Akari Assurance Opens New Branch in Sapporo to Support Elderly Living Alone

Akari Assurance Establishes Sapporo Branch

Akari Assurance Co., Ltd., a company founded with a mission to support elderly individuals living alone, has opened a new branch in Sapporo on June 1, 2026. This expansion comes in light of the increasing demand for services like "guarantee of identity" and "family agency" across Japan, especially from the Hokkaido area, where inquiries have surged. The firm's focus on providing lifelong support services, compliant with national guidelines and backed by reliable professionals such as lawyers and care managers, positions it as a crucial resource for older adults navigating a complex healthcare environment.

Background of the Sapporo Branch Opening

Currently, the number of elderly people living alone in Japan is approximately 8 million, and it's projected to rise to 10.8 million by 2050. The growing concern among older adults about hospitalization, nursing home admission, and the risk of emergencies has fueled a significant increase in the need for identity guarantee services. In response to this rising demand, Akari Assurance aimed to create a robust support system within a key urban area like Sapporo, ensuring more localized assistance.

What is Lifelong Support (Identity Guarantee Service)?

An identity guarantor plays a vital role in supporting elderly individuals by providing financial guarantees when they are hospitalized or admitted to facilities. Additionally, they assist in emergency situations and facilitate the retrieval of individuals if necessary. The lifelong support service encompasses various aspects, including acting as a guarantor during hospitalizations or admissions, checking in regularly to monitor health status, and managing post-death arrangements such as funerals and administrative procedures on behalf of the family.

Primary User Groups

- Elderly living alone with no trustworthy relatives
- Couples without children
- Individuals with relatives they do not have a close relationship with
- Singles aged 40–60 planning for the future
- Working-age individuals supporting parent’s later life while diversifying risks

Common Concerns Addressed

- Need for a guarantor due to lack of family
- Avoiding the burden of posthumous arrangements on family
- Assistance with parents’ end-of-life arrangements
- Being denied hospitalization due to absence of a guarantor
- Difficulty in finding a guarantor for nursing home admission
- No one to manage post-death procedures

Services Offered at the Sapporo Branch

At the Sapporo branch, services will mirror those provided at Akari's main offices in Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. They include:
1. Identity Guarantee Services: Serving as a guarantor for medical institutions and nursing homes, and being an emergency contact point.
2. Monitoring and Asset Management Services: Regular check-ins to ensure the well-being of seniors.
3. Posthumous Administrative Services: Managing funerals and other necessary arrangements following a person's passing.
4. Specialized Support with Legal Experts: Collaborating with lawyers and judicial scriveners for services such as will drafting.

With a commitment to national and regional integration, Akari Assurance will ensure that individuals receive both localized support and comprehensive national coverage.

Seminar Overview: Preparing for Solo Living in Later Years

- Seminar Topics:

- Understanding end-of-life planning: Where to start?
- Addressing the anxieties of individuals living alone: The role of an identity guarantor.
- Showcase of Akari Assurance’s support system.

- Speaker: Takuya Fujimoto, Director of Akari Assurance / Lawyer

- Date & Signup:

- Date: June 17 (Wednesday), from 13:00 to 15:00
- Cost: Free
- Location: 924 Bldg., 9F, 2-8-1, Kita 7 Jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Registration: Via form or phone at 0120-137-886 or through this form.

Future Expansion Plans

Following the establishment of the Sapporo branch, Akari Assurance aims to expand its reach across Japan. The company intends to strengthen its partnerships with various professionals, healthcare facilities, and end-of-life service providers in the Hokkaido area to create a supportive environment for the elderly. Akari Assurance envisions a society where everyone, regardless of familial ties, can live without worry.