#Japan #Hachioji #BeSpura #Tekupo

Hachioji City Launches Innovative Health Point Program

In a remarkable development, Hachioji City's health app, 'Tekupo', has crossed the milestone of 16,000 active users. This number represents nearly one in twelve of the city's residents aged 60 and over who engage with the app regularly. This achievement highlights a significant penetration rate for a municipal application, setting a new standard in digital health initiatives.

Background: A Unique Achievement in Local Government Apps

While most municipal applications in Japan typically see usage rates in the single digits among their target populations, 'Tekupo' has achieved extraordinary traction, especially among seniors. Approximately 80% of registered users continuously utilize the application, demonstrating that digital health measures can effectively take root in this demographic.

However, achieving this level of success brings forward the challenge of sustaining the financial resources necessary to maintain these programs. Many local governments tend to rely on budgets or subsidies to fund their health initiatives, which can be jeopardized by changes in financial conditions. Having reached such a significant user base, it's imperative to rethink the funding structure to ensure the longevity of health initiatives like 'Tekupo' for the coming decades.

The 'Tekupo' Initiative in Hachioji

Hachioji city's 'Tekupo' promotes health through digital engagement, targeting residents aged 60 and above equipped with smartphones. Users earn points through various health-related activities including walking, dietary record-keeping, brain training, attending health courses, and volunteering. These points can then be redeemed in local businesses or exchanged for electronic currency, effectively linking health improvement with local economic activity.

Achievements and Future Perspectives of 'Tekupo'

As of April 2026, 'Tekupo' has exceeded 16,000 participants, an extraordinary accomplishment in terms of user engagement for a municipal app. The healthy continuation of this initiative is evidenced not only by high app retention rates but also through notable achievements such as accumulative step count, which has reached over 41 billion steps, translating to approximately ¥27.38 million worth of points circulating within the community.

Additionally, 'Tekupo' received the 'Grand Prize' in the public-private partnership category at the Japan Health Conference 2024, recognizing its innovative use of ICT for self-management support and efficient operational practices.

Forward-Looking: Sustainable Model with 'Machiemi'

To further enhance sustainability, 'Bespura' is collaborating with Hachioji City to launch the 'Machiemi Project,' an innovative advertising distribution platform aimed at local businesses, intended to provide information directly to 'Tekupo' users. This model allows for a circular funding system whereby advertising revenues contribute to health point resources, ensuring that the program does not rely solely on government budgets.

'Machiemi' aims to stimulate both participation from the senior demographic and the economy, leveraging the app's capabilities to provide targeted advertising for local establishments while benefiting those who engage in health-promoting activities.

Nationwide Implementation

The synergy between 'Bespura' and 'Tekupo' is also being recognized on a broader scale, with over 25 municipalities across Japan adopting similar health point and volunteer engagement services. Supported by the Digital Agency, which recognizes these programs as compliant with model specifications, there is a growing expectation for increased adoption in the coming years.

Conclusion

The efforts made by the Hachioji City administration and 'Bespura' in establishing 'Tekupo' and the 'Machiemi' platform demonstrate a progressive approach to elder care, utilizing digital tools to promote health while invigorating the local economy. As we look towards the future, the challenge of sustaining these innovations becomes central, ensuring that initiatives like 'Tekupo' can continue to flourish for years to come.

Contact Information:
Company Name: Bespura Inc.
CEO: Yosuke Toyama
Address: 5-18-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://bspr.co.jp
For inquiries: [email protected]