Bears Hosts First Home Care Service Championship Showcasing Professionalism and Hospitality

Bears Hosts the First Home Care Service Championship

In a celebration of professionalism and hospitality, Bears, a company founded in October 1999, celebrated its 27th anniversary by hosting the inaugural Home Care Service Championship on September 12, 2026, at the prestigious Grand Hall in Shinagawa. With participation from 70 skilled professionals across 13 regions in Japan, the championship showcased the art of home care services, fundamental in providing peace of mind to clients.

The competition saw 8 finalists, among whom were two talented Filipino staff members, demonstrating their expertise in the domain. Each competitor displayed not only their skills in cleaning and cooking but also their ability to understand clients' needs, exhibit excellent hospitality, and respond effectively to unexpected situations. These critical components were essential to creating a secure and comfortable atmosphere in clients' homes.

The Unveiling of Hidden Expertise

Home care is a personalized service where staff visit clients' homes. Many individuals may grapple with concerns such as, "Is it safe to let a stranger into my home?" or "Can I trust this person with my household?" These fears can transform into assurance through the competence displayed by home care professionals. Staff are expected to possess a broad spectrum of skills, from practical housework to understanding and interpreting clients' needs accurately through listening and empathy.

Despite this need for diverse expertise, home care professionals often operate in isolation, making it challenging to share experiences and learn from one another in real-world situations. It is here that Bears has stepped in, recognizing the significance of collective learning. By sharing the skills and experiences honed by staff nationwide, they aim to foster a reflective service model that emphasizes not just the technical aspects of home care, but also the approach to client interaction and overall hospitality.

Judging Beyond the Manual

The championship process involved rigorous preliminary rounds where candidates were evaluated based on memorable service experiences, their dedication to home care, and a skill-based check that simulated real home service settings. Finalists were judged on their ability to execute a complete service cycle—from greeting clients at the door, comprehensively understanding their needs, to demonstrating task execution and ensuring smooth farewells.

During the finals, unexpected scenarios were introduced to the finalists, challenging their problem-solving capabilities and adaptability. They were assessed on their approach to handling sensitive client sentiments, such as addressing feelings of guilt for employing home care services and making nuanced decisions in unpredictable situations. This evaluation encompassed not merely technical prowess in home tasks but also encompassed interpersonal skills, judgment, and overall hospitality.

Celebrating the First Champion

Ayumi Kuragano from Sapporo emerged as the first champion, reflecting the high standards set by her extensive experience of over five years and having served 1,000 clients. During the finals, she effectively listened to her mock clients, displaying exceptional attentiveness and crafting her service based on their needs and expressions. Kuragano highlighted that her ongoing contemplation of what it means to truly support clients was pivotal in her triumph.