In Japan, 'Independence' is What People Want to Pass on to the Next Generation

Independence is the top priority for living longer, yet a clear gap exists between intention and actual behavior.

Receiving advice from experts more than doubles quality of life (78% vs. 38%).

Many people do not know where to start, resulting in insufficient dialogue.

Manulife Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (President, CEO, and Representative Director: Ryan Sharland; headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter 'Manulife Life') has announced the results of the 'Asia Care Survey 2026 (Asia Health and Longevity Survey)' conducted by the Manulife Group, targeting 9,132 individuals across nine Asian markets.

The 'Asia Care Survey 2026' aims to deepen understanding of individuals’ health, financial status, and well-being in the era of 100-year lives, providing insights to support better life planning and financial decision-making. The results highlight a clear gap in Japan: while many people hope to maintain physical independence and financial freedom in old age, their confidence and actions have not kept pace. Against the backdrop of declining youth populations and changing family structures, many wish to avoid burdening their families or others. However, despite strong anxiety about care costs, many have not taken steps toward financial preparation for old age or initiated conversations with family, often citing uncertainty about where to begin.

According to the survey, many adults across Asia view the goal of longevity as 'maintaining independence for as long as possible without becoming a burden on others.' In Japan, 80% of respondents support this perspective. This strong orientation toward independence is underpinned by awareness of the need for both health capital and financial resources.

On health, 63% of Japanese respondents undergo health checkups at least once a year, surpassing the Asian average of 50%. This indicates a high level of recognition regarding the importance of building 'health capital' through early detection and prevention for independence. However, actions do not match this awareness. Daily self-care practices such as regular exercise and balanced diets are not sufficiently maintained, with 16% reporting they 'do no self-care at all,' revealing a clear gap between awareness and behavior.

Despite 80% of Japanese respondents wishing to maintain independence, confidence in realizing this goal—especially financially—is wavering. The survey found that 75% feel anxious about the burden of care costs in old age. At the same time, 16% have made no preparations for retirement funds, and 28% have taken no action toward future financial stability and security—both figures higher than in other Asian markets—indicating a significant gap in preparedness. In response, 74% of Japanese adults express intent to continue working in some capacity beyond age 65, reflecting both economic necessity and the desire to maintain independence.

At the same time, traditional safety nets relying on family are eroding. Only 7% of Japanese respondents expect financial support from their children, compared to 19% across Asia overall. This reflects not only the demographic reality of an aging, low-birthrate society but also a strong sentiment of not wanting to burden younger generations with uncertain futures. However, while reliance on family is decreasing, alternative support systems are not yet adequately established, and many people likely lack clear plans.

The survey also highlighted that 'dialogue' is a crucial catalyst for action. Approximately half of Japanese adults (44%) believe that openly discussing retirement funds contributes to improved well-being. Yet, only about 30% have actually discussed their future needs and expectations with family, meaning roughly two out of three have never had such a conversation. The most commonly cited barrier was 'not knowing where to start the conversation' (30%), suggesting that while motivation exists, many lack sufficient triggers or motivation to take the first step.

This gap is also evident in the low utilization of expert advice. Among those who have consulted financial planners or other experts, 78% feel they have a 'high quality of life,' compared to only 38% among those who have not. Despite this 40-point difference, only 6% of people in Japan have consulted an expert—the lowest rate in Asia—highlighting a clear and significant unmet need for trustworthy advice.

Among younger generations, a sense of future crisis is already visibly apparent. Among respondents under 25, 56% have discussed their retirement needs and expectations with family, and 75% recognize the importance of discussing retirement life planning. At the same time, 86% are anxious about future care costs, and 58% intend to continue working full-time after age 65—indicating that concerns about longevity and future financial preparedness are already surfacing at an early stage of life.

The data collection for this 'Asia Care Survey 2026' aligns with the mission of the Longevity Economy Institute (Manulife Longevity Institute), a global platform for research, think tank functions, innovation, advocacy, and community investment aimed at supporting people to live vibrantly at every age. For more information on Manulife's longevity-related research and insights, visit Manulife.com/Longevity (in English).

[Comment from Ryan Sharland, President, CEO, and Representative Director, Manulife Life]

The results of the Asia Care Survey in Japan, at the dawn of the 100-year life era, clearly show a shift: independence has become the most important goal in the latter half of life. At Manulife Life, we view this through the lens of 'Wealthspan'—how long one can maintain the financial assets needed to support the lifestyle they desire as longevity increases. Aligning money with life planning requires more than motivation; it requires a clear plan and the confidence to take that first step. We believe it is our important role to bridge this gap by making access to advice easier, enhancing financial literacy, and supporting the creation of constructive dialogue between families and experts. Through solutions spanning protection, asset accumulation, pensions, and wealth succession, we aim to support people in Japan not only to 'live longer,' but to 'live better,' with genuine peace of mind about their future.