#Japan #Tokyo #community support #elderly care #Open Care Project

The Open Care Project Award 2025

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is excited to announce the hosting of the Open Care Project Award 2025. This initiative celebrates programs and individuals who are transforming caregiving from a personal concern into a meaningful topic for all, highlighting its importance in today's society.

Background and Objectives

In 2025, around 8 million members of Japan's post-war baby boom generation, known as the Dan-kai generation, will enter their late senior years, leading to an unprecedented aging society. Currently, there are approximately 3 million individuals managing both work and caregiving responsibilities, necessitating not just institutional support like caregiving leave, but also practical, effective assistance. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in perspective, making caregiving a topic that is openly discussed in society, increasing visibility about its realities, and fostering collaborations that transcend industry barriers for solutions.

Launched in March 2023, the Open Care Project seeks to redefine caregiving through various engaging initiatives, including talk events and real-life experience programs known as “Tadaima Time Loop.” This year, the second installment of the Open Care Project Award will take place, aiming to further showcase and share innovative ideas within the caregiving domain. The previous award cycle received submissions from 144 groups, and this year we anticipate even more participation, helping to elevate caregiving conversations into the public sphere.

Notably, this year’s award will feature comedian and advocate Miyazon, who emphasizes that caregiving should not only be acknowledged as a serious issue but can also be approached with humor and positivity.

Open Care Project Award 2025 Overview

• - Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Open Care Project

For more details about the Open Care Project, visit here.

• - Categories for Submission:

- Open Action Category
- Open Episode Category

• - Submission Period: November 11, 2025 - December 26, 2025

For submission details, check our special website here.

• - Results Announcement: Late January 2026
• - Award Ceremony: February 26, 2026

Judges’ Comments

Miyazon, Comedian

“Hello, I’m Miyazon! Before my career in comedy, I worked as a caregiver for six years. Those days were filled with moments of gratitude that are rare in life. I believe that caregiving often carries a negative image, but it can be more vibrant and joyful. I’m looking forward to discovering fun and inspiring actions and stories through the Open Care Project Award.”

Shiro Oguni, CEO of Oguni Shiro Office

“In our current era, making any topic a ‘common conversation’ is challenging. Therefore, if we can do this successfully with caregiving, it would not only be fascinating but could also ignite hope across the globe. I am eagerly anticipating encountering ideas that will create excitement for the future.”

Maki Tezuka, Chairperson of Smappa! Group

“Caregiving is something everyone will eventually engage with, and I want to foster a sentiment of closeness towards it. We established a day service next to our office to create small yet significant interactions between our staff and the elderly, marking the first step toward making caregiving personal. My hope is that there will be numerous ways to engage with caregiving positively and stylishly.”

Shuhei Doi, Co-founder of LLC 28

“I resonate deeply with the mission of making caregiving more open. I hope to spotlight innovative and passionate ideas that can inspire impactful actions and shift the perception of caregiving in society through this award.”

Akiyo Machi, Freelance Announcer and Former Young Caregiver

“The times have finally caught up. I became a young caregiver 35 years ago when my mother, who required a wheelchair, needed family support. It’s essential to foster understanding and empathy in caregiving by asking ourselves, ‘What if it were me?’ Let’s work together to build a new era for caregiving!”

For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:

• - Health Care Industry Division, Commerce and Services Group: Fukuda (03-3501-1511 ext. 4041)
• - For award applications, please contact the Open Care Project Award Secretariat via email at [email protected].

Let’s come together to revolutionize the way we perceive and engage with caregiving!