April 30 (Reuters) - Aflac ( AFL ) missed profit

estimates for the first quarter on Wednesday, weighed down by

lower premiums in its Japanese division.

The health and life insurance provider offers accident and

pet insurance plans through its units in the United States and

Japan. It also offers supplemental insurance for out-of-pocket

expenses by providing specific coverage for critical illnesses,

dental and vision care, among others.

Aflac's ( AFL ) Japan unit earned net premiums of 256.5 billion yen

($1.79 billion) during the reported quarter, 5% lower than a

year ago, mainly due to internal cancer reinsurance transactions

and limited-pay policies reaching paid-up status.

The company's U.S. unit earned net premiums of $1.5 billion

for the first quarter, up 1.8% from a year earlier.

The insurer reported total revenue of $3.4 billion, which

missed analysts' estimates of $4.28 billion, according to data

compiled by LSEG.

On an adjusted basis, profit for the quarter ended March 31

was $1.66 per share, below the estimated $1.67 per share.

($1 = 142.9900 yen)