JCCU holds the 75th Annual General Assembly
2025.07.09
JCCU held its 75th Annual General Assembly on June 13, 2025, in Tokyo. Of the 656 representatives, 653 participated--386 in person, none by proxy, and 267 by written submission. All six proposals, including the FY2024 Business Report and Financial Statements, as well as the FY2025 Business Plan and Budget, were approved by majority vote.
Overview of the entire venue
As the opening remarks, TSUCHIYA Toshio, President of JCCU (at the time of the General Assembly), expressed the co-operative movement's commitment to a peaceful society by proposing a special appeal titled "Our Declaration for Peace 2025," marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of World War II.
Given the continuing global tensions and the unsettling possibility of nuclear weapons being used again, he called for solidarity with the growing number of people around the world who are raising their voices against humanitarian crises and in support of international cooperation. He highlighted the importance of persistently promoting peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons from the grassroots level.
In addition, he referenced the resolution passed by both houses of the National Diet of Japan in May 2025, titled "Resolution Calling for the Promotion of Cooperatives to Mark the International Year of Cooperatives." He urged cooperatives to renew their sense of mission and to further embody cooperative values, enabling them to contribute even more meaningfully to community and social development.
Greeting by JCCU President Tsuchiya (at the time of the General Assembly)
As a guest of honor, Ms HIHARA Tomomi, the Director General of the Social Welfare and War Victims' Relief Bureau at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, attended the assembly and delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Minister FUKUOKA Takamaro. Additionally, a video message was received from YAMANO Toru, President of the Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA) and also Chairman of the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu). Many other individuals also sent congratulatory messages and telegrams.
Following the proposal of the agenda items, a total of 15 delegates participated in the general discussion. One notable comment highlighted the significance of 2025 marking both the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the International Year of Cooperatives. The speaker called for nationwide grassroots action in collaboration with government bodies, co-ops across Japan, and related organizations, specifically encouraging participation in the upcoming "Peace Action in Hiroshima" and "Peace Action in Nagasaki" events scheduled for August 2025.
Other topics discussed included long-term support initiatives for the Noto Peninsula, which continues to recover 18 months after the earthquake; examples of community-loved store development; human resource development linked to new store openings; initiatives to foster interest in agriculture through hands-on farming experiences; community-driven efforts to support shopping needs; welfare programs enabling residents to continue living in familiar neighborhoods; strategies to engage younger generations in co-op activities; and updates on university co-ops resulting from new system developments and their future outlooks. A wide range of themes were covered, reflecting the diverse activities of co-ops across the country.
During the General Assembly, an election was held for the Board of Directors. TSUCHIYA Toshio stepped down as President, and ARAI Chitose was elected as his successor.
