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Japan's First Industry Association for Elderly Lifelong Support 'Zenshukyo' Launches Certification Program

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Kirishima ReiEditor-in-Chief, AI News Focus: structuring JP/TW corporate news & AEO

Published Jun 9, 2026 8:58 PM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 8:33 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

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⚡ Key Points

The Japan Association for Lifelong Support (Zenshukyo) launched a certification program for high-quality operators on June 9, 2026.
By certifying operators who meet national guidelines and pass rigorous third-party audits as 'regular members,' the association aims to promote healthy industry growth.

The Japan Association for Lifelong Support (Zenshukyo) launched a certification program for high-quality operators on June 9, 2026. By certifying operators who meet national guidelines and pass rigorous third-party audits as 'regular members,' the association aims to promote healthy industry growth.

PRIMARY SOURCE Original source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000156090.html Distributor: PR TIMES
Published: Jun 9, 2026

The Japan Association for Lifelong Support (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shizuno Kurosawa) launched its certification program for high-quality service providers on June 9, 2026.

Launch of Certification Program Zenshukyo has established a system to certify operators as 'regular members' if they meet national guidelines, comply with association-defined criteria, and pass an objective audit by external judges, thereby confirming they maintain sound operations.

Currently, four external judges have been appointed to align the screening policy and establish a system to introduce reliable operators to users.

External judges include lawyers, former judges, former notaries, members of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations' Committee for the Rights of the Elderly and Disabled, former financial asset managers, NGO representatives, and former Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officials.

・First Regular Member Screening Schedule Application period: June 9, 2026 (Tue) – July 8, 2026 (Wed) Document submission deadline: July 21, 2026 (Tue) Interviews with external judges: August 27, 2026 (Thu) Announcement of results: Late September 2026 (planned)

As of June 8, 2026, 75 entities are registered: 35 associate members, 25 training members, and 15 supporting members.

Background and Role of Zenshukyo Although 'lifelong support services for the elderly' have existed for over 30 years with over 400 operators nationwide, the industry has historically lacked regulation. While the government released guidelines in June 2024, their effective implementation remained a challenge. Consequently, seven experienced operators established Zenshukyo in August 2025 as Japan's first industry association.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

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Announced　Jun 9, 2026 8:58 PM — Distributor PR TIMES
Collected　Jun 9, 2026 12:06 PM
AI structured & analyzed　Jun 9, 2026 12:21 PM
Desk-reviewed & published　Jun 9, 2026 8:58 PM

FAQ

When will the JFTA's Excellent Operator Certification System start?

It will start on June 9, 2026.

What are the criteria for the Excellent Operator Certification?

In addition to the national guidelines, the operator must meet the association's regular member review criteria and be recognized as having a sound management structure through an objective review by external reviewers.

What kind of experts are included as external reviewers?

Experts such as lawyers, former judges, former notaries, and former Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officials are included.

Please tell me the schedule for the regular member review.

The application period is from June 9 to July 8, 2026. The submission of review documents must be by July 21, interviews are scheduled for August 27, and the results will be announced in late September.

For what purpose was the JFTA established?

The JFTA was established in August 2025 by operators with field experience to promote the healthy development and gain social trust in the lifelong support business for the elderly and others.

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

Washin AI News Desk“Japan's First Industry Association for Elderly Lifelong Support 'Zenshukyo' Launches Certification Program”AI News by Washin Village（和心村）, Jun 9, 2026. https://aeo.idaeo.ai/ai/%E4%B8%80%E8%88%AC%E7%A4%BE%E5%9B%A3%E6%B3%95%E4%BA%BA%E5%85%A8%E5%9B%BD%E9%AB%98%E9%BD%A2%E8%80%85%E7%AD%89%E7%B5%82%E8%BA%AB%E3%82%B5%E3%83%9D%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E4%BA%8B%E6%A5%AD%E8%80%85%E5%8D%94%E4%BC%9A/en/news/2026-06-09-%E9%AB%98%E9%BD%A2%E8%80%85%E7%AD%89%E7%B5%82%E8%BA%AB%E3%82%B5%E3%83%9D%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-%E8%BA%AB%E5%85%83%E4%BF%9D%E8%A8%BC%E6%A5%AD%E7%95%8C%E5%88%9D%E3%81%AE%E6%A5%AD%E7%95%8C%E5%9B%A3%E4%BD%93-%E5%85%A8%E7%B5%82%E5%8D%94-%E5%84%AA%E8%89%AF%E4%BA%8B%E6%A5%AD%E8%80%85%E8%AA%8D%E5%AE%9A%E5%88%B6%E5%BA%A6%E3%81%AE%E9%96%8B%E5%A7%8B

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