Hi, I'm Shingo Suzuki, also known as Suzushin.
Today, I earned the 終活ガイド資格3級 (Shukatsu Guide Level 3) for free. Shukatsu means preparing for later life and end-of-life matters, and this qualification introduces the basics. I'd like to share why I took it and how it honestly felt.
What is 終活ガイド資格3級 (Shukatsu Guide Level 3)?
It's an introductory qualification certified by the Japanese general incorporated association 終活協議会, covering medical care, long-term care, insurance, inheritance, funerals, and graves. Level 3 covers basics, Level 2 is for advisers, and Level 1 is for comprehensive specialists.
Only Level 3 is free. It consists of a video and simple questions, with a same-day result.
In my case, I watched the free video and went straight on to the free test. I passed. It took me about ten minutes overall: the video is 15 minutes long, but I watched at double speed, so study and examination together took roughly ten minutes.
Why I wanted to take it now
I had some interest in my own future planning, but thinking about my parents' future especially made me feel I should understand this subject. Honestly, I didn't know what shukatsu actually involved or what to consider. Learning about it seemed a way to begin thinking about my parents' situation.
I also happened to find it while exploring other qualifications. I rather enjoy collecting them, including unusual ones such as French Fry Ambassador and Ramenist, so this was partly an extension of that interest.
Adding another qualification is nice. More importantly, it gave me a reason to think about my parents' future. That's what makes me most glad I took it.
What taking it was like
The exam itself was very easy: watch the video, then answer questions. It was free, and each question had two choices, so I rarely hesitated. Understanding the video should be enough to answer most correctly. Someone with general background knowledge could probably pass even without watching it.
One disappointing point was that it didn't show which answers were right or wrong. I received only a pass/fail result, so I couldn't tell what I'd misunderstood or where my knowledge was lacking.
I think it's useful general knowledge, but it only touches the surface. I wanted something more detailed. Level 3 is strictly introductory: enough to get a broad picture, but I feel I'd need more specific knowledge before discussing these matters with my parents. A higher qualification or other sources would help fill the gaps.
Did I talk to my parents about end-of-life planning afterward?
My own planning may still be some way off, but I feel I should start thinking about my parents' future. This qualification helped me understand the topic and what to consider.
Still, bringing it up with them feels difficult. Given their ages and personalities, suddenly raising it wouldn't be easy, and they may not be ready to face the subject. First, I think it's important to learn myself and create an opportunity to think about their future. I'd like to prepare for gradual conversations.
What comes next
I'm pleased to have another qualification. More than that, I'm glad it prompted me to think about my parents. I'd like to gain more practical knowledge before discussing shukatsu with them.
Have you thought about your parents' future? This is a free introductory qualification that explains what shukatsu is and what you should know.
It's enough as a first step into learning. I think the important thing is using it to prepare for conversations with your parents. I hope it might give you an opportunity to think about their future too.