#Japan #Ishikawa #Disaster Support #Noto Recovery Fund #Japanese Cooperatives

Japanese Cooperatives Step Up for Noto's Recovery

On June 2, 2026, the Japan Cooperative Union (coined as Nihon Seikyo Ren) along with the Ishikawa Prefecture Cooperative Union presented a substantial donation of approximately 81 million yen to the Ishikawa Prefecture's Noto Reconstruction Support Fund. This significant gesture took place at a ceremony held at the Ishikawa Prefectural Office, where Chitose Arai, Chairman of the Japan Cooperative Union, handed over the donation certificate to Governor Yoshiyuki Yamano of Ishikawa.

The Co-op Disaster Support Center has been tirelessly working to assist victims and affected areas from the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the Oku-Noto heavy rains. With a mantra for 2025 that urged collaborative and sustained support, "Longer and More Detailed Support Than Anywhere Else," the center managed to raise a remarkable total of approximately 123 million yen from 36 cooperatives nationwide for the recovery efforts. When combined with the contributions from 2024, the total funds raised reaches an impressive 2.32 billion yen.



Left to Right: Yoshimoto, Executive Director of Ishikawa Cooperative Union; Chitose Arai, President of Japan Cooperative Union; Yoshiyuki Yamano, Governor of Ishikawa; Manabu Otani, Chairman of Ishikawa Cooperative Union; and Vice President Hamagami, Ishikawa Cooperative Union.

As the 2026 fiscal year approaches, the nationwide cooperatives, along with their members, reaffirm their commitment to continue supporting the affected communities under the guiding slogan, "Longer, Detailed Support, and Transforming Assistance into Co-Creation." Their dedication to the cause reflects a strong social commitment to rebuilding the Noto region.

Funding Utilization Overview

The donation of over 81 million yen to the Noto Reconstruction Support Fund is just one of several initiatives:
1. Noto Reconstruction Support Fund - 81,229,742 yen
A direct contribution aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the region.
2. Co-op Ishikawa Assistance Activities - 12,716,968 yen
Funding for volunteer buses, community activities, and engagement activities such as peace concerts and harvest experiences.
3. Toyama Prefecture Cooperative Union - 1,100,000 yen
Support for relocation assistance and ongoing recovery projects for six organizations.
4. Ishikawa Prefecture Welfare Council - 5,000,000 yen
Support for social welfare initiatives in the affected areas.
5. Support for 14 Organizations - 14,000,000 yen
Contributions made through activities designed to build connections and sustain support.
6. Co-op Disaster Support Center Initiatives - 9,113,265 yen
Efforts aimed at continuous engagement, including costs associated with local writing and event organization.

Total Donations

The collective efforts have amassed to a grand total of 123,159,975 yen dedicated to rebuilding and providing long-term assistance to the Noto region.

Ongoing Support Activities

Co-op Ishikawa has actively engaged in a variety of initiatives such as organizing regular volunteer trips to assist with meal deliveries, community gatherings, and uplifting engagements like the Noto Reconstruction Support Christmas Peace Concerts. They have also introduced a subsidy system to support local residents with delivery fees alleviation in the hard-hit areas.

Strengthening Community Connections

The Co-op Disaster Support Center implemented innovative projects like "Connecting Strengths to Bring Smiles to Noto" inviting disaster-impacted residents for communal engagements across Japan to rejuvenate their spirits. With 14 cooperatives facilitating these experiences, they aimed to foster connections and support systems within these communities.

Through collaborative efforts with the local welfare committee and ongoing engagement initiatives, they continuously assess the needs in the disaster-impacted areas and act promptly to provide the necessary resources.

This substantial cooperative initiative reflects a broader cultural commitment in Japan towards addressing community welfare and rebuilding efforts in the face of adversity, emphasizing sustainable connections and long-term recovery strategies for the Noto Peninsula.