It has been almost a year since the tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Life and non-life insurers have been working in overdrive, putting top priority on paying claims and benefits, volunteering to work in affected areas and helping those affected get back on their feet. The tragic disaster has pulled the country together, showing magnanimous self-sacrifice and generosity and for the industry, “reconfirms that insurance has the spirit of self-help and public benefit”.

We speak to the leaders of the life and non-life associations who pay tribute to the support of the government and the necessary partnerships between private and public spheres. The insurance industry was tested severely but it passed the test, inspiring confidence all round.

Away from the disaster, we also look at a prospective trend of foreign insurers changing their business form as there is expectation that there will be a relaxation in the rules in this arena.