On the occasion of EAIC Day 2026, the Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Japan has shared a message. Mr Koji Ishikawa said, "I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 20th anniversary of East Asian Insurance Day (October 18), established by the East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC), which marks a significant milestone this year.
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the devastating natural disasters that have occurred across the world in recent years.
In Japan as well, we have experienced a series of natural disasters across various regions, including the ’2026 Kumamoto Earthquake’ in July and the ’August 2026 Chiba Torrential Rains', as well as typhoons and localized heavy rainfall, all of which have caused extensive and severe damage. I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and my heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by these disasters.
Even since these disasters struck, dedicated recovery and reconstruction efforts aimed at rebuilding the lives of those affected continue in the disaster-stricken areas. As the general insurance industry, we remain fully committed to supporting those affected by the disasters and will continue to make every effort to ensure the prompt payment of insurance claims, so that they may return to their normal daily lives as quickly as possible.
In September this year, in collaboration with the Life Insurance Association of Japan, we hosted the 31st EAIC in Tokyo, the birthplace of the EAIC. The Congress marked the return of the event to Tokyo for the first time in 24 years.
We were delighted to welcome a large number of participants from various countries and regions, and the congress concluded with great success. Through this gathering, participants engaged in candid discussions and shared valuable insights on the common challenges we face in a rapidly changing world.
I firmly believe that these exchanges have marked a significant step forward in supporting the continued development of the East Asian insurance industry. Against the backdrop of strengthened industry collaboration fostered through the Tokyo Congress, this year’s East Asian Insurance Day provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the vital role of insurance in society and to further enhance mutual cooperation. As we mark the 20th anniversary of East Asian Insurance Day, the risk environment surrounding us is evolving at an unprecedented pace and becoming increasingly uncertain.
Beyond the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters, we are confronted with the far reaching impacts of geopolitical tensions and the rising threat of cyberattacks associated with rapid digital transformation.
In such an era, general insurance is being called upon to play a more important role than ever before. Beyond its traditional function of providing financial compensation in times of loss, insurance now serves as an essential social infrastructure that enhances the resilience of society and the economy through disaster prevention and mitigation initiatives, as well as support for rapid recovery and reconstruction.
Deepening cooperation across national and regional boundaries and working together to build a safe, secure, and sustainable society is our enduring mission. Our Association has also been making a contribution to the international insurance community in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation that has long underpinned our industry. We have organized the Insurance School (Non-Life) of Japan (ISJ) annually since 1972 as an insurance technology cooperation and exchange programmes. To date, the programme has produced approximately 2,400 graduates from around the world. It is highly regarded not only as a professional training initiative but also as a valuable platform for fostering enduring networks among insurance professionals across borders.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of this memorable East Asian Insurance Day, our Association will continue to promote the following initiatives to further enhance public awareness of the importance of insurance in society and deepen mutual cooperation across the region.
·Carry out proactive public relations activities through the GIAJ website and insurance business publications.
·Utilize the ISJ graduates’ network to promote the importance of insurance in each country and region
through celebrating East Asian Insurance Day and call for participation in the next EAIC.
In closing, I sincerely hope that this East Asian Insurance Day will serve as an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm the social value of insurance and renew our commitment to working together toward a better future.
I would like to express my sincere wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of the East Asian insurance market.