#Japan #Osaka #elderly care #Lifelong Support #Akari Assurance

Forum for Lifelong Support Providers

On April 15, 2026, the first-ever forum for lifelong support and identity guarantee providers will be held by the "Japan Association of Lifelong Support Providers for the Elderly" (referred to as "Zenshukyo").

The forum aims to communicate the future policies of Zenshukyo, its membership system, and partnerships with government agencies. It will feature keynotes and panel discussions on vital themes relating to the support of elderly individuals without reliable family ties.

Highlights of the Forum

The day's agenda includes:
1. Greetings from Guests
Yoshida Shin, Director of Dementia Policy and Community Care Promotion Division, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2. Keynote Speech
Kanae Sawamura, Senior Specialist at Japan Research Institute

3. Panel Discussion
_"Past and Future Support for Vulnerable Elderly Citizens"_
- Ayano Kunimatsu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Kanae Sawamura, Senior Specialist at Japan Research Institute
- Junko Kobayashi, Head of Community Welfare Division, Toshima Ward Social Welfare Council
- Fumino Kurosawa, Chairperson of Zenshukyo

For more detailed information about the forum, visit Zenshukyo's official page.

Background of Zenshukyo's Establishment

The number of providers in the elderly lifelong support sector has surpassed 400. This surge results from an increasing number of elderly individuals living alone, now estimated to exceed 9 million. Sources indicate significant changes in household structures, underscoring the importance of support systems for the lonely elderly.

However, the growing number of service providers has also led to a rise in consumer troubles. A notable case occurred in April 2016 when a public interest incorporated foundation, the "Japan Life Association," faced bankruptcy after misusing approximately 270 million yen of client deposit money, amassing total debts of around 1.2 billion yen. This incident exemplifies the urgent need for established guidelines in the industry.

In response, the "Guidelines for Providers of Lifelong Support for the Elderly" were developed in June 2024 to regulate the practices of service providers. However, despite this development, the absence of formal licensing or registration allows anyone to start these services without significant oversight, leaving clients vulnerable to untrustworthy operators. This reality prompts an essential need for elderly customers to discern credible service providers.

Zenshukyo was founded in August 2025 by prominent members, including Akari Assurance, to establish industry standards with stricter entry qualifications than the guidelines compel. This association aims to help consumers select reliable providers by promoting organizations that have passed rigorous assessments.

While increasing the number of certified members is vital, Zenshukyo emphasizes the need to improve the industry's reputation rather than just increasing member counts. Establishing trust among the public is paramount, and ensuring that member organizations meet higher standards is a priority.

Akari Assurance is committed to providing trustworthy services bolstered by a team of legal professionals, such as lawyers and judicial scriveners, alongside nursing and care management specialists. They strive to ensure comprehensive supports tailored to the unique needs of elderly clients, including debt guarantees and emergency response services.

By adhering to the established guidelines, Akari Assurance ensures clarity in service specifications and provides essential information during contract signing, thus maintaining proper operation standards. Akari Assurance aspires to create a society where all elderly individuals can live their later years with assurance and trust, contributing to the betterment of elderly support services.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Akari Assurance Inc.
• - Location: MF Nishitenma Building, 4 Chome-3-18 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0047
• - Representative: Yuki Shimizu, CEO
• - Capital: 100 million yen (including reserves)
• - Founded: July 8, 2024
• - Business Overview: A collective of trusted professionals, including lawyers and judicial scriveners, providing identity guarantee services and emergency response in compliance with national guidelines.
• - Official Website: Akari Assurance