I would like to send my warm greetings to all cooperators around the world as I assume the position as the President of JCCU.

JCCU was established in 1951 as a National Federation of Consumer Co-ops for the realization of "Peace and Better Life". Consumer Co-ops are supported by their local members who subscribe to the share capital, use the facilities and have a say in how the co-op is run. Co-ops tackle local and social problems and realize members' wishes through their businesses and activities in collaboration with local governments and others.

Today, Japan is facing a variety of problems such as widening gap in income between rich and poor, aging population, low birth rate etc. Because the principle of market mechanism cannot by itself solve these problems, the importance of mutual help and mutual support have become increasingly important. Today, membership of consumer co-ops is more than 28 million nationwide. We will continue to be "dedicated to working with the people to realize a new society where smiles and trust abound" as stated in the "2020 Vision of Japanese Consumer Co-ops".