On May 28, 2019, the Consumer Support Achievement Award was presented at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Shouhisha Shinyo Seikyo (translated as “consumer credit co-op”) received the Minister of State for Special Missions Award.

The Consumer Affairs Agency organizes "Consumer Support Achievement Award" every year to recognize the contribution of individuals, organizations and groups with outstanding achievement in consumer support activities and for defending, promoting and improving consumer interests.

In 2018, five consumer co-ops were among the prize winners in two categories, Minister of State for Special Mission Commendation Award and the Best Consumer Support Achievement Award.

This year, another five consumer co-ops including the Shouhisha Shinyo Seikyo were among the prize winners. Osaka Izumi co-operative Society also received the Minister of State for Special Missions Award being highly appreciated with its food education activities. Palsystem Tokyo, Tokushima Co-op, and Co-op Okinawa received the Best Consumer Support Achievement Award.

The reasons for Shouhisha Shinyo Seikyo winning award are as follows.

• The co-op provides consultation services not only for small money lenders but also for complex issues such as family problems.
• The co-op builds network with various specialized organizations and plays a role of local safety net.
• The co-op co-organizes consultation meetings twice a year with local authorities, regional bar associations, health centers, social welfare council, etc., to provide a platform where consumers can get solutions to their anxieties related to consumer issues.
• The co-op performs these activities in cooperation with local government.