#Japan #Osaka #Akarishorai #Lifelong Support #Zenshukyō

Establishment of Japan's First Lifelong Support Industry Association

In a historic move, Akarishorai has been appointed as one of the founding member companies of Japan's first industry association for lifelong support and personal guarantees, officially named the General Incorporated Association of National Elderly Lifelong Support Business Operators, referred to as Zenshukyō. The inaugural forum marking the establishment of this association took place on November 26, 2023, and saw the participation of an impressive 265 attendees in person, with approximately 300 joining online, totaling nearly 600 participants.

The event featured greetings from several dignitaries, including:

• - Katsu Nobuo Kato, Member of the House of Representatives and former Finance Minister
• - Manabu Sakai, Member of the House and former Minister of State for Disaster Management
• - Ayano Kunimitsu, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
• - Kuroda, Director of the Health and Welfare Ministry’s Elderly and Disabled Services Bureau
• - Kanuma, Director of the Social Welfare and Aid Bureau of the Health Ministry.

Akarishorai stands out as the only operator in the association led by lawyers, leveraging legal expertise to actively enhance industry trust through collaboration with government entities, system development, and industry partnerships.

Background and Role of Zenshukyō

Currently, there are over 400 operators in the field of lifelong support for the elderly and others. This surge in businesses correlates with the increasing number of single elderly individuals, which has reached more than 9 million in Japan.

Source: National Institute of Population and Social Security Research

Increase in Consumer Problems and Development of Guidelines

However, with the increase in the number of service providers, consumer disputes have also risen. A notable incident occurred in April 2016, where the Japan Life Association, which had approximately 2,600 contracts, misappropriated around ¥270 million in user deposits and eventually collapsed with a total debt of ¥1.2 billion. This has highlighted the need for clear guidelines.

As a response to these increasing disputes and in line with the new guidelines enacted in June 2024, the Elderly Lifelong Support Business Operator Guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Current Situation and Initiatives

Despite the existence of these guidelines, the regulatory framework, including necessary licenses or notifications for the service, remains underdeveloped, allowing nearly anyone to start a business without any prior experience. Consumers are often left in the dark about what makes an operator reputable, leading to risks in their contracts.

To address this issue, Zenshukyō was established in August 2025. The founding members, including Akarishorai and six other operators, have implemented stringent membership criteria that exceed the stated guidelines. This structure aims to empower consumers by enabling them to choose operators that meet a higher standard.

While many professional associations focus on increasing membership numbers to enhance industry standing, Zenshukyō's founding members acknowledge that merely increasing the quantity of members does not ensure trustworthiness. Instead, the focus is on establishing a credible industry reputation by reinforcing self-regulation through stricter admission criteria.

For consumers uncertain about trustworthy service providers, Zenshukyō aims to create a framework where listed members have undergone external evaluations, ensuring peace of mind in their choices.

Furthermore, looking toward the future growth of the association, opportunities for existing operators who do not yet meet these criteria will be provided through training and support to help them adhere to standards and grow alongside Zenshukyō.

Introducing the Bankruptcy Guarantee Insurance

In collaboration with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Zenshukyō is also exploring a guarantee system for its members. The memory of the Japan Life Association's collapse still resonates, as it highlighted inherent risks among private operators. Ensuring continuous service for users who depend on long-term services, especially when a provider fails, is pivotal.

The proposed guarantee system aims to protect users in the event of a provider's bankruptcy or other contract terminations not caused by the consumer. Through this initiative, Zenshukyō aims to maintain service continuity or offer financial recompense, ensuring users remain supported even during turbulent situations.

Akarishorai prides itself on providing trustworthy services led by a team of experts, including lawyers and judicial scriveners, as well as healthcare professionals, such as nurses and care managers, providing comprehensive and specialized support tailored to the individual needs of the elderly. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health, the company prioritizes transparency in service content and fees and ensures comprehensive explanations of critical contract details.

Overall, Akarishorai’s commitment is to establish a society in which all elderly individuals can age gracefully and securely, supported by reliable lifelong services and personal guarantees.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Akarishorai Co., Ltd.
• - Location: MF Nishi-Tenma Building 11F AB, 4-3-18 Nishi-Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0047, Japan
• - Representative: Yuki Shimizu, CEO
• - Capital: ¥100 million (including reserves)
• - Founded: July 8, 2024
• - Business Overview: Providing guaranteed services, emergency response, and personal support in compliance with national guidelines, led by a trusted expert team.
• - Official Website: Akarishorai