Consolidated net sales in the Senior Company in fiscal 2008 rose 8.7%, to ¥40.3 billion.

The higher sales mainly reflected an increase in the number of nursing homes and a steady increase in the number of residents at Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd. As of the end of March 2009, the company was operating 11 nursing homes under the Aria brand name, 39 Clara homes (including "care houses" assisted living facilities), 59 homes under the Granny & Granda brand, and 30 Madoka brand homes. This raised the total to 139 nursing homes, an increase of 10 compared to March 2008.

In order to consistently provide high-quality services, Benesse Style Care has been improving its personnel policies and working conditions, as well as operations and training since fiscal 2007. These activities produced results in fiscal 2008, as evidenced by a higher retention rate for nursing care staff.

Operating income declined 1.1% year on year, to ¥2.6 billion, despite the boost to earnings from higher sales. The decrease in operating income reflected a year-on-year decrease of 4 in the number of nursing care homes opened (including 2 luxury Aria homes), and higher labor costs accompanying improvements to personnel policies and working conditions to attract and retain staff.