Japan Insurance – (Re)in Asia

Features and key stories

Japan direct GI premiums rise 4.6% in Q1 FY2026 as motor, fire, misc expand

Markel puts APAC at the heart of growth plans

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Japan direct GI premiums rise 4.6% in Q1 FY2026 as motor, fire lines expand

Direct premiums reached JPY2.87 trillion (US$17.98bn) in the April-June quarter, while claims paid increased at a slower rate of 2.3%.

Markel puts APAC at the heart of growth plans

Markel APAC head Sucheng Chang aims to nearly double the regional book within five years, with recent expansion setting the pace and new opportunities in view.

Japan life insurers' annualised new business premiums rise 8.1% in fiscal Q4

Annualised premiums grew across both new and in-force business, while investment income rebounded to a new high.

Early estimate puts Kumamoto quake insured losses at US$3bn-4.5bn, ILS impact likely limited

Fund managers, brokers expect the loss to land below the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, though aftershocks could still shift the picture.

India, Malaysia drive biggest insurance deals as APAC activity cools in Q2

Against a broader regional slowdown, Southeast Asia stood out as the most active deal market.

Japan general insurers' underwriting performance improves as fire claims fall in FY2025

Fire insurance led Japan's non-life market improvement in FY2025, as claims fell sharply despite continued premium growth across major commercial lines.

RGA signs block coinsurance deals with Sumitomo Life and Anshin Life in Japan

Sumitomo Life turns to reinsurance for the first time as insurers across Asia move in-force blocks off their books.

Japan's FSA finalises tighter rules on asset-intensive reinsurance

Insurers face broader expectations on stress testing, collateral quality, recapture planning and reinsurer due diligence under the revised guidelines, which apply from July 1.

Pacific Life Re inks third asset-intensive reinsurance deal with Tokio Marine & Nichido Life

Third transaction with Japanese life insurer underscores Pacific Life Re’s growing role in the country’s AIR market.

Resolution Life signs three new asset-intensive reinsurance deals across Hong Kong, Japan

Reinsurer has completed two in-force reinsurance deals covering participating whole-of-life portfolios in Hong Kong and one reinsurance agreement in Japan.

Softbank's PayPay to acquire 70% stake in T&D Financial Life for US$840m

The transaction would give PayPay a direct foothold in Japan’s life sector and create new cross-selling options with its existing customer base.

Japan’s reinsurance market enters a spikier, more volatile phase

Deepening competition has brought faster, more pronounced underwriting cycles.

Marsh to acquire ENEOS insurance units in Japan

The broker will acquire ENEOS Insurance Service and ENEOS Material Trading from the Japanese energy group, with closing expected in Q3 2026.

Japan FSA proposes tighter checks on life reinsurance deals

The draft guidance proposes stress tests for asset-intensive reinsurance deals, including recapture events and multiple reinsurer failures, to assess impacts on solvency and reserves.

Asia insurance rates decline continues across major commercial lines in Q1 2026

Increased insurer capacity and competitive pressures pushed Asia’s commercial insurance rates down another 5% last quarter, says Marsh.

Autonomous vehicles drive APAC insurers toward new liability era as robotaxis ramp up

Robotaxis are giving commercial shape to APAC’s broader AV market, but insurers remain constrained by limited data, fragmented regulation, and unresolved liability questions.

Japan FSA plans tighter oversight on insurance sales conduct

The proposals would require agencies to set clearer standards for recommendations, give customers fuller explanations and strengthen internal oversight.

Japan life insurers post 10% premium growth in December amid bond pressures, rising surrenders

Premium income and new annuity sales strengthen even as rising policy surrenders, bond yield pressures, and higher operating expenses weigh on the sector.

Japan GI premiums grow 5.6% in Q4 on fire, motor strength

A 13% increase in fire premiums, alongside contained motor claims, helped balance weaker marine and transit trends.

Japan’s economic solvency shift exposes gaps among smaller players

Japan’s move to market-consistent solvency reporting will bring new pressures on capital adequacy and risk management.