#Japan #Tokyo #All Japan Care #Care Contest #Japanese Care

The 15th All Japan Care Contest

The All Japan Care Contest Committee (AJCC) is gearing up to host the 15th All Japan Care Contest, scheduled for October 4 at Tokyo Big Sight, Hall West 3. This event, which is open to the public for free, aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of caregivers and instill a sense of purpose among those in the caregiving field.

This year, the contest is set to break records with participation from 150 individuals representing a cohort of 26 prefectures across Japan. Notably, the event will feature an unprecedented 30 foreign caregivers, showcasing the growing importance of diversity in the caregiving sector. Furthermore, eight vocational schools will join the competition with video submissions, highlighting the commitment to nurturing young talent in caregiving. Additionally, a new exhibition area will provide attendees with the chance to deepen their understanding of caregiving through various interactive displays.

Highlights of the 15th All Japan Care Contest

The All Japan Care Contest stands as the only contest in Japan focused on enhancing the quality of caregiving and fostering community connections. It’s not just about competing; it's about bringing together caregivers from all over the country to share knowledge and techniques, collectively contemplating the future of caregiving.

Practical Demonstrations: Learning by Watching and Engaging

Contestants from 71 organizations will showcase their skills in seven categories, including dementia care, end-of-life care, excretion management, and oral care, performing ten-minute practical demonstrations. Experts will provide real-time feedback, allowing participants and onlookers to experience firsthand the dynamics of caregiving.

Challenges from Foreign Caregivers and Young Students

The inclusion of 30 foreign staff underlines the contest's commitment to promoting diversity in caregiving environments. In addition, students from eight schools will showcase their drive through video submissions, signaling a bright future for those eager to join the caregiving workforce.

A New Exhibition Area: Discovering the 'Now' of Caregiving

The contest introduces an exhibition area featuring entities like the Zenko Group and Japan Care Workers Association. Zenko will present innovative tools used in caregiving, including the acclaimed SCOP series, while the Japan Care Workers Association will showcase programs for training certified caregivers that address challenges in caregiving and community welfare.

Promoting the Appeal and Future of Care Work

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, over 94.7% of past participants remarked on their perceived improvement in skills after participating in prior contests. Attendees will find that simply observing can spark an interest in enhancing care quality for themselves and their communities.

Understanding the All Japan Care Contest (AJCC)

AJCC emphasizes self-improvement and understanding over competition. Experienced caregivers perform tasks in specific categories, including dementia, end-of-life care, oral hygiene, bathing, meals, excretion, and foreign caregiver roles. The contest includes a video submission category for school students. Each contestant demonstrates their skills for about ten minutes, with experts evaluating performance and offering guidance afterward, serving as a platform for skill enhancement.

Since its inception in 2010, the contest has seen over 1,400 participants and has fostered mutual understanding among caregivers nationwide. Through the contest, the value of caregiving skills is underscored, contributing positively to the professional standing of caregivers in society. The contest aims to cultivate a supportive environment that encourages discussions around the essence of caregiving.

Expanding as a Learning Space for Caregiving

Last year's 14th contest drew nearly 1,500 attendees. Among them, approximately 138 participants competed practically, while 38 submitted videos from caregiving workplaces. An analysis of the contest as part of a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare study indicated that 94.7% of participants felt they improved their skills, with 92.1% expressing an increased desire to continue learning. Such data underline the tangible impact of the contest on the caregiving profession.

Feedback from not just competitors, but also spectators and facility managers indicates a growing awareness of collaborative efforts among staff, enhanced training opportunities at workplaces, and reflections on caregiving strategies. By enabling practical demonstrations, the contest provides a platform for reassessing caregiving practices to enhance quality and team dynamics.

With increasing recognition of its value, the contest will again be part of the Ministry of Health's 2025 survey of health promotion projects. This year's event aims to provide more attendees with the chance to experience real-world caregiving scenarios and to carry relevant insights back to their communities.

Challenges persist in the caregiving industry, with forecasts suggesting a shortfall of around 320,000 caregivers by 2025 and 690,000 by 2040 due to an aging population that necessitates more care. As of 2021, the number of certified care recipients reached approximately 6.9 million, showing a slight 1.1% increase from the previous year.

We welcome students aspiring to enter the caregiving field, young professionals, community welfare advocates, and anyone interested in caregiving to join us for this insightful event.

Event Details for the 15th All Japan Care Contest

• - Date: October 4, 2025 (Saturday)
• - Schedule:

- Opening Ceremony: 8:45 AM
- Practical Demonstrations: 9:30 AM - 2:10 PM
- Awards and Closing Ceremony: 2:50 PM - 4:00 PM

• - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Hall West 3
• - Categories for Practical Demonstrations: Dementia, End-of-life Care, Meals, Bathing, Excretion, Oral Care, Foreign Caregivers
• - Admission: Free (No pre-registration required, just arrive at the venue)
• - Contact: [email protected] (AJCC Secretariat)

Organizers of the All Japan Care Contest Committee (AJCC)

• - Social Welfare Corporation Kohouen
• - Japan Care Workers Association
• - SOMPO Care Co., Ltd.
• - Yasashii Te Co., Ltd.
• - Tokyo Royal Co., Ltd.
• - Nagaoka Welfare Association
• - (In no particular order)