2024 New Year's message by TSUCHIYA Toshio, President of JCCU
2024.01.01
Happy new year to you all.
After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, vitality is finally returning to the streets. Still, efforts to prevent infection continue in the fields of healthcare and welfare, as the threat of influenza and other challenges persist.
Turning my attention to the world, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has entered its third year with no end in sight. Last autumn, a war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip. I strongly hope that the wars will end immediately, along with adequate humanitarian assistance in accordance with UN resolutions.
JCCU and consumer cooperatives nationwide have been advocating for a peaceful world without war and nuclear weapons under the slogan "For Peace and a Better Life." We are determined to pass down the experience of war and A-bombing to the next generation, continue- to work with people around the world to promote grassroots mutual understanding and exchange in civil society and expand our wishes for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Facing the tragic reality of endless conflicts, now is the time to respect diplomatic efforts through dialogue.
In Japan, the cost of living has significantly increased with high dependence on imported food, raw materials, and the rising prices of fuel, fertilizer and feed, combined with a weakened yen. In addition, ongoing declines in real wages continues to have a negative impact on household budgets. In 2024, the trend of increasing inflation is expected to further strengthen the need to protect likelihoods.
Japan's declining population and birthrate are accelerating, causing problems in local communities, and making it challenging to maintain a good way of life. To realize the 2030 vision of Japanese Consumer Co-ops which JCCU adopted in 2020, Japanese consumer cooperatives have to embrace social changes, review their management, and reform business structures. Co-ops that support the lives of members in the era of a 100-year life are required to take on new challenges by leveraging their comprehensive strengths.
We find ourselves at the midpoint in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals towards the 2030 deadline, their achievement is in a challenging situation. It is crucial to scale up our engagement by increasing the number of people who are committed, dedicated, and inspired to take action through the Consumer Co-op 2030 Environmental Sustainability Policy toward a sustainable global environment.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the second International Year of Cooperatives, following 2012. Let us confidently move forward with our cooperative identity. Together with co-op members, diverse stakeholders in the community, and the younger generation taking on the future, let us continue to pave the way for the future with the power of connection.
I extend my best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
January 2024
TSUCHIYA Toshio
President, Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union
