#Japan #Tokyo #Charity Campaign #JCV ##HeartAction

Record-Breaking Charity Campaign for Children

This year, a notable charity campaign, "#HeartAction," hosted by the certified NPO "Japan Committee for Vaccines for Children" (JCV), achieved unprecedented success with 41,217 submissions, surpassing last year by over 8,600 entries. This initiative, held annually on September 5, International Charity Day, allows individuals to share heart-themed images or videos with the hashtag #HeartAction on platforms like Instagram, X, and Threads. For every post, vaccines are donated to underserved children in several developing countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Bhutan, and Vanuatu—an impactful way to protect lives from infectious diseases.

Achievements and Impact

This year's record participation highlights the growing awareness and compassion for children in need around the world. As a result of the campaign, and with support from eight sponsoring companies, JCV successfully secured donations for 41,217 doses of vaccines. These are set to be delivered to the identified countries by the end of 2025. This mission aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing global health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Messages of Hope

Alongside the significant contributions to charity, participants expressed heartfelt messages of empathy and hope for the children receiving these vaccines. Comments included:

• - “May as many children as possible spend each day with smiles.”
• - “I wish for everyone to overcome illness and realize their dreams.”
• - “I had a great time participating. Please protect the children from infectious diseases!”
• - “When I was a child, many kids in Japan still died from diseases like tetanus. I hope this support can reduce the pain for families.”
• - “To the children in developing countries: If you are healthy, your parents will surely be happier. Grow strong and healthy!”

These messages will accompany the vaccines, some will be presented during site visits to the recipient countries.

Campaign Details

• - Duration: September 5 (Friday) - October 9 (Thursday), 2025.
• - How to Participate: During this period, post heart-inclusive images or videos on Instagram, X, or Threads with #HeartAction. Each post corresponds to one vaccine donation to children in Myanmar, Laos, Bhutan, and Vanuatu through JCV.
• - Participating Companies: B Plus Systems, Please Community, P.A.C. Holdings, Tobu Top Tours, Rasa Trading, Okasan Securities Group, Mitsui Sumitomo Aioi Life Insurance, Nisso.

The Reality of Infectious Diseases

Every day, 4,000 children are lost to preventable infectious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and whooping cough in developing countries. This stark statistic translates to one child's life every 20 seconds, emphasizing the critical need for vaccinations.

As JCV, we strive to deliver vaccines that protect these children, preserving their lives and futures. The cost of a vaccine is remarkably low—around 20 yen for most, and up to 280 yen for the more expensive ones. Since our establishment in 1994, in partnership with UNICEF and various national health ministries, we have successfully provided vaccines to over 133 million children around the globe.

Thanks to generous donations, in 2024 we were able to provide ¥1,234,897,371 worth of vaccines and cold chain equipment to the four countries.

About JCV

Organization Name: Certified NPO Japan Committee for Vaccines for Children
Chairperson: Mutsuko Kenmochi
Founder: Kayoko Hosokawa (the spouse of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa)
Headquarters: Mita Hillside Building 8F, 4-1-9 Mita, Minato Ward, Tokyo
URL: www.jcv-jp.org
Founded: January 29, 1994
Special Supporters: Keiko Takeshita (Vaccine Ambassador, Actress), Takashi Wada (Former Professional Baseball Player), Yu Hayami (Singer, Actress), Kiyoshi Mikuni (Chef, CEO of Societe Mikuni), and many more.

Through persistent efforts and community involvement, the #HeartAction campaign serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a healthier future for children worldwide.