Regarding the issue where the content printed on informational leaflets for the group insurance “Resident Transportation” implemented by 16 wards in Tokyo differed from the policy terms, the ward mayor stated during a press conference, “I would like to apologize for the fact that the ward did not cover and inspect to that extent.” The mayor also revealed that they have requested the insurance operator to make improvements to ensure compliance with the policy terms.
This group insurance allows for the designation of death benefit recipients, but the informational leaflets for enrollment only stated that payments would be made “to the insured.” The online application forms and application documents were also designed in a way that did not allow for recipient designation.
While same-sex couples and common-law partners are eligible to enroll and can designate recipients, it is believed that some cases may have missed the opportunity to enroll due to the incorrect information. The ward mayor also stated, “There is a possibility that some people were made to feel that registration was difficult, for which I am very sorry.”
According to the ward, approximately 163,000 people enrolled across the 16 wards in the 2024 fiscal year. Among these, Setagaya Ward had approximately 9,600 enrollees.
