#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Planner #Cancer FP #JCFP

The Launch of a New Certification: Cancer Financial Planner

The Japan Cancer Financial Planners Association (JCFP), headquartered in Tokyo, has officially announced the introduction of a new certification called the Cancer Financial Planner (Cancer FP). This certification is set to begin its examination process in September 2025 and aims to address the unique financial challenges that cancer patients face.

Purpose of the Certification

In Japan, it’s estimated that one in two people will encounter cancer during their lifetime, leading to significant economic burdens due to treatment costs and loss of income. These financial strains, referred to as “economic toxicity,” present a major social issue. Traditional financial planning (FP) certifications and insurance proposals often fall short in covering the specific risks associated with cancer. The Cancer FP certification is designed to fill this gap by training financial planners and insurance professionals to tackle these challenges effectively.

Examination Details

The Cancer FP certification will be structured in tiers:

• - BCFP (Cancer FP Level 3): Targeted at holders of national qualifications in finance or healthcare. An online exam format will be used.
• - ACFP (Cancer FP Level 2): Stipulated to start from November 1, 2025.
• - ECFP (Cancer FP Level 1): Currently in the preparation phase for public release.

All tests will cover a diverse range of topics including ethics, public and private medical insurances, cancer screening and treatment, employment and life planning support, as well as cancer genomics.

Advantages of Certification

Those who successfully pass the examination and become full members will enjoy a range of benefits:

• - Use of the title “Cancer FP” on business cards and proposal materials.
• - Access to exclusive member materials such as curriculum guidelines and seminar slides.
• - Opportunities to collaborate with healthcare professionals and patient organizations.
• - Participation in association-sponsored workshops and continuing education with preferential rates.

For financial planners and insurance agents, the certification provides significant practical advantages. It adds a layer of expertise to insurance proposals, differentiating their offerings and paving the way for innovative approaches to corporate insurance benefits.

Representative’s Comment

Takuto Kawahara, the executive director of JCFP, stated, “The Cancer FP certification serves as a ‘new trust mark’ for professionals in financial planning and insurance sales. Our mission is to alleviate clients’ economic anxieties and enhance the sense of security for them by increasing the number of specialists who can provide this support. I am confident that utilizing this certification will bring added value to traditional proposals and ultimately improve the overall service quality in our industry.”

Future Prospects

• - In November 2025, the ACFP (Intermediate) examination will commence.
• - Development of the advanced ECFP certification is underway, aimed at nurturing high-level professionals who bridge medical and financial disciplines.
• - Strengthening training programs for insurance companies and financial planning offices, in conjunction with higher education institutions.

Association Overview

• - Name: Japan Cancer Financial Planners Association (JCFP)
• - Location: 5-2-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (inside i･Partners Co., Ltd.)
• - Executive Director: Takuto Kawahara
• - Activities: Certification of Cancer FP, training and education, awareness promotion, and consulting for organizations on cancer financial management.
• - Website: JCFP Official Site

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact:

• - JCFP Operation Secretariat
• - Contact Person: Noriaki Kamijo
• - Email: [email protected]