COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States and Japan, announced its participation in the TOMADACHI Initiative, a joint enterprise led by the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Council.  TOMADACHI is a public-private partnership that invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen relationships between the United States and Japan over the long-term.

The pediatric specialist program will lay the foundation for broader understanding of research and treatment protocols for childhood cancer, and enhance communication and cooperation between U.S. and Japan cancer specialists. Beginning in June 2013, Japan-based pediatric cancer specialists will come to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia to observe and share best practices related to the care and treatment of children with cancer.

"Aflac, our employees, and sales agents are committed to funding initiatives that will help promote excellent care and help find a cure for childhood cancer," said Aflac Chairman and CEO, Dan Amos. "We are honored to participate in this initiative, as we believe that the exchange of ideas will help improve the standard of care for children fighting cancer."

Dr. William G. Woods, Director of the Aflac Cancer Center, commented, "We are very excited about the TOMODACHI-Aflac Scholarship Program, and believe that it will help enhance the training of Japanese pediatric oncologists in clinical care as well as research. We want to improve the lives of the brave children battling cancer in Japan, and their families who support them. We are also confident that the program will further strengthen the friendship between Japan and the United States."

About Aflac

About Aflac When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 58 years, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For six consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2013, FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 15th consecutive year. Also, FORTUNE magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 11th time in 2012. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

About TOMODACHI

TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership, led by the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Council and supported by the Japanese Government, that supports Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties and deepen the friendship between the United States and Japan over the long-term.

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SOURCE Aflac