Eiwa System Management Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toiyamachi, Fukui City; Representative Director and President: Kenji Hiranabe; hereinafter 'Eiwa System Management'), in collaboration with a research group from the Faculty of Medicine, Saga University (a national university corporation; hereinafter 'Saga University'), has developed 'Irodori+Button', a community watch service designed to prevent lonely deaths among the elderly. As the first step towards the social implementation of this service, a demonstration experiment will commence on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Saga Prefectural Johoku Housing Complex (Takagise-cho, Saga City) for approximately six months.

Background and History

Currently, the number of elderly people living alone is rapidly increasing in Japan. According to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (*1), the number of elderly people living alone is projected to increase from 7.38 million in Reiwa 2 (2020) to 10.83 million in Reiwa 32 (2050). There are concerns that 'lonely deaths,' where individuals pass away without anyone to witness their final moments due to delayed discovery after falling ill at home, will become an even more serious social issue in the future.

To prevent such lonely deaths, it is crucial to establish a system where people can subtly watch over and be watched over within their daily connections with the local community. The idea arose: 'If we could inform supporters daily that we are well by simply pressing a button, wouldn't both sides feel more at ease?' With this in mind, the 'Sakinokoto' project at Eiwa System Management initiated the planning of a watch service utilizing buttons.

During the research process, they learned about Saga University's 'Push Button Project' (https://hope8pa9fs.wixsite.com/mysite), which shared the same aspirations and had been providing an 'Good Morning Button' from a medical perspective. In June 2025, contact with Saga University's research team led to the establishment of an industry-academia collaborative research system, where Eiwa System Management provides the 'Irodori+Button' community watch service, and Saga University is responsible for analyzing and researching its operational data.

Features of 'Irodori+Button'

'Irodori+Button' is a service that allows elderly users to inform local supporters of their well-being ('genki') by pressing a button themselves every day. It provides users with the 'reassurance of being watched over' and supporters with the 'reassurance of confirming safety,' thereby creating a community where everyone can live with peace of mind.

When the button is pressed, it lights up in various colors.

・ When the user presses the button, a notification is sent to the supporter.

・ Supporters can check the daily button press status via a dedicated web application.

Functions of 'Irodori+Button'

Transmit 'Well-being'

When the button is pressed upon waking up, a notification is sent to the supporter.

Prevent Forgetting to Transmit 'Well-being'

If the button is not pressed by the designated time, the device's light will illuminate to notify the user.

Confirm 'Well-being'

Supporters can check the user's button press status from a PC or smartphone.

Notify of Abnormalities

If the button is not pressed for a certain period, an alert is sent to the supporter.

Multiple Supporters Can Be Set

Not only local supporters but also family members can check the user's button press status.

Confirm Safety in Emergencies

In the event of a disaster or other emergency, pressing the emergency-lit button can inform supporters of the user's safety.

Overview of the Demonstration Experiment

・ Period

Approximately 6 months from April 5, 2026

・ Target

30 households in Saga Prefectural Johoku Housing Complex (Takagise-cho, Saga City)

・ Content

Install 'Irodori+Button' devices in the homes of target users. Verify the operability of the devices and the feasibility of operating a community-based watch system.

【Source】

(*1) "Future Projections of Household Numbers in Japan (National Projections) 2024 Estimates" (National Institute of Population and Social Security Research) (https://www.ipss.go.jp/pp-ajsetai/j/HPRJ2024/t-page.asp)

Contact for this matter

Eiwa System Management Co., Ltd. / Sakinokoto

MAIL：sakinokoto@esm.co.jp

Website：https://sakinokoto.esm.co.jp/irodori-tasu-button

About Us: "Sakinokoto"

Eiwa System Management Co., Ltd. launched "Sakinokoto" in August 2023, a team dedicated to solving societal issues using ICT technology. Our mission is to earnestly deliver the ICT technologies we have cultivated to those facing societal challenges with agility.

"Sakinokoto" Website：https://sakinokoto.esm.co.jp/

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