#Japan #Tokyo #Lifenet Life Insurance #Kokugakuin University #Special Talk Event

A Memorable Encounter at Lifenet's Friendly Fair

On March 29, 2025, Lifenet Life Insurance Company, led by CEO Ryo Morita, hosted its annual Friendly Fair at its Tokyo headquarters. This event is rooted in the company’s philosophy of valuing direct interactions with customers in an increasingly digital world. This year’s highlight was a special talk session featuring members of the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Team, following their sponsorship agreement finalized on December 6, 2024.

The Significance of the Friendly Fair

The Friendly Fair has been an integral part of Lifenet’s mission from its inception, aiming to foster genuine connections with clients. The event featured speeches from key company figures such as CEO Morita, who shared insights on Lifenet's vision for reinvigorating the life insurance sector through customer-focused innovations.

According to Morita, “The Kokugakuin University track team is taking on formidable challenges against established teams, much like Lifenet is striving to reshape the life insurance industry by prioritizing customer perspectives. Although our fields differ, both organizations are on a shared path to redefine existing norms, and I resonate deeply with their pioneering spirit.”

Insights from the Track Team

The atmosphere became electric as members of the Kokugakuin University track team entered the venue. The team had recently achieved significant victories in major inter-university relay events, claiming two championships – the Izumo All-Japan University Selection Ekiden and the All-Japan University Ekiden. Their accomplishments brought enthusiastic cheers from the audience, and the athletes shared personal dreams from their childhoods. For instance, player Hirabayashi expressed aspirations of becoming an astronaut, while Takayama revealed his earlier desire to earn accolades as an Electone performer.

Training Techniques and Team Dynamics

During the discussions, athlete Aoki elaborated on their training regimen. He expressed, “Though I enjoy running on the track, as a senior, I feel a strong responsibility to lead the team.” Takayama reflected on his tailored training menu focused on upcoming races, emphasizing that both he and Hirabayashi engage in long-distance runs, even while he’s recovering from an injury.

Uehara, another team member, astounded the audience by revealing he completed a 25-kilometer run on the event day, showcasing the dedication and commitment of the athletes.

Coach Maeda emphasized the importance of autonomy in the athletes’ training choices, stating, “While I provide some structure, the players decide their own exercises based on their condition.” This approach fosters independent thinking and enables athletes to fine-tune their training based on personal needs.

The discussion also shifted toward the significance of teamwork, captivating the audience. Uehara, the team captain, outlined his strategy: “To unify the team, I focus on enhancing our motivation to win, encouraging a collective spirit rather than merely pointing out individual shortcomings.”

When asked by a young attendee about essentials to focus on at a young age, Coach Maeda suggested learning body mechanics, while Hirabayashi highlighted the importance of self-reflection through mirrors or shadows during practice, allowing athletes to refine their forms.

Engaging with Fans

As the event neared its conclusion, a spirited rock-paper-scissors competition was held, where attendees could win signed calendars from the players. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers and applause as winners were announced.

Commitment to Customer Connections

In the finale of the event, Lifenet reiterated its commitment to customer engagement, as detailed in its first chapter of the Life Insurance Manifesto. The company vowed to listen to customer feedback and continuously strive to understand their needs. The Friendly Fair remains a crucial platform for building these connections.

Partnership with Kokugakuin University

Since securing its first seed spot in the prestigious Hakone Ekiden in 2011, Kokugakuin University’s track team has steadily risen in capability, finishing fifth overall in the 100th tournament in 2024. Aiming for excellence, the team’s slogan for 2024, “Challenge to Change History - EP.3” reflects their dedication to practice and competition.

In December 2024, Lifenet solidified its partnership with the team, aligning their mutual dedication to excellence and innovation in their respective fields. Lifenet Life Insurance continues to empower individuals, championing their right to affordable and understandable insurance solutions, leveraging digital technologies to foster a secure future for generations to come.

For more information about Lifenet Life Insurance, visit Lifenet.