#Japan #Tokyo #Senior Care #Keisho TRUNK #Qura's

Introduction

Recent research highlights a significant issue among Japan's senior population, particularly those in their 70s, around 90% of whom express difficulty in letting go of items due to emotional attachments. As Japan faces the looming 2025 problem, affecting the baby boomer generation, a new initiative, 'Keisho TRUNK', has emerged to address the challenges of decluttering and end-of-life preparations.

The 2025 Problem

By 2025, approximately 8 million individuals born between 1947 and 1949, known as the baby boomer generation, will reach 75 years or older. This translates to one out of five people in the country becoming a senior citizen. Amidst this demographic shift, the issues of life planning and organizing personal belongings have become pressing concerns not just for the elderly, but also for their children.

Survey Insights

In light of these challenges, Qura's, a company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, conducted a survey among seniors in urban areas such as Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka. Targeting both seniors in their 70s and their children in their 50s, the survey revealed that a staggering 89.4% of seniors feel overwhelmed by items they find impossible to discard. The top reasons were strong emotional attachments, feelings of wastefulness, and the belief that items might be usable for others.

Similarly, around 74.8% of the baby boomer generation expressed struggling emotionally when it came to sorting their parents' belongings. The burden of managing the sheer volume of items and the lack of storage space were also prominent themes in their responses.

Emotional Barriers to Declutter

The survey further demonstrated that emotional sentiment plays a significant role in preventing effective decluttering. For instance, 65.3% of respondents cited strong emotional ties as a leading barrier, followed by 55.2% feeling it would be wasteful to discard items, and 43.4% believing those items may still have value for someone else. It is this 'emotional wall' that complicates the sorting process for many elders, as they cherish memories attached to everyday items like photographs and letters.

Challenges Faced by the Junior Baby Boomers

Conversely, the 50s generation, who are often tasked with assisting their parents, reported dealing primarily with clothing and sentimental items such as old photos and letters. A significant number noted that they felt guilty about discarding these items, indicating a generational struggle intertwined with sentimentality. This creates a paradox where emotional ties clash with practical considerations like storage space, further complicating what should be a straightforward process.

Introducing 'Keisho TRUNK'

In response to these findings, Qura's has launched the 'Keisho TRUNK' campaign. This initiative is designed to help seniors take a step back from their emotional items and reassess their value. By providing a temporary storage solution in trunk rooms, individuals can take their time evaluating what belongings truly matter to them. This approach not only aims to lessen the burden of physical clutter but also to ease emotional distress associated with letting go of cherished possessions.

Campaign Details

The 'Keisho TRUNK' initiative is open to anyone aiming to declutter for end-of-life preparations. From September 8th to December 28th, participants can utilize storage services for free, with options ranging from locker-size rooms to larger two-tatami mat-sized spaces.

Interested individuals can apply through Qura's online form or via phone. The campaign encourages participants to also share their stories and experiences, making it a community-driven project that emphasizes both emotional connection and practical assistance.

Conclusion

The initiative resonates with over 34.1% of seniors in their 70s and 42.0% of those in their 50s, demonstrating a shared understanding of the challenges faced. As end-of-life preparations become a family affair, 'Keisho TRUNK' is poised to facilitate healthier approaches to decluttering, making way for more manageable solutions that respect both memories and practical needs.

By providing a supportive environment to navigate these emotional and physical challenges, Qura's is taking a vital step in addressing one of the pressing issues faced by Japan's aging population. With the right support and resources, the transition can be made less burdensome and more reflective of cherished values and important legacies.