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Simple Life Insurance "Kanpo-san" and others celebrate its 100th anniversary
Kanpo Life Insurance held an event and celebration at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward on October 5th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Simplified Life Insurance. This insurance was born with the social mission of "guaranteeing the basic means of living for the people through simple procedures."
At the start of the commemorative event, President Masami Ishii touched on its history: "This insurance was born on October 1, 1916. While the operating entity has changed since then, it has consistently grown alongside the post office." He also stated that under the new corporate philosophy—"Always by your side. Supporting you wherever you are. We want to keep protecting all lives."—the company aims to provide warm, unique services and grow while contributing to society over the next 100 years.
Talent Yoshihiko Inohara, who appears in Japan Post Insurance's TV commercials, and actress Mitsuki Takahata, featured in the corporate advertising series "Life is full of dreams," rushed to the venue to offer their congratulations.
The two presented President Ishii with a total of 100 roses—50 blue and 50 red. When told that blue roses symbolize "dreams come true" and red roses symbolize "love," President Ishii smiled and said, "Blue represents Japan Post Insurance, and red is Japan Post's image color—I'm delighted."
Regarding the 100th anniversary, Inohara shared, "Considering Kanko was established two years before my grandmother was born, it really makes you feel its history. I learned the importance of enduring over the long term," using his long-lived grandmother as an example. Takahata commented, "It's a company four times my age, a true senior. That role alone makes it worthy of respect."
Inohara, who has portrayed "Kanpo-san" in commercials for 10 years, said, "It makes me happy when people call out 'Kanpo-san!' on the street. I think it's proof that Kanpo is useful and deeply rooted in society." Takahata shared her positive impression, saying, "Inohara-san's Kanpo-san has a soft, gentle image that gives a sense of reassurance." Regarding Takahata's commercials, Inohara remarked, "They're musical-style with wonderful songs. I'd love to dance and sing alongside them," adding, "It would be great if we could collaborate on both commercials someday," expressing shared enthusiasm.
Finally, Takahata stated, "I absolutely love the phrase 'Life is full of dreams.' I hope to take on many different versions of it going forward." Inohara shared his message: "I want to continue walking alongside Kanpo. Learning from its history, I want to live each day with care."
At a separate venue, a celebratory gathering was held for invited guests. Following congratulatory remarks from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi, a toast was proposed by Kunio Yokoyama, President of Japan Post.
To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Kanpo Life Insurance is airing a new TV commercial featuring Inohara titled "Departure" (starting October 3), announcing a new character (name undecided), and running a presentation campaign. Additionally, Japan Post issued a special stamp "100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Simplified Life Insurance" on September 30, which is being sold at post offices nationwide.
100th Anniversary Website: http://100th.jp-life.japanpost.jp/
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