Akari Hoshou: A New Hope for Senior Care in Japan
In a significant boost for the startup ecosystem in Japan, Akari Hoshou, founded in Osaka, has been recognized as a promising startup under the 'J-Startup KANSAI 2025' initiative by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This initiative aims to foster businesses in the Kansai region and supports innovative startups through a structured framework designed for their growth.
What is J-Startup KANSAI?
J-Startup KANSAI was launched in September 2020 and has been instrumental in supporting promising startups in the Kansai area through various programs. In a bold move shifting from traditional strategies focused on basic development to higher levels of innovation, J-Startup KANSAI has revamped its approach and is set to lead nationwide efforts in the startup support realm. The program combines public and private sector resources to ensure selected startups receive the necessary assistance for impactful growth.
For further details about the initiative, you can check out the
official press release.
Akari Hoshou's Mission
With Japan facing a super-aged society, the typical responsibilities of family members, such as acting as guarantors during hospitalizations or providing assistance during funerals, have become increasingly challenging. Akari Hoshou addresses this issue by offering guardianship services that step in for families unable to serve as guarantors.
The reality is stark: there's a growing number of companies stepping up to fulfill these roles, but the industry lacks regulatory oversight, leading to harassment and financial disputes with unscrupulous operators. Akari Hoshou stands out by collaborating with a trustworthy team of professionals, including lawyers, judicial scriveners, nurses, and care managers. This partnership ensures adherence to government guidelines while providing reliable guardianship services, such as debt guarantees and emergency responses, enabling elderly individuals to live with peace of mind.
Target Users
- - Elderly individuals living alone without family support
- - Couples without children or with strained family relationships
- - Individuals aged 40-60 preparing for end-of-life plans
- - The working generation supporting aging parents (risk diversification)
Common Concerns
- - Need for a guarantor due to lack of relatives
- - A desire to alleviate family burden after one’s passing
- - Assistance required for parents' end-of-life planning
- - Admission to a hospital denied due to lack of a guarantor
- - Difficulty finding a guarantor for a nursing home
- - The absence of someone to handle post-death procedures
To further its mission, Akari Hoshou has established the country's first industry association, the National Association for Lifelong Support of the Elderly (Zenju-kyo), aimed at enhancing accessibility for clients. Notably, Akari Hoshou is uniquely positioned as the only entity within this association founded by a lawyer, leveraging legal expertise to improve industry integrity and collaborate with government offices for necessary reforms.
Company Overview
- - Name: Akari Hoshou Co., Ltd.
- - Location: 11F AB, MF Nishitenma Building, 4-3-18 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0047 Japan
- - Representative: Yuki Shimizu
- - Capital: 100 million yen (including reserves)
- - Founded: July 8, 2024
- - Services: Guardian services including debt guarantees and emergency handling, compliant with national guidelines.
For more information, visit the
official website and check out the
PR Times announcement.