On the occasion of East Asian Insurance Day 2026, Chairperson of the Life Insurance Association of Japan (LIAJ) Mr Toshiaki Sumino has shared a message:
“East Asian Insurance Day was established to commemorate the first East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC) held in Tokyo on October 18, 1962. It symbolises collaboration and cooperation among the insurance industry across the East Asian region. The day also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the role and social significance of insurance and to recognise once again the importance of regional cooperation for the development of the region as a whole.
In recent years, the rapidly declining birthrate, an aging population, growing demand for healthcare and long-term care services, labour shortages, and the rapid advancement of digital technologies and AI are driving society through a major period of transformation in Japan. At the same time, rising geopolitical risks and the increasing burden on households resulting from rising prices have made it even more difficult to foresee future social and economic conditions.
The LIAJ believes that, in an age of persisting uncertainty, life insurers are expected to fulfil the abiding mission of staying close to each customer, delivering peace of mind, and supporting people in leading flourishing lives. In pursuit of our vision of “Supporting flourishing lives and a prosperous society through peace of mind,” the LIAJ has been advancing a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving the financial well-being of all people and contributing to the realisation of a sustainable and prosperous society. As these challenges are shared not only in Japan but also throughout the East Asian region, we believe it is important to deepen our understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the insurance industry and to continue sharing those perspectives with one another.
As a concrete action to achieve this, the LIAJ and the General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) jointly hosted the 31st EAIC in Tokyo from September 14 to 16 this year, marking its return to Tokyo for the first time in 24 years. The Conference brought together a large number of insurance professionals from Japan and overseas and provided a valuable opportunity for active discussions on a broad range of important issues, including international financial regulation, natural catastrophe protection gaps, talent development, healthcare, sustainability, aging societies, and digitalisation and AI, while also fostering new exchanges and professional networks.
Under the Conference slogan, “Back to the Origin, A Bridge to the Future ~Asia Reunites at Tokyo~,” insurance professionals from across East Asia and beyond gathered in Tokyo to learn from one another and deepen their exchanges. We believe this was a truly meaningful achievement. Building on the insights and connections gained through the Conference, we will continue contributing to the well-being of people and the sound development of the insurance industry.
I sincerely hope that East Asian Insurance Day will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the important social role of insurance and encourage the insurance industry across the East Asian region to further deepen its cooperation and move forward together toward the realisation of “Supporting flourishing lives and a prosperous society through peace of mind.”