Narita, 28–30 October 2025: ERIA, together with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), co-hosted the 23rd ASEAN–Japan High-Level Officials Meeting on Caring Societies at Hotel Nikko Narita. The event convened senior officials and experts from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and East Asia to exchange strategies for advancing caring societies, with a focus on ageing populations, healthcare systems, and social participation.

The meeting opened with remarks from Dr Masami Sakoi, Chief Medical and Global Health Officer of MHLW; Mr Miguel Musngi, Assistant Director at the ASEAN Secretariat; and Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai, who underscored the importance of collective action in addressing social care challenges. ERIA Chief Operating Officer Dr Takayuki Yamanaka also delivered opening remarks, highlighting ERIA’s contributions to research and policy development for ageing societies.

Partner organisations then shared ongoing initiatives to promote healthy ageing, social inclusion, and improved labour conditions, while identifying ways to enhance social participation amongst older persons. Contributing organisations included the World Health Organization (WHO); International Labour Organization (ILO); Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI); and Japan’s National Institute of Public Health.

Additional insights were provided by Dr Aleksandar Bodiroza of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Ms Monika Queisser of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), who addressed service delivery and employment challenges for older persons. A session on active ageing, moderated by Mr Narihiro Hirai, Chief Manager for Healthcare at ERIA, featured presentations by OECD experts and ERIA researchers on extending working life expectancy and strengthening policies that support active and healthy ageing.

A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ERIA and UNFPA, marking a strengthened partnership to advance research and policy collaboration on ageing societies.

On the second day, participants visited sites demonstrating innovative long-term care practices, including mobile retail services for underserved communities, hospitals, and nursing care homes. Through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, participants explored dementia-awareness training and caregiving simulations. The event also showcased private-sector innovations, including health-focused initiatives by a major beverage company and demonstrations of an advanced mobility-assist wheelchair.

The final day featured discussions on the generational economy and its policy implications, moderated by Dr Liem Nguyen, Programme Manager for Social Welfare at ERIA. Presentations were delivered by experts from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office, examining the use of the National Transfer Account (NTA) framework to analyse intergenerational transfers and address long-term social welfare challenges.

Country presentations from Cambodia and Viet Nam highlighted national strategies for active ageing, while reports from Lao PDR and the Philippines showcased innovative healthcare delivery approaches grounded in community engagement. Thailand also shared its experience and ongoing efforts, contributing to a comprehensive regional dialogue.

The meeting concluded with a summary of discussions, a joint statement by MHLW, ERIA, and ACAI, and the adoption of recommendations to strengthen ASEAN–Japan co-operation. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and supportive societies for all ages.