[First in Japan] National Federation of Elderly Support Organizations Signs Comprehensive Partnership Agreement on Lifelong Support for the Elderly with Nerima Ward and Social Welfare Council

The National Federation of Elderly Support Organizations (hereinafter referred to as the Federation) signed a comprehensive partnership agreement on July 6, 2026 (Reiwa 8) (Mon) with Nerima Ward, Tokyo, and the Social Welfare Corporation Nerima Ward Social Welfare Council, aiming to strengthen the lifelong support system for elderly individuals without next of kin. This is the first initiative in Japan where a municipality, a social welfare council, and a business organization collaborate through a comprehensive partnership agreement for the purpose of lifelong support for the elderly.

Background and Objectives of the Agreement: Towards the Realization of "Flexible End-of-Life Support" Beyond Public Assistance

In recent years, with the increase in the number of elderly individuals living alone or without reliable relatives, the importance of "lifelong support (end-of-life support)" – from daily life monitoring to procedures for hospitalization/admission and post-mortem affairs – has rapidly grown.

Nerima Ward has been pioneering initiatives, such as establishing an "End-of-Life Consultation Desk" at the Social Welfare Council in Reiwa 6 and launching the "Lifelong Support Project ~Sonoe, Anshin 365~" from April 1, Reiwa 8. However, the diverse support needs, income, and asset situations of consultees presented a significant challenge in establishing a flexible support system for residents that could not be fully covered by standardized public assistance alone.

Through this comprehensive partnership agreement, residents who are not covered by the services provided by the ward and the Social Welfare Council (such as those who do not meet asset/income requirements) can be smoothly referred to business organizations, including the Federation. This aims to broaden the range of service choices for residents and build a seamless lifelong support system tailored to individual circumstances.

Role of the Federation in this Agreement

The Federation is an organization composed of businesses and professionals involved in supporting the elderly. Through this comprehensive partnership, we will promote the following initiatives and contribute to the realization of a safe and secure lifelong support society.

● Dissemination and Awareness of Guidelines: Promote the dissemination and awareness of the "Guidelines for Lifelong Support Businesses for the Elderly" formulated by the government to improve the quality of services provided.

● Building a Network Among Businesses: Build and oversee a close network among professionals and businesses, acting as a coordinator to connect residents in need of support with optimal private services.

● Provision of Flexible Private Services: Offer and support a wide range of flexible options unique to the private sector to address diverse needs that are difficult to meet within the framework of public administration.

Overview of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony

Date: July 6, 2026 (Reiwa 8) (Mon) 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: Nerima Ward Office (6-12-1 Toyotama-kita, Nerima-ku, Tokyo)

Attendees: Nerima Ward

Social Welfare Corporation Nerima Ward Social Welfare Council

National Federation of Elderly Support Organizations

About the National Federation of Elderly Support Organizations

The Federation was established last August by nine leading domestic organizations that have accumulated achievements on the front lines of elderly support for many years. We currently provide lifelong support for approximately 14,000 member individuals, and are thoroughly promoting compliance with government guidelines, improvement of service quality, and strengthening of user protection.

Name: National Federation of Elderly Support Organizations

Location: Toranomon Hōkei Building Annex, 1-20-2 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative Director: Shuichi Senga

URL: https://shushin-support.or.jp

<Participating Organizations> Kizuna no Kai Certified NPO; Senior Comprehensive Support Center Public Interest Incorporated Association National Silver Life Guarantee Association General Incorporated Association; Grief Care Support Association NPO Tokyo Citizen Silver Support Center NPO; Plus Life Support General Incorporated Association End-of-Life Concierge General Incorporated Association; Advance Life Planning Co., Ltd. Kokoro no Company Co., Ltd. (in no particular order)