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Kenporen's Call for Action: "Three Requests" for Health Insurance Awareness

In light of the ongoing challenges stemming from Japan's aging population, the Kenporen organization (the Health Insurance Union, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and led by Chairman Toshiichi Miyanaga) has initiated a campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the country's health insurance system and medical expenses. This initiative is aptly named "From Yellow to Green" and includes the unveiling of a dedicated webpage and an educational video set to go live on July 31, 2025.

As Japan approaches a critical demographic milestone in 2025, when the entire cohort of the post-war baby boom will turn 75 or older, Kenporen highlights the urgent situation facing healthcare and the national insurance system. Projections suggest that by 2040, the aging population will reach a peak, which, combined with rising medical expenses and a declining working-age demographic, could plunge the health insurance system into a severe financial crisis.

The campaign encapsulates the current state of healthcare costs in Japan using the metaphor of a yellow traffic signal, signaling caution, while promoting a series of recommended actions under the theme of "Green Actions" that encourage the public to engage with these pressing issues.

The financial landscape of health insurance is dire. Data reflects that as of 2024, the population of the elderly is anticipated to reach approximately 36.24 million, making up 29.3% of Japan's total population. Concurrently, medical expenses are surging, with annual increases averaging one trillion yen, leading to a staggering 47.3 trillion yen in costs by 2023. In the fiscal budget for 2025, nearly 40% of the 9.77 trillion yen allocated for health insurance unions will cater to elderly medical needs. This leaves around 60% of premiums collected to cover the expenses for the working-age population.

Kenporen's new initiative aims to educate not only health insurance union members but all citizens about these intricate aspects of healthcare financing. By likening the current conditions to a yellow traffic signal, the organization wishes to draw attention to the critical situation and foster a culture of proactive engagement among citizens through the adoption of "Green Actions."

The Green Actions Initiative

Kenporen outlines three actionable items related to healthcare and insurance:
1. Understand Your Insurance: Individuals are encouraged to review their payslips to understand their health insurance contributions better.
2. Regular Health Check-ups: Regardless of how busy one might be, prioritizing regular health screenings is essential.
3. Embrace Self-Medication: Individuals should learn to manage minor ailments independently as a form of self-care.

These actions are proposed to not only inform the public of the imminent challenges but also to motivate them towards responsible health management. The organization aims for these messages to resonate, encouraging proactive and preventive health measures among the populace.

The chairman of Kenporen, Toshiichi Miyanaga, emphasized the necessity of discussing the pressing issues in healthcare and health insurance, noting that the growing elderly population quickly outpaces the workforce. He stated, "It is crucial for citizens to recognize this 'yellow signal' of crisis and engage in 'Green Actions' that can help safeguard the national insurance system for future generations." Through this outreach, Kenporen hopes to establish a robust foundation for universal health insurance and inspire individuals to enhance their own health and lifestyle.

Ongoing Efforts

In conjunction with the campaign, Kenporen is also conducting a survey to gauge public understanding and views on the three key requests related to health insurance. Participation in this survey is open to everyone, reflecting the organization's commitment to collaborating with citizens to address healthcare challenges.

Lastly, a series of educational promotional videos will be released between July 31, 2025, and late August 2025, aiming to reach a wide audience. These videos, which vary in length, will help further educate the public on the importance of participating in health insurance discussions and adopting proactive health measures.

Kenporen continues to encourage dialogue through various media channels to raise appropriate awareness and understanding around the complex realities of Japan's health insurance landscape. For more information, visit their special page at Kenporen.