Welfare and Health
We will expand health promotion and promote welfare services and mutual help.
"10 Basic Care by Co-op"
On May 22, 2018, JCCU announced the full-scale introduction of the "10 Basic Care by Co-op," the basic guidelines for nursing care and welfare services provided by consumer co-ops nationwide. As of March 2021, 30 co-ops and corporations had adopted the guidelines.
Okayama Co-op's Project to Promote Social Participation among the Elderly
Okayama Co-op organized a paid volunteer activity in which two elderly participants from a nursing care facility weeded the area around the Co-op Saidaiji Store. Through this activity, Okayama Co-op promotes social participation among the elderly.
Opening of "Kagayaki Kamiino," a Facility Supporting Home-Based Living
In May 2024, Toyama Co-op opened its fourth small-scale multifunctional care facility, Kagayaki Kamiiino, in Toyama City. The facility offers three types of services: day visits, home visits, and overnight stays. Following the principles of "10 Basic Care by Co-op," it aims to provide care that allows people to live safely and comfortably in their community. Users enjoy their daily lives by participating in regional events and farming activities.
Introducing Welfare Initiatives and Vision to University Students in Welfare Studies
FCO-OP has entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with Chikushi Jogakuen University to foster globally minded human resources. As part of this initiative, 33 students studying welfare were introduced to examples of co-op welfare activities and the vision that co-ops aim to achieve. Emphasis was placed on understanding what each individual wants to do to "protect the dignity of users" and on utilizing personal abilities to "support their independence." Students commented that it was a valuable opportunity to learn about the wide scope of co-op activities and their track record in providing support.
Food Safety Communicator Training Course
Since 2022, Co-op Hokuriku has offered an annual "Food Safety Communicator Training Course" in collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan. Each session focuses on a specific theme and includes expert lectures as well as group discussions for exchanging opinions. This year's topics included HACCP, pesticides, and risk communication. Through these courses, Co-op Hokuriku aims to develop individuals who can understand food safety and convey accurate information to others.
Mobile Health Checkups Conducted by Co-op Sapporo
Since fiscal year 2025, Co-op Sapporo has been conducting mobile health checkups by dispatching X-ray buses to locations near members' homes, such as stores and community centers, allowing them to receive checkups while shopping. This initiative addresses Hokkaido's low health checkup participation rate and the difficulty many members face in accessing distant medical institutions. By promoting early detection and prevention of illnesses, Co-op Sapporo aims to improve members' health. The organization also seeks to collaborate with local businesses and medical institutions to support regional revitalization through health promotion.
"Happy Family COOP" — Supporting Families with Children through Initiatives Reflecting Today's Society
Since fiscal year 2024, Iwate Co-op has been hosting "Happy Family COOP," a program offering interaction opportunities for children aged 0 to 6 and their parents, including single parents. In response to societal changes—such as the growing recognition that child-rearing is not solely the mother's responsibility, the rise of dual-income households, and the decline in home-based childcare—the program has expanded its participant base. Through various activities, it provides families with new experiences, knowledge, and connections. In fiscal year 2024, the program reached a record high of 3,079 participants from 1,428 families across 283 events at 15 venues.
Nature Observation Event by Toyama Co-op
In August 2024, Toyama Co-op hosted an event titled "Let's Observe Insects and Plants in the Satoyama." Participants explored the satoyama (woodland area) using the smartphone app Biome, which lets users "collect" insects and plants by photographing them. The event aimed to encourage people to engage with local nature in a fun and interactive way.
Nature-Friendly Initiatives by Co-op Kobe
Co-op Kobe has been working in Shakegoyama, a forested area near the urban center of Nishinomiya City. Co-op members and staff have been actively involved in clearing overgrown vegetation and thinning trees. These forest maintenance activities are part of an environmental education and activity program focused on biodiversity conservation.