Yuki Shimizu, representative director of Akari Hosho Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Yuki Shimizu; hereinafter "Akari Hosho"), announces his appointment as auditor of the newly established industry association 'Kosha Kyo: Association of Senior Housing Introduction Services,' formed by companies operating in the elderly housing referral sector. ■ Launch of a New Industry Association Led by Elderly Housing Referral Providers Demand for housing referral services for seniors is rapidly growing. At the same time, media reports have highlighted inappropriate practices by some operators—such as excessive referral fees—raising public concern. In light of discussions set to take place in 2025 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's 'Advisory Committee on the Future of Paid Elderly Homes,' the need has intensified for referral providers to unite autonomously and establish fair, self-regulated market standards. Responding to this situation, leading companies in the sector have come together to form a new industry association: the 'Kosha Kyo: Association of Senior Housing Introduction Services.' The association's core activities are structured around four key pillars: 1 Protection of consumer (user/family) interests and improvement of market conditions 2 Promotion of healthy growth and fair competition among referral providers 3 Building a sustainable ecosystem and enhancing productivity in the elder care industry 4 Enhancing public recognition and advocacy of the social value of referral services Association Overview Name: Kosha Kyo: Association of Senior Housing Introduction Services Representative: Daisaku Yasuda, Representative Director (President and CEO, Courier Co., Ltd.) Established: June 26, 2026 Address: Ebisu Garden Playce Tower 18F, 4-20-3 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6018 URL: https://koshokyo.or.jp ■ Statement on Appointment as Auditor (Yuki Shimizu, Attorney-at-Law and Representative Director of Akar