MetLife Japan Expands Support for Children Through Unique Charity Walking Event

In May 2025, MetLife Life Insurance Co., Ltd. hosted a remarkable charity walking event aimed at supporting children in need. Led by CEO Dirk Osteen, the initiative gathered 473 employees from across Japan, resulting in an impressive total of 130.92 million steps over 16,366 hours.

This event was part of MetLife's wellness promotion activities in collaboration with its health insurance union. Employees formed teams to encourage friendly competition based on average steps taken, using a smartphone app to collectively aim for a virtual journey from the north to the south of Japan. The outcome of their efforts produced an average of over 270,000 steps per participant, a testament to their team spirit and dedication to a worthy cause.

MetLife has identified “Support for a More Certain Future for Children” as one of the pillars of its CSR activities, focusing on empowering children facing difficulties to achieve independence in their futures. Through this charity walk, MetLife pledged to contribute funds based on the total steps taken, resulting in approximately 1.3 million yen (or around 2,700 yen per participant) allocated to support charitable organizations that benefit local communities.

The funds raised from the initiative will be directed towards experiential learning activities for children utilizing community dining facilities, ensuring they have opportunities to learn and enjoy their childhood.

In addition to this event, MetLife continues to engage in various supportive activities aimed at bringing smiles to children across the country. Here are a few ongoing initiatives:

- Financial Education Program: “The Importance of Money”: This program is designed to instill in children the significance of money, empowering them to think independently, make choices, and take action toward their future.

- “Connecting! Chopstick Project”: Focused on environmental conservation and child welfare, this initiative involves employees handcrafting chopsticks to donate to children's homes, community dining facilities, and elderly care centers nationwide.

- “Delivering Music to Children” Project: In collaboration with the nonprofit organization Million People Classic Live, this project aims to provide all children with enriching musical experiences that contribute to their emotional well-being and development.

MetLife believes that the steps taken by its employees can connect to a brighter future for many children. The company is committed to contributing toward a sustainable society where everyone can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. By continuing to develop these important initiatives, MetLife aims to make a significant impact on the lives of young people across Japan, ensuring they have the support they need for a brighter future.

About MetLife Japan

Founded in 1973, MetLife Japan was the first foreign life insurance company in the country and has since grown into one of the world's leading insurance groups. As a subsidiary of the American MetLife, the company remains committed to supporting customers in selecting optimal protection through diverse distribution channels, providing innovative products to meet a broad spectrum of risks. For more information, visit MetLife Japan's website.