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Choraku Chouju Inc. Takes Major Steps Against Social Isolation

Choraku Chouju Inc., located in Nakano, Tokyo, is committed to tackling social isolation, especially among the elderly. The company, led by Dr. Shinichiro Monobe, has successfully secured approximately 560 million yen in funding from several investors, including Animal Spirits LLC, ANRI, Kanpo NEXT Partners, and Nissay Capital. This recent funding brings the company’s total capital raised to nearly 1 billion yen.

Purpose and Future Plans

With a mission to address social isolation, Choraku Chouju recognizes this issue as a critical societal challenge for seniors. As individuals age, the risk of loneliness and isolation increases, making timely interventions essential. Therefore, the company has developed a matching service called "Hahaloru," aimed specifically at users aged 50 and above, as an entry point to resolving these challenges early on.

Since the launch of Hahaloru in September 2024, the service has seen a steady increase in users, signaling a positive impact on the issue of loneliness among the senior demographic. This growth reflects an increasing awareness and willingness to combat isolation through meaningful connections.

The recent funding round included an investment from Nissay Capital, which manages the "Nissay Capital Sustainability Problem-Solving Fund No. 1." This fund focuses on investing in startups that are expected to provide societal benefits from a sustainability perspective. The investment signifies recognition of Choraku Chouju’s approach as a solution to the structural problem of isolation that society needs to confront collectively.

Furthermore, existing investors such as Animal Spirits LLC have also participated in this round, showing their continued confidence in the company’s capacity for persistent growth and development.

Comments from Investors

Yusuke Asakura, Chief Partner, Animal Spirits LLC:
“With the rising number of elderly individuals living alone and the seriousness of social isolation, creating new opportunities for the senior generation to meet is vital. The steady growth of the Hahaloru matching service indicates that, similar to the younger generation's shift to online platforms, seniors are also beginning to embrace such changes. I anticipate that Choraku Chouju will provide a trusted service that contributes to constructing a society where everyone feels a sense of purpose.”

Yutaka Miyazaki, Senior Principal, ANRI:
“In Japan, which faces a declining population and is rapidly aging, it’s crucial for people of all ages and genders to lead vibrant lives. We invested in Choraku Chouju because we want to work alongside Dr. Monobe and the team in addressing the social isolation of the elderly through medical and digital services.”

Masato Endo, Senior Director, Kanpo NEXT Partners:
“In this age of 100-year lives, aging is now a global trend. While often perceived as a societal issue, this demographic shift also represents new market opportunities. We encountered Choraku Chouju while seeking entrepreneurs who are pursuing future possibilities in a country at the forefront of aging. We see strong potential in their relentless execution, fueled by shared aspirations to tackle essential challenges.”

Tomoyuki Kasai, Chief Capitalist, Nissay Capital Co., Ltd.:
“With Japan’s aging population continuing to progress, extending healthy life expectancy is an increasing concern. Choraku Chouju utilizes cutting-edge technology, including medicine and AI, to tackle this issue. We are excited to invest in a startup that can make substantial contributions to society through its innovative services.”

Founder’s Insight

Dr. Shinichiro Monobe, the founder and CEO of Choraku Chouju, emphasizes the harsh impact of loneliness on individuals' physical and mental health. He states, "Particularly for the elderly, maintaining connections is a crucial element for health and a fulfilling life. Hahaloru is not just a matching service; it provides a platform for forging new relationships and encourages vibrant living in one’s later years. With this funding, we aim to enhance our service and expand access to more people, ultimately cultivating a community where isolation is not an option."

About Choraku Chouju Inc.

Choraku Chouju is a healthcare venture that leverages medicine and behavioral economics to create a society where the elderly can live longer, happier lives.

• - Location: 1-24-4 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• - Representative: Dr. Shinichiro Monobe
• - Founded: February 2023
• - Business Focus: Addressing social isolation
• - Website: Choraku Chouju

Hahaloru: A Matching Service for the Over 50s

Hahaloru is specifically designed for individuals over 50, with physician oversight and AI support for the best match experience. Unlike conventional matching services, Hahaloru addresses the needs and challenges of the middle-aged demographic, helping users connect based on shared values, interests, and lifestyles. With features like "Value Matching" and an AI advisor, users can easily find compatible friends or partners.

For more information and to join Hahaloru, visit Hahaloru.