Japanese co-operatives marked the International Co-operative Day on 8 July with a discussion forum in which they reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability. Organised by Co-operatives Japan and Japan Joint Committee of Co-operatives, the event gathered around 400 representatives from co-operatives and other organisations.
Akira Banzai, President of the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA ZENCHU), Chairman of the JJC and Representative of the Co-operatives Japan opened the forum with a speech on solidarity. He said: “It has been three years since the devastating disaster, but some of our members are still unable to go back to their hometown. I would like all of us here to share the spirit of people in Fukushima. Let’s build further collaboration among co-operatives, nationally and internationally, so that we can reinforce the value and roles of co-operatives for sustainable development.”
Hiroshi Nakaseko, President of the National Federation of Workers and Consumers Insurance Cooperatives (ZENROSAI) and JJC committee member, also reflected on his visit earlier this year to disaster-affected areas in Fukushima.
He said: “ZENROSAI is a mutual aid organisation. We have reaffirmed our determination to pay the mutual aid benefits to every one of those eligible. Let’s work together for sustainable development of disaster-hit areas through reconstruction efforts”.
Haruhito Takeda, professor at Tokyo University also attended the event. In his presentation, “What can co-operative enterprises do in the changing society”, he proposed a new approach centred on achieving sustainability.
“Employment uncertainty and financial crises are also stirring up our sense of crisis. We need to stay calm when making decisions and responding to situations. Through everyday purchases, we can show what kind of products we support and have options on which corporations to nurture. Let’s keep up such efforts and change our society,” he said.
The forum also featured a dance performance from Dance fusion Co, a dance group that includes young people from Iwaki City in Fukushima. Through their moving performance themed “FUKUSHIMA, Tsunagaru Sora” (Sky that leads), they shared their story, highlighting the devastating impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on those living in Fukushima. The performance reminded the Forum of the terrible disaster, urging them never to forget Fukushima.
Japanese co-operators have also reasserted the idea of strengthening collaboration among co-operative organisations throughout the country while also acting as mutual aid organisations in local communities. Delegates have committed to pursuing sustainability, not only within co-operative enterprises, but also within society by promoting co-operation.
Photo: Prof Haruhito Takeda of Tokyo University speaking at the event.
