#Japan #community support #Health App #Koshigaya #KiraPo

Koshigaya's 'KiraPo' Initiative: A Model for Elderly Care Prevention

In a groundbreaking initiative, Koshigaya City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, has implemented the 'KiraPo' health points program aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens, effectively combating the decline in health and life satisfaction that COVID-19 exacerbated. Launched by BessPra Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the city government, this program leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) without requiring residents to invest financially, making it accessible and engaging for older adults.

What is 'KiraPo'?

The 'KiraPo' system utilizes a dedicated smartphone app known as 'Good Brain App,' tailored specifically for middle-aged and elderly users. This application rewards participants with health points for performing daily health activities, such as walking, engaging in brain training exercises, and attending city-sponsored events. Since the initial implementation two years ago, Koshigaya City has adopted this program, becoming the first in Saitama Prefecture to provide such a comprehensive approach to health promotion.

Earned points can be exchanged for cashless options, such as PayPay points, ultimately blending the objectives of preventative health strategies with local economic stimulation. As participants grow healthier and happier, the local economy gets a much-needed boost, creating a win-win situation for all involved.

Key Achievements of the KiraPo Program

Within less than two years of operation, the KiraPo program has shown remarkable participation and positive feedback among seniors. As of May 2025, approximately 1,751 individuals aged 65 and older have registered for the program, accounting for about 2% of Koshigaya's senior population. Below are some highlights from the collected data:

User Satisfaction and Health Perception

According to a recent user survey, around 71.3% of participants have expressed feeling that KiraPo has significantly contributed to their preventative care efforts. Notably, 47.7% of respondents indicated the program has become integral to their purpose in life, underscoring the value of daily healthy activities for improved mental and physical well-being.

Participation Metrics

Participants in the KiraPo program have collectively walked an astounding 3.14 billion steps, equivalent to about 55 circumnavigations of the Earth. This impressive feat translates into a projected healthcare cost savings of approximately ¥191,640,000 (about $1.9 million) through exercise value estimations. Points awarded total 2,402,714, providing substantial potential for exchange into monetary rewards, thus enhancing both user engagement and local economic activity.

Voices from the Elders

Many positive comments have been shared by seniors partaking in the program:

• - “KiraPo has become a daily routine, making my days much more fulfilling.”
• - “I've developed a habit of interacting with my smartphone daily, which has reduced my resistance to technology.”
• - “I hope more events can be added that allow us to earn points while having fun.”

These testimonials reveal that seniors are finding motivation in KiraPo, transforming their lifestyle into more active and engaging routines.

Future Plans and Opportunities

The 'KiraPo' agenda is not just a success; it has fostered conversations within the community about expanding health initiatives. Local officials suggest incorporating diverse activities based on user feedback, focusing on the inclusion of various brain-training modalities and accurate step counting features. There are discussions about increasing the options available for point redemption, broadening financial exchanges from just PayPay to other methods.

In a statement from a city officer in charge of the program, it was noted, “We have effectively integrated various elderly care efforts through KiraPo, and the positive response from the community is promising. We hope to sustain these initiatives for the benefit of our aging residents.”

Insights from BessPra’s CEO

Yosuke Toyama, CEO of BessPra, emphasized the broader implications of KiraPo. “Saitama Prefecture is committed to promoting a long-lived, healthy population. KiraPo is an innovative model demonstrating how ICT can be harnessed to enhance elderly health and well-being,” he remarked while expressing enthusiasm for possible expansions of this program to other municipalities.

In summary, with the dual aim of enhancing social participation while promoting health, Koshigaya's 'KiraPo' initiative exemplifies how technology can revolutionize community health approaches in an aging society. Its success provides a potential blueprint for other cities eager to improve the quality of life for their elderly residents.

Contact Information

For more information about the program, Koshigaya City’s Regional Community Promotion Division can be contacted at:

• - Phone: 048-963-9187
• - Email: [email protected]

For media inquiries, please reach out to BessPra Co., Ltd.:

• - Website: BessPra
• - Email: [email protected]

Ultimately, KiraPo is not merely a program; it’s a transformative movement aimed at rejuvenating the lives of the elderly in Japan’s vibrant communities.