#Japan #Health App #Matsuyama #Ikichalle

Matsuyama's Innovative Elderly Health Initiative

Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture has successfully implemented its health initiative called 'Ikichalle,' aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens aged 65 and above. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with Bestpra Inc., focuses on utilizing ICT health point services and health applications. Over the course of approximately one year and nine months since its launch, the program has accumulated a staggering total of more than 20 billion steps, providing significant health benefits to its participants. The project has attracted around 1,408 participants, representing about 1% of the targeted elderly population of 145,000 in Matsuyama. The initiative has resulted in an estimated medical cost reduction of about 124.2 million yen.

Background of the Initiative

In recent years, the Ehime Prefecture has encouraged the use of health applications for community wellness. Matsuyama City took it a step further by being one of the first municipalities to launch a health points program aimed specifically at the elderly. This effort is part of the broader aim to promote health awareness and social participation within the community.

The 'Ikichalle' Program Explained

In July 2023, Matsuyama upgraded its elderly health program by integrating smartphone applications. Bestpra provided its unique 'brain health app' alongside the health point service, marking the first implementation of this service in the Shikoku region. The digital transformation from paper stamp cards to a mobile app allows participants to collect points by participating in designated events and completing challenges such as walking, brain training games, and meal management. These accumulated points can be redeemed for various rewards, including access to the renowned Dogo Onsen and electronic money such as PayPay points.

Implementation and Results

The introduction of the app has led to noticeable changes in the behavior of participating seniors. Initially, city officials anticipated that combining app usage with traditional methods would increase opportunities for seniors to engage with their community while cultivating healthy habits. Following the app’s launch, there was a significant increase in participation in health events organized by the city, demonstrating that the app serves as a motivating factor for senior citizens to venture out and be active. The daily number of steps and overall physical activity levels have also increased, fostering a culture of fun and healthy living among participants.

Key Achievements of 'Ikichalle' (As of May 2025)

• - Number of Participants: 1,408 (approximately 1% of the elderly population)
• - Total Steps: Approximately 20.36 billion steps (equivalent to around 31 laps around the Earth)
• - Estimated Medical Cost Reduction: Approx. 124.2 million yen (0.061 yen per step as per research from Tsukuba University)
• - Total Points Awarded: 1,920,267 points (worth around 1.92 million yen), usable at Dogo Onsen, local PayPay-affiliated businesses, and more.

The continuous increase in event participation indicates that many elderly participants are avidly engaging in their health challenges with a positive outlook.

User Testimonials

Seniors involved in the program express positive feedback, echoing the sentiment that the application’s gamified approach to earning points makes the health journey enjoyable. One participant shared, "It’s fun to accumulate points like a game; it encourages me to maintain my fitness and partake in events more actively!"

Support Structures for Participants

To address the digital divide among older citizens who may feel hesitant about using smartphones, Matsuyama has established a consultation hub in the Matsuchika shopping district. This site offers assistance with smartphone operations, app setup, and more. Participants can earn points just for visiting the hub, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.

Future Plans

Following the encouraging results from the 'Ikichalle' initiative, Matsuyama is committed to continuing this program in the years ahead. Plans for the 2025 fiscal year include workshops for registration support and smartphone literacy while addressing operational challenges together with Bestpra. The aim is to enable a greater number of seniors to leverage digital technologies for enjoyable health pursuits, thereby invigorating the overall community lifecycle.

Comment from Bestpra's CEO, Yosuke Toyama

Yosuke Toyama, CEO of Bestpra, remarked that the success of 'Ikichalle' reflects the commitment to innovative health strategies resulting in greater civic engagement and improved public health. As this project continues to flourish, it holds the potential to serve as a key model for promoting healthy aging and administrative efficiency across various municipalities. Through collaborations with local governments, we aim to expand our health promotion initiatives facilitated by technology.

For Inquiries

City of Matsuyama
Welfare Promotion Department, Longevity Welfare Division (Ikichalle Initiative Responsible)
Contact: Yuka Uemura
Phone: 089-948-6408 (Weekdays 8:30-17:00)
Email: [email protected]

Media Inquiries
Company Name: Bestpra Inc.
CEO: Yosuke Toyama
Address: 5-18-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: Bestpra
Contact Email: [email protected] (Attn: Toyama)