JCCU on June 14, 2019 held the 69th Annual General Assembly in Tokyo.

At the opening remarks, the President of JCCU, HONDA Eiichi, stated that 2018 was a year many natural disasters including the July 2018 East Japan Heavy Rain and the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake occurred and expressed his appreciation to co-ops nationwide for their support for the victims. He further stated that JCCU in cooperation with co-ops nationwide will continue to demonstrate their role in the region. He also mentioned that JCCU adopted the Co-op Action Plan for SDGs at the 68th General Assembly held in June last year and declared the willingness of JCCU and member co-ops to work with the local governments and other citizen groups to achieve the SDGs.

It was followed by congratulatory messages from distinguished guests including Mr. TANIUCHI Shigeru, Director-General, Social welfare and War Victims’ Relief Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Mr. NAKAYA Toru, President of the Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA) and also the President of JA-ZENCHU (Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives). In addition, messages from political parties and friendship organizations were also introduced.

(Left) Mr. TANIUCHI Shigeru, Director-General, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare / (Right) Mr. NAKAYA Toru, President of the Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA), the President of JA-ZENCHU

All the five bills including the 2018 business and financial reports, the 2019 business plan and the budget, were passed by majority votes.

There was a debate session after the bill was proposed, in which 16 representatives gave remarks.

Vigorous discussions were held on a wide range of subjects, including, addressing local community issues such as shopping difficulties and children's poverty, the introduction of a smartphone payment system in stores, co-op staff and co-op members’ education on SDGs, working style reform, peace activities, etc.