JCCU held its 76th Annual General Assembly on June 19, 2026, in Tokyo. Out of the 657 representatives, 656 attended, with 374 attending in person and 282 represented by proxy. All five bills presented were approved by a majority vote.

Opening the assembly, ARAI Chitose, President of JCCU, emphasized the importance of the extensive discussions held among consumer co-ops across Japan on both the achievements and challenges related to the Third Medium-Term Policy under "Co-op Vision 2030," which outlines the organization's strategic direction toward 2030.

She also referred to the increasingly challenging environment surrounding people's lives, including an unstable international situation, uncertainty in the supply of raw materials and energy, rising prices, a declining and ageing population, climate change, and the growing risk of natural disasters. In light of these circumstances, she stressed that consumer co-ops throughout Japan must continue to work together and fulfill their respective roles in supporting and strengthening their local communities.

President Arai also reported that part of the donations collected to support recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024 was contributed to the Ishikawa Prefecture Noto Reconstruction Support Fund. She reaffirmed JCCU's commitment to providing long-term, community-focused support to the affected areas and expressed its intention to move beyond assistance toward co-creation, working together with local communities to create new value during the reconstruction process.

She also referred to the launch of the "Large Cooperative Support Network for Young People and Children," a new initiative in which multiple cooperative organizations collaborate across organizational boundaries to address the growing challenges of poverty and social isolation that often fall outside the scope of public social safety nets. President Arai expressed her determination to work alongside consumer co-ops and other cooperative organizations throughout Japan to build inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

In addition, she noted that JCCU is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding. She paid tribute to the pioneers whose ability to bring people together enabled consumer co-ops to overcome many challenges and grow over the past seven and a half decades. Looking ahead, she reaffirmed JCCU's commitment to its vision of "Creating the Future through the Power of Connection," emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among consumer co-ops across Japan to help build a sustainable society in which everyone can live with dignity and peace of mind.

Distinguished guests also attended the General Assembly. MURAYAMA Taro, Director of the Consumer Co-op Office at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, attended the assembly as a representative of the Ministry and delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of UENO Kenichiro, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.

A congratulatory message was also received from SHINNO Yoshito, President of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu) and President of the Japan Cooperative Alliance (JCA). In addition, numerous congratulatory messages and telegrams were received from representatives of partner organizations and other distinguished guests.

Following the presentation of the agenda items, a plenary discussion was held during which 15 delegates shared reports on the activities of their respective consumer co-ops.

Several delegates highlighted their co-ops' peace initiatives, marking both the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the International Year of Cooperatives designated by the United Nations. They shared efforts aimed at the abolition of nuclear weapons and preserving the memory of war, including participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, peace advocacy, and the creation of opportunities for younger generations to learn about peace through active engagement. Delegates also introduced community-led initiatives, such as the establishment of memorial monuments to preserve these memories for future generations.

The discussion also covered a wide range of other topics, including reforms to retail operations that enable members and staff to participate more actively and meaningfully, initiatives to strengthen human resource development, and gatherings and events designed to foster connections with young families and parents raising children.

In addition, delegates from the Noto Peninsula expressed their gratitude for the nationwide support provided by consumer co-ops following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Discussions also highlighted collaborative initiatives with rice-producing communities to promote sustainable rice cultivation through jointly developed rice programs. These and many other topics generated lively and constructive discussions throughout the assembly.

Agenda Items

• Agenda Item 1: Approval of the Third Medium-Term Policy (FY2026-FY2029) under "Co-op Vision 2030" and the 2026 Activity Policy for Consumer Co-op Nationwide
• Agenda Item 2: Approval of the FY2025 Business Report and Financial Statements
• Agenda Item 3: Approval of the FY2026 Business Plan and Budget
• Agenda Item 4: Approval of Executive Remuneration
• Agenda Item 5: Election of One Additional Director