#Japan #aging population #PoC #Nakano #Will Group

Japan's Care Solutions PoC Initiated in Denmark

Introduction

The Will Group, headquartered in Nakano, Tokyo, led by President Yuichi Sumi, has embarked on a user-participatory Proof of Concept (PoC) in Denmark to evaluate the acceptance and implementation potential of Japanese care solutions. This initiative targets three notable services, including Konica Minolta's "HitomeQ Care Support," DFree's "DFree," and Magic Shields' "Koroyawa." These services have been chosen to assess their feasibility, impact, and user feedback in local settings. The collaboration is being facilitated by Public Intelligence, a local partner based in Denmark.

Background of the PoC

Japan has been at the forefront of an aging society, and the gap between the supply and demand for caregiving personnel is projected to widen in the future. As one of the largest caregiving personnel companies in Japan, the Will Group has developed strong insights and manpower solutions through extensive support of various care environments. We assert that knowledge gained in Japan can prove valuable in addressing similar issues that will rise globally, amplifying the necessity and quality of caregiving solutions abroad.

Europe has numerous countries with high rates of elderly populations, and the demand for technological integration in caregiving is escalating. Denmark stands out for its active investments and endorsements of digital technologies in care and welfare, signifying the potential demand for Japanese caregiving technologies in the international marketplace.

Our company has pursued international endeavors continuously, leveraging insights into both domestic and overseas labor markets. The choice of Denmark as the initial site for the PoC is due to its favorable market characteristics, enabling rapid progression from proof to implementation through strong local partnerships.

This PoC represents a crucial first step in exporting the refined knowledge of caregiving and advanced technology from Japan to foreign markets where challenges are beginning to mount. It aims to enhance opportunities for domestic caregiving solution firms and support long-term growth strategies for both parties involved.

Overview of the PoC

This PoC will take place at the "Vesthimmerland" laboratory in Denmark, focusing on three Japanese caregiving solutions being provided by Konica Minolta, DFree, and Magic Shields. It will entail a market validation process involving various stakeholders, including local municipalities, caregiving staff, and industry experts, assessing needs through product experiences, evaluations, and interviews.

Services Under Verification

• - Konica Minolta:

HitomeQ Care Support is a caregiving assistance service utilizing behavioral analysis sensors installed on ceilings to analyze residents' behavior patterns and lifestyles.

• - DFree:

The DFree device is an IoT wearable that predicts the timing of urination through ultrasound sensors detecting the bladder's status.

• - Magic Shields:

Koroyawa is a specially designed floor mat intended to reduce risks of falls and fractures among the elderly.

Implementation Schedule

The PoC is scheduled to run from January 2026 to March 2026.

Participants Expected

• - Local government representatives
• - Caregiving staff and nurses
• - IT and data management professionals
• - Experts in welfare and medicine
• - Care service users and their families

Primary Activities Planned

• - Product installations and demonstrations
• - User interviews and experiences
• - Expert evaluations from digital health and welfare fields
• - Identification of acceptance, improvement points, and use cases in the local market
• - Requirement organization for Phase 2 (in-situ demonstrations)

PoC Structure

As an initial phase to gauge the acceptance and implementation potentials of Japanese caregiving solutions in the European market, this PoC aims to accumulate operational insights and user feedback progressively. It will facilitate rational decision-making for advancing to subsequent phases, expediting expansion into Nordic nations and the broader EU.

Expected Outcomes and Prospects

Through this PoC, we aim to visualize the acceptance and feasibility of Japanese caregiving solutions within the Nordic market, outlining relevant scenarios for local municipalities and care facilities. The evaluations gathered will enhance product and service optimizations and clarify necessary regulations and partner requirements for further international expansion. Ultimately, this process will yield data essential for decisions regarding commercial viability and the transition to the next phase of growth.

About Will Group

The Will Group is committed to being a positive agent of change, engaging in a variety of staffing services domestically and internationally, focusing on specialized sectors including sales, call centers, factories, care, and construction. Since its establishment in April 2006, the company has grown to employ nearly 8,000 individuals, with a vision to continually offer positive choices that transform work and life styles for all stakeholders. For more information, visit Will Group.