Aflac 2011 Annual Report Download - page 12

Since the bank channel opened up in December 2007,
banks like AWA Bank Ltd., a regional Japanese bank founded in
the Tokushima prefecture in 1896, have experienced great success
in selling Aflac products, and 2011 was no exception. AWA Bank
provides a broad portfolio of financial solutions that corre-
spond to customer needs and their life plans. AWA Bank
leverages its 98 branch network in Tokushima and other
regions in Japan to sell two popular Aflac
products: WAYS, Aflac’s unique hybrid
whole-life product, and EVER, Aflac
Japan’s medical product.
Aflac Japan
Resilience in Recovery
Aflac Japan has a track record of overcoming great adversity,
and 2011 exemplifies perhaps one of the most remarkable
representations of this. Clearly, the earthquake and tsunami on
March 11, 2011, and the nuclear situation that followed, presented
Japan with one of the biggest crises it has ever faced.
The whole world watched helplessly through television and social media
sites as devastating pictures surfaced and news coverage of the catastrophic
events unfolded. The natural disaster, and the nuclear crisis that followed,
shook millions of Japanese citizens to the core and certainly tested their
resolve. Despite the sheer magnitude of the crisis, Aflac Japan remained
operational, upholding our promise to be there for policyholders during their
time of need. In the wake of this incredibly dicult situation, Japanese citi-
zens pressed on with resilience, and life is moving forward as the country
continues to restore, rebuild and recover.
In addition to overcoming the devastation in 2011, Aflac Japan faced dif-
ficult sales comparisons from the prior year. In fact, 2010 had been by far
the best year we ever had for Aflac Japan sales. So as we entered 2011, it was
unthinkable that Aflac Japan could generate another significant annual sales
increase—yet that’s exactly what happened. In 2011 Aflac Japan produced
solid financial results—and an all-time sales production record! Aflac Japan
generated an 18.6% sales increase, surpassing our sales target for the third
year in a row. Our outstanding 2011
sales growth was a particularly sig-
nificant accomplishment for Aflac
Japan and exemplified Aflac Japan’s
earnest eorts and ability to manage
through adversity.
From a distribution standpoint,
in 2011 our sales were significantly
influenced by accelerated sales
activities within the bank channel
and continued a strong growth trend
throughout the year. In terms of the
product side of our strategy, Aflac
Japan enhanced its portfolio of
products that responds to the wants
and needs of consumers and distri-
bution channels. In addition, Aflac
Japan has honed its ability to take
the Aflac Duck and create separate
and unique characters to market
specific products. Moreover, Aflac
Japan remained the number one
seller of cancer and medical insur-
ance policies in Japan.
“I experienced great anxiety about my illness and I had a hard time while in the hospital. However, Aflac’s hospitalization benefit plan made me feel secure. Thank you.” – policyholder from Hyogo, Japan
10 AFLAC INCORPORATED 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW