service Site or follow us on YouTube.