tocotoco Inc. and KAERU Inc. have entered into a business partnership. tocotoco Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yuki Yamamoto; hereinafter referred to as tocotoco), which operates disability group homes nationwide under the 'tocotoco' brand, announces that it has entered into a business partnership with KAERU Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tomonori Okada; hereinafter referred to as KAERU), a provider of welfare-oriented cashless services that streamline financial transactions in caregiving and disability welfare. Through this partnership, we aim to promote the cashless management of residents' finances in group homes supported by tocotoco nationwide, thereby establishing a financial management system that is safe for both residents and caregivers and meets modern needs. ■ Background of the Initiative In disability group homes, cash transactions occur daily for residents' daily necessities, expenses during outings, and medical payments. In particular, managing residents' finances is a task that involves handling important funds entrusted by residents and their families, requiring meticulous attention to detail and leaving no room for error. Handling cash and passbooks within the facility always carries risks of loss or mix-ups. With the ongoing consolidation of financial institution branches and the reduction of counter services, the burden of the entire process of withdrawing cash, handing it over, and recording it is increasing. Therefore, caregivers must repeatedly perform daily administrative tasks such as recording transactions, storing cash, and managing receipts. Meanwhile, society as a whole is rapidly moving towards cashless transactions, and a life without cash is becoming the norm. For individuals with disabilities to continue living their lives with dignity in the community, it is highly significant to review financial management systems from a cash-based approach to a safer and more contemporary