East Asian Insurance Day for 2026

October, 2026

The East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC) has designated October 18th as "East Asian Insurance Day" and is promoting awareness initiatives to enhance recognition and the public image of the insurance industry across East Asian regions.

In 2006, at the 23rd EAIC held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration was adopted, designating October 18th as the East Asian Insurance Day. Since then, various promotional initiatives have been undertaken across EAIC member cities, reflecting the circumstances of each country or region.

The Life Insurance Association of Japan (LIAJ) would also like to commemorate the East Asian Insurance Day this year, and deliver messages from the Chairperson of the LIAJ and the General Secretary of the EAIC.

EAIC's key activities

Since the first EAIC in 1962, the conference has been held every other year, with the 31st EAIC held in Tokyo in 2026. The Conference provided a valuable opportunity to revisit the origins of insurance, exchange views on the challenges and issues facing each region, share knowledge and insights, and deepen mutual exchange and cooperation among insurance professionals.

We are pleased to present below the Tokyo Declaration, which was adopted as an outcome of the Conference.

• Tokyo Declaration

*Please visit our website for information on EAIC 2026 Tokyo.

*For further information, please visit the EAIC website (https://eaic-network.org/) and the official website of the EAIC 2026 Tokyo (https://event.jtbbwt.com/event/DaaKNA).

Message from the LIAJ Chairperson

On the occasion of East Asian Insurance Day 2026, I would like to extend my sincere greetings on behalf of the Life Insurance Association of Japan (LIAJ).

East Asian Insurance Day was established to commemorate the first East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC) held in Tokyo on October 18, 1962. It symbolizes 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 recognize 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, labor 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 fulfill 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 realization 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 digitalization 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 realization of “Supporting flourishing lives and a prosperous society through peace of mind.”

Message from the EAIC General Secretary

I would like to extend my sincere greetings on the occasion of the East Asian Insurance Day for 2026.

The EAIC originated from the personal friendship between Mr. Sevilla of National Life Insurance Company of the Philippines and Mr. Taizo Fukumuro, who later became the first Managing Director of FALIA. It was founded on their belief that Asian countries should learn from one another’s social insurance systems and deepen mutual understanding. Since then, by excluding political and religious influences and continuing its tradition of rotating among host cities, the EAIC has grown into one of the largest international insurance conferences in East Asia

East Asian Insurance Day was established at the 23rd EAIC in 2006, and since then various initiatives have been undertaken in participating countries to enhance insurance literacy. In Japan as well, steady efforts have continued through contributions to industry publications and information dissemination activities by the LIAJ.

In recent years, the role of insurance companies has expanded beyond the provision of protection to include the prevention of accidents and diseases, health promotion, and the enhancement of quality of life (QOL). Across Asia, challenges such as population aging and increasing pressures on the finances of social insurance systems are becoming more serious. Insurance companies are therefore expected to address these issues as part of their social mission.

At the same time, sustainability has become an indispensable theme for the insurance industry. Climate instability, biodiversity loss, and increasing pollution are affecting insurance claims, while microplastics and air pollution are heightening health risks. The growing instability of food systems and the spread of infectious diseases are also having a significant impact on the industry. Insurance is an industry built on trust, and failure to address environmental and social challenges could undermine that trust. Sustainability is therefore an essential prerequisite for the industry's long-term viability and continued social acceptance.

Under these circumstances, the role that the EAIC should play is becoming increasingly important. I sincerely hope that greater recognition of East Asian Insurance Day and deeper insurance literacy across participating countries will contribute to the development of the Asian region as a whole and strengthen its resilience.