As of January 1, 2009, Kyowakai was officially certified by the Governor of Osaka Prefecture as the first Social Medical Corporation (Shakai Iryo Hojin) in Osaka. This marked a significant new chapter for our organization, aligned with the dawn of the new year.

This milestone was made possible through the unwavering support of our local patients, healthcare partners, and the community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of you.

A Social Medical Corporation is a highly public-interest medical entity designated by the prefectural medical plan to provide essential healthcare services, such as emergency medical care, that are vital to the region. As local governments face increasing financial strain, many public hospitals struggle with chronic deficits, making it difficult for the community to rely solely on public institutions. Meanwhile, private hospitals have stepped up to play a critical role in supporting the emergency medical system.

The Social Medical Corporation system was established to place private hospitals on equal footing with public hospitals. In exchange for fulfilling rigorous responsibilities in community and emergency medicine, these corporations receive specific preferential treatments. Achieving this certification requires overcoming high regulatory hurdles regarding public governance and a proven track record in emergency medicine. Since the system’s inception approximately two years ago, only about 100 medical corporations nationwide have received this designation.

As a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Social Medical Corporations, Kyowakai has been deeply involved in this system from its conceptual stages to its implementation. We remain committed to the further expansion and refinement of this system.

In August 1953, Kano Hospital opened its doors in Tenjinbashi 6-chome, Osaka. In 1970, the “Tenroku Gas Explosion”—one of the largest urban disasters in history—occurred nearby. Having already been approved as a designated emergency hospital the previous year, our founder, Shigemi Kano, led the medical response from the front lines. This experience profoundly reinforced the vital importance of emergency medicine. Since then, we have made proactive emergency care our core management philosophy. The fact that our track record in emergency medicine served as a key requirement for this new certification fills us with deep pride in the path we have chosen.

We have always strived to be an integral part of the community, providing a system where residents can live with peace of mind 24/7, 365 days a year. Our goal is to remain an institution characterized by operational agility and accessibility.

Today, the Kyowakai Group has grown to include 661 beds and over 800 employees. As a Social Medical Corporation, our entire staff is dedicated to setting a standard of excellence for private hospitals. We thank you for your continued warmth and support.