#Japan #Kobe #CNC #Hyogo Yakult #MIKAWAYA21

New Initiative for Local Community Support

In a significant effort to address the challenges posed by an increasingly aging population, Hyogo Yakult, MIKAWAYA21, and CNC have embarked on a new initiative known as the 'Local Assistance Project,' set to commence on September 1, 2025. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of each company to create innovative solutions for the community challenges faced in Hyogo.

Overview of the Project

The 'Local Assistance Project' represents a multi-industry collaborative model that connects the latent resources and human strengths within the community, innovating ways to address various social issues. By rapidly transforming voices and needs from residents into actionable solutions, the partnership will redefine how elderly residents interact with local services.

Strengths and Roles of Each Company

Hyogo Yakult: With a dedicated workforce of around 500 Yakult Ladies, the company has evolved from merely delivering products to becoming an integral part of community support. By collaborating with outreach programs like 'Community Nurses,' they strive to listen to community needs, translating conversations into opportunities for regional development. Their daily interactions not only provide products but also build connections that foster growth from minor issues to major community dreams.

MIKAWAYA21: This company is committed to ensuring that 'every senior has a good neighbor.' They have successfully extended their 'Magnolia Support' program across 240 companies nationwide, offering a wide array of services such as house cleaning, shopping, and end-of-life support. Their experience in collaborating with local governments and businesses positions them to quickly convert resident feedback from surveys and interactions into effective solutions, crafting a seamless platform for community assistance.

CNC: Advocating for a vibrant community, CNC focuses on fostering connections among individuals through the introduction of 'Community Nurses' across Japan. They establish systems where anyone can contribute positively to community life, ensuring that those involved in 'Magnolia Support' and Yakult Ladies can harness the insights of Community Nurses to enhance the rural support framework, preventing isolation while creating a network where everyone contributes uniquely.

Collaborative Efforts and Anticipated Impact

Yakult Ladies regularly visit customer homes to deliver products while also conducting community watch activities. Each year, they celebrate Elderly Day by presenting flowers to clients over 75 years old who live alone, reflecting their commitment to nurturing connections with senior citizens. As society transitions to a super-aged community with increasing reliance on nuclear families, the conversations held during these deliveries increasingly present small daily challenges that seniors face.

These small difficulties, such as needing help to change a lightbulb or unable to maintain their garden due to pain, are becoming more prevalent. Partnering with MIKAWAYA21's extensive senior support services, which already includes practical assistance, the project plans to address these issues head-on. Additionally, from November 2024, Hyogo Yakult will collaborate with CNC's 'Community Nurse' initiative, rolling out a community nursing model that provides localized support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation while generating solutions from everyday dialogues to enhance community health and quality of life.

Insights From Company Leaders

Kyota Abe, President of Hyogo Yakult: "For over 70 years, Hyogo Yakult has delivered health and smiles through our Yakult Ladies. We recognize that listening to the small problems, wishes, and hopes of individuals forms the core of our responsibility. Moving forward, our aim is not solely to deliver products but also to empathetically engage with each individual and collaboratively solve community issues. We pledge to nurture a culture of compassion and support in today's society."

Keiya Aoki & Kazuma Ieiri, CEO and CCO of MIKAWAYA21: "We are excited to launch this project alongside Hyogo Yakult and CNC. Aging-related challenges have typically fallen to governmental bodies; however, it is community-focused companies like Hyogo Yakult that should lead the way. By connecting the small problems identified through daily conversations with our Magnolia Support framework, we can create tangible, supportive solutions for everyday life, enhancing local care."

Akiko Yada, President of CNC: "There are unexplored potentials and aspirations within every community. Through simple interactions and shared initiatives, we can cultivate connections that enrich lives. This project represents a commitment to nurturing these small sparks of community spirit, combining the warmth of Yakult Ladies with the insights of Community Nurses, fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being in our neighborhoods."

Future Plans

Kicking off in the Nishiku area of Kobe, the initiative will gradually expand throughout the Hyogo region. Following the project's launch, an online discussion featuring the three leaders will take place, sharing insights and visions for the 'Local Assistance Project' with the public. The project aims to permeate areas including Hyogo wards, Akashi city, and various municipalities, fostering hope and progressive change across the community.