Seikatsu Club Receives the Newsweek Japan SDGs Award 2024 in the Economic Category
2025.04.28
On March 11, 2025, the Seikatsu Club Consumers' Co-operative Union (hereinafter referred to as "Seikatsu Club") was awarded the Economic Category Prize in the Newsweek Japan SDGs Award 2024.
The Newsweek Japan SDGs Award 2024, organized by the Newsweek Japan, aims to spotlight initiatives by Japanese companies and organizations that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, a total of 68 companies and organizations submitted entries. Ultimately, six were selected as winners in each of the following categories: Environment, Decarbonization, Society, Local Community Challenges, Economy, and Students.
Yusuke MORITA, Managing Editor of Newsweek Japan, and Eri YAMAMOTO, Full-time Board Member of Seikatsu Club Consumers' Co-operative Union
Trophy made from upcycled scrap metal
Japan is currently facing serious challenges due to an aging population and a shortage of labor. These issues are particularly severe in the agricultural sector, and tomato farmers are no exception. Processed tomatoes, which are used as ingredients in products such as ketchup and tomato juice, were once mostly produced domestically. However, due to the aging of farmers and the labor shortage, maintaining production has become difficult, leading to a significant decline in cultivation area.
To address this issue and ensure the continued production of safe, domestically grown tomato juice, Seikatsu Club launched a "Planned Labor Participation" initiative in 1995. Under this initiative, co-op members work side by side with producers during farming tasks. This participation takes place twice a year: in May (for planting) and in August (during the hot summer harvest season). Importantly, the members are not volunteers; they participate as paid laborers and receive wages.
The cost of producing "Shinshu Tomato Juice" includes the wages of the participants, as well as transportation and accommodation costs. Even members who do not directly participate in the labor contribute indirectly by purchasing the "Shinshu Tomato Juice". This system ensures the sustainable production of Seikatsu Club's tomato juice.
Only fully ripened tomatoes grown close to the ground are harvested Harvesting takes place under the scorching sun,
often requiring a stooped posture
Tomatoes are transported immediately after harvest to the factory for processing and canning Each case weighs approximately 20 kg
"Shinshu Tomato Juice"
The Newsweek Japan SDGs Award 2024 recognized the Seikatsu Club's initiative as an exemplary model of sustainable agricultural management, particularly for its system where co-op members provide labor during peak farming periods, not as volunteers, but as paid contributors.
Looking ahead, the Seikatsu Club will continue to promote "Local SDGs," aiming to expand the circle of sustainability and coexistence across local communities and generations.
