Co-op "Community Watch-over Agreement" Now Covers Over 75% of Municipalities Nationwide
2025.05.21
JCCU has compiled the latest figures on the "Community Watch-over Agreement" being promoted between consumer co-ops nationwide and local governments. This initiative, which began in 2007, has steadily expanded across the country as the aging population increases.
What is "Community Watch-over Agreement"?
JCCU and Consumer Co-ops Nationwide, in collaboration with local governments and related organizations, are working toward building safe and secure communities where everyone can live with peace of mind.
In Japan, more than 10 million households utilize co-op home delivery services. These services are distinguished by their regular delivery schedules, with the same staff member delivering products on a weekly basis. Capitalizing on this consistent contact, particularly with elderly members living alone, co-ops across the country have been entering into "Community Watch-over Agreements" with local governments.
Under these agreements, if co-op staff notice irregularities at an elderly member's residence, such as an accumulation of mail in the postbox or undisturbed deliveries, they are instructed to notify the designated contact person as specified in the agreement.
Current Status of Community Watch-over Agreements
- As of the end of March 2025, co-ops, including regional, institutional, health and welfare co-ops have concluded "Community Watch-over Agreements" with local governments and social welfare councils in all 47 prefectures of Japan.
- The number of municipalities with agreements has reached 1,308, accounting for 75.1% of the total 1,741 municipalities in Japan.
- In 14 prefectures, co-ops have concluded agreements with all municipalities.
According to estimates by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, by 2040, the number of elderly individuals with dementia is expected to reach 5.842 million, while the number of those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)* is projected to exceed 6.128 million.
*MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment): A condition characterized by mild cognitive decline, such as memory problems, that does not significantly interfere with daily life and therefore does not meet the criteria for dementia.
Other Social Initiatives by Consumer Co-ops
In addition to watching-over activities, JCCU and co-ops nationwide are undertaking various projects and programs rooted in a welfare perspective, leveraging daily communication with members through home delivery services.
For example, as of March 2025, a total of 50,869 staff across 53 co-ops have been trained as "Dementia Supporters."
Dementia Supporters have received training on dementia and actively provide support and compassion to those affected and their families. Co-ops have been promoting staff training programs to ensure members feel safe and well-supported.
Co-ops are expanding various forms of partnerships with local organizations through "Comprehensive Cooperation Agreements", community revitalization agreements and collaborated agreements with educational institutions.
"Comprehensive Cooperation Agreements" cover a wide range of areas, including daily life safety, consumer advocacy, food education, parenting support and environmental protection.
