Discover how consumer co-ops in Japan and JCCU are fulfilling our social roles under the “2030 Vision of Japanese Consumer Co-ops” and “Co-op Action Plan for SDGs”. Explore seven key areas below.
Message from the President
The year 2025 has been designated as the International Year of Cooperatives. Following 2012, cooperatives have once again been selected by the United Nations as the theme for an International Year. In response to this global recognition, the National Diet of Japan adopted the Resolution Calling for the Promotion of Cooperatives to Mark the International Year of Cooperatives in May 2025.
As a proud member of the global cooperative movement, and as an organization rooted in mutual aid and dedicated to fulfilling the shared aspirations and needs of the people, consumer co-ops across Japan will actively promote the values of cooperatives and raise public awareness through a wide range of nationwide initiatives.
Today, the world is facing a profound crisis of peace. Armed conflicts and wars continue in many regions; international divisions and military tensions are escalating, and even the threat of nuclear weapons has resurfaced. These conditions have led to severe humanitarian crises, affecting countless civilians, including children. As a cooperative that upholds the slogan “For Peace and Better Life,” we remain resolute in our advocacy for peace and will steadfastly continue our efforts toward the abolition of nuclear weapons.
On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck the Hokuriku region. Even today, the recovery of essential infrastructure remains a significant challenge, and many survivors continue to live in prolonged displacement. Since the onset of the disaster, consumer co-ops nationwide have joined forces with local co-ops in the affected areas to provide immediate and ongoing support. We remain firmly committed to standing alongside these communities for the long term.
Turning our attention to everyday life in our local communities, many of our members are facing serious social challenges—rising poverty and inequality, growing social isolation, and the combined pressures of a declining birthrate and aging population. In rural areas especially, shrinking communities and demographic change are weakening local support systems. To address these issues, consumer co-ops are working in partnership with a wide range of organizations to sustain and strengthen community life.
As we move beyond the halfway point toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the road ahead remains steep. In response, consumer co-ops will reaffirm their commitment to the Co-op Action Plan for SDGs and the Consumer Co-op 2030 Environmental Sustainability Policy. Guided by these commitments, we will continue to prioritize respect for human rights, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and expand ethical consumption practices.
This special feature page highlights some of the initiatives and business activities undertaken by consumer co-ops nationwide and JCCU in pursuit of an inclusive, community-based society where no one is left behind.
July 1st, 2025
ARAI Chitose
President, Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union (JCCU)