#Japan #Tokyo #Pal System #Cooperative Internship #Kurashi Support

Celebrating the Completion of the Cooperative Internship Program

On October 18, 2025, a report event concluded a unique three-month internship program dubbed "Connecting Internships @ Cooperation" organized by the non-profit organization Kurashi Support With. Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kurashi Support With is a collaborative entity led by Chairman Takashi Watanabe that focuses on fostering understanding of cooperatives among students. This year's event was held at the Workers Coop Federation headquarters in Toshima, Tokyo, where 43 participants, including 17 students, gathered to share insights about their experiences.

A Journey into the World of Cooperation

The students, having split their time among various organizations, presented their experiences from five different cooperatives: Living Club Cooperative Kanagawa, Workers Coop-related organizations, Living Club Cooperative Tokyo, NPO APLA, and the Pal System group. Each presentation offered a glimpse into the realities of cooperative work and the connections they built.

Feedback from the students reflected their profound engagement—one student noted, "This internship prompted a reconsideration of the significance of work that I had previously overlooked," while another said, "I was able to exchange ideas with students from different organizations, which felt like a 'two-birds-one-stone' scenario, or maybe even 'seven-birds with one stone!'" Their enthusiasm resonated with the representatives from the host organizations, who expressed amazement at how much the students grasped in a short time, with one stating, "I wish our staff could hear these presentations."

International Cooperative Year and Its Importance

Further enriching the event, a commemorative speech was given by Masahiro Higa, Executive Director of the Japan Cooperative Alliance, who discussed the significance of 2025 being recognized as the 'International Year of Cooperatives' by the United Nations. He emphasized that it is rare for an international year to focus on a consistent theme, noting the urgent need to solve global issues like war and division through cooperative approaches. The UN resolution underscores the role of cooperatives in creating sustainable societies and economies, urging all member nations to promote and raise awareness about cooperative models.

Cultivating Skills and Perspectives

As the program readies for its 12th iteration in 2025, it continues to focus not on early career selection for students but on teaching them about the principles, structure, and social responsibilities of cooperatives and social enterprises. The internship began with a kickoff event on July 19, followed by hands-on experiences across various organizations and concluded with the report event. A highlight was the collaborative planning and execution by five students from the previous cohort, who managed the logistics from concept to delivery.

Insights from the Participating Organizations

Each organization provided unique insights into the cooperative movement:

• - Living Club Cooperative Kanagawa: Students engaged in delivery observations and producer exchange gatherings, learning not just about logistics but about community ties. They were involved in collaborative efforts transcending traditional delivery roles.

• - Workers Coop: Workshops allowed students to share their thoughts while listening to employees share experiences. They visited a beekeeping operation that developed out of cooperative labor, emphasizing an ideal integration of living and working within the framework of cooperation.

• - Living Club Cooperative Tokyo: The students learned the importance of critical thinking and initiative while observing detailed information presentations at their local depot, which enhanced their understanding of customer engagement in cooperative operations.

• - NPO APLA: They prepared and executed programs for children, revealing how interactions with familiar products like bananas can inspire discussions around rights, environment, and responsible consumption.

• - Pal System: Participating in food bank activities, students witnessed the importance of establishing transparent relationships tailored to community needs, allowing for a closer connection among all stakeholders.

Forging Ahead

As the program continues to encourage the next generation to engage with cooperative principles, it offers a vital platform for students to envision how they can contribute to sustainable practices while developing their professional identities. The overarching goal remains to not only nurture understanding but to inspire active participation in building a more cooperative society!

Conclusion

The Connecting Internships @ Cooperation program stands as a beacon for student engagement with cooperative work, shedding light on its importance in today’s society. As we look forward to the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, our focus is clear: fostering a cooperative spirit across generations will be key in shaping a better world.

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Event Details

• - Orientation & Pre-Learning: July 12, 2025
• - Kickoff Event: July 19, 2025 (Online)
• - Internship Period: August to September 2025
• - Student Exchange Meeting: September 6, 2025
• - Final Presentation: October 18, 2025

Participating Organizations: Living Club Cooperative Tokyo, Living Club Cooperative Kanagawa, Workers Coop Center, APLA NPO, Pal System (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama)

For More Information

For details about the program and to learn more about Kurashi Support With, visit their website: Kurashi Support.
For inquiries regarding the Pal System, please check their site: Pal System.