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The First Next FP Award 2026: Recognizing 15 Exceptional Financial Planners

The newly inaugurated Next FP Award 2026, organized by the Japan FP Association and led by Chairman Toshiharu Shirane, aims to illuminate the diverse career pathways and role models of financial planners (FPs) in Japan. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to spotlight the valuable contributions of next-generation financial professionals across various sectors.

In its inaugural year, the award saw an impressive response, with 42 applications submitted from independent FPs, corporate FPs, and those contributing to social causes. After a rigorous selection process, including document reviews and interviews by the organization's management team, 15 winners were selected, comprising three special commendations and twelve encouragement awards.

Special Commendation Winners

Kensuke Ueda (CFP)

Kensuke Ueda has pioneered a new practical model supporting families of individuals with disabilities. His goal is to create an environment where these families can receive ongoing support from local experts and organizations. Understanding that financial stability and future planning are foundational to addressing a range of challenges, he coordinates with various professionals to tailor assistance for each family, striving to deliver effective supports that continue over time.

Hatsuyo Mawatari (AFP)

Through her work with a construction company, Hatsuyo Mawatari aims to explore the feasibility of practicing as an FP in rural areas. As a licensed real estate agent and financial planner, she plays a critical role in addressing invisible anxieties and organizing specific issues to provide customers with practical advice. Mawatari emphasizes the importance of collaboration with professionals from architecture, real estate, and law while aiming to enhance the viability of FP careers in less urban settings.

Taiki Raifudo (CFP)

Distinguished for not selling financial or insurance products, Taiki Raifudo operates through four main pillars: lectures, writing, consulting, and media operations. By focusing on customer perspectives rather than textbook models, he has conducted over 100 lectures annually, serves as a guest lecturer at Chuo University, and has authored more than 120 books with total sales exceeding 2 million copies. Raifudo emphasizes providing valuable information through various media platforms, limiting personal consultations while efficiently reaching broader audiences.

Encouragement Award Winners

Yoshimi Ishii (CFP)

Specializing in the public pension system, Yoshimi Ishii assists individuals through the process of applying for disability pensions and planning their post-benefit lives. By considering the intricate balance of treatment and employment, she collaborates with welfare and medical professionals to broaden her clients' life choices.

Tomo Ishikawa (AFP)

Tomohiro Ishikawa has actively supported various household life plans since 2012, focusing on underprivileged and marginalized families. His mission is to mainstream FP services in sectors traditionally perceived as challenging to monetize, especially in supporting single-parent households and those in economic hardship.

Yuko Inagaki (CFP)

Based on her experience raising a daughter with severe autism, Yuko Inagaki provides tailored financial counseling and seminars to individuals facing life transitions or difficulties. Her work not only communicates financial literacy but also encourages her clients to enjoy life despite adversities.

Mayumi Kaneko (AFP)

With over a decade of experience as a home care nurse, Mayumi Kaneko understands the importance of living with dignity at home. She acquired FP qualifications to help individuals leverage social security systems and how to enhance life plans in a way that supports individual authenticity.

Fumie Goto (CFP)

Fumie Goto seamlessly blends corporate and independent FP perspectives to elevate financial literacy within her community. Handling over 200 consultations annually, she extends her influence through numerous seminars and community engagement activities.

Takeyasu Kunieda (AFP)

An innovative FP and administrative lawyer, Takeyasu Kunieda crafts personalized life plans for medical professionals while also providing essential guidance on succession and retirement planning for senior clients.

Shinichi Saito (CFP)

Contracted by Sendai City, Shinichi Saito leads initiatives to support the families of individuals with disabilities, emphasizing planning for life after parental care. His strategies connect diverse sectors to provide comprehensive support for these families.

Ayaka Takada (CFP)

Ayaka Takada focuses on financial education aimed at empowering women through various transitions like marriage, parenthood, and career shifts, ensuring they can make choices independent of financial fears.

Hiroya Hara (CFP)

Hiroya Hara advocates for proactive planning through digital estate management. He assists bereaved families in navigating their deceased loved ones' digital legacies, whilst also advocating for preemptive preparations for such events.

Keisuke Fujigu (CFP)

Keisuke Fujigu provides free financial consultations and lectures in welfare settings, constantly adapting his content to meet the specific needs of each environment. His mission is to alleviate financial anxieties for those in need throughout the nation.

Kosuke Yoshikawa (CFP)

Utilizing U.S.-based goal-oriented planning, Kosuke Yoshikawa broadens life choices for clients, prioritizing their aspirations and continuously updating his knowledge through conferences. He maintains a multi-generational support framework with family collaboration spanning decades.

Toru Watanabe (CFP)

Focusing on small to medium enterprises, Toru Watanabe combines financial economic education with corporate pension implementation. His aim is to elevate financial literacy sustainably without dependency on product sales.

Judges’ Remarks

Congratulations to all awardees! The robust spirit with which every applicant approached their FP careers reaffirms the limitless potential within our field. As we celebrate this first-ever event, we hope to further elevate the perception of financial planning as an invaluable profession in Japan and plan to continue this initiative next year.

Event Overview

• - Application Period: April 1, 2026 – June 1, 2026
• - Eligibility: Individuals within 15 years of joining the association or within 10 years of establishing an independent practice.
• - Primary Judging Criteria: Background, profitability, practical skills, ideation, and social contributions.
• - Prizes: Special commendation of 100,000 yen, and encouragement award of 50,000 yen.