#Japan #disaster relief #Shinjuku #Pal System #Noto Cooperative

Building Stronger Ties through Solidarity

On May 19, 2024, Pal System Cooperative, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, welcomed Shigenobu Fujita, the representative director of Noto Agricultural Cooperative (JA Noto), to their headquarters. This visit was marked by the presentation of a letter of appreciation, recognizing the extensive support from Pal System in the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains.

In the aftermath of these natural disasters, the Pal System group has demonstrated immense dedication to aiding the affected regions, mobilizing funds contributed by users for relief efforts. The company not only assisted financially but also dispatched personnel to support recovery endeavors, showcasing a commitment that goes beyond mere business transactions.

During the gratitude ceremony, attended by approximately 20 stakeholders, including board directors from various member cooperatives, Fujita expressed profound appreciation. He mentioned, "Through this support, we have built a relationship that is more than just a business partner; I feel grateful for this connection. The road to recovery may be long and uncertain. I look forward to the day when we can share joy together, sustained by this bond."

On the other side, Masakazu Ohsugi, the chairman of Pal System Cooperative, acknowledged that he has witnessed the struggles of the Noto agricultural producers firsthand. "Even in the face of an undefined recovery path, they are fighting valiantly. We aim to continue sharing updates about the on-the-ground conditions and enhance collaboration between members and employees to contribute positively to the community and the utilization of local products," he stated.

Supporting Recovery Efforts with Dedicated Resources

In 2024 alone, the Pal System group allocated a total of 260 million yen through its emergency fund for the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which includes donations to affected agricultural producers and businesses, contributions to supporting organizations, as well as financial aid to disaster victims. This proactive approach underlines the cooperative's commitment to rekindle agricultural production in Noto, thereby aiding local recovery and revitalization.

Support from Pal System included practical assistance, with staff helping in activities such as field maintenance and recovery of belongings from damaged houses. Over the year, 173 personnel-days were specifically dedicated to aiding the JA Noto cooperative, and in 2025, plans are underway to send an additional 43 volunteers to support rice production recovery efforts.

As spring arrives, efforts to support JA Noto will resume activities starting in April, continuing through October. Plans include sending teams for grass cutting, rice planting, and other agricultural tasks essential for restoring local farming.

Future Commitments and Ongoing Activities

Pal System's key support initiatives include:

• - Dispatching 43 personnel to assist in rice production recovery efforts from April 21 to October 2025.
• - Reporting on the emergency funding allocated for victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains, addressing the severe fatigue faced by both victims and supporters, as of November 21, 2024.
• - Marking 100 days since the Noto earthquake, with a total of 173 personnel-days contributed by Pal System’s volunteers as of April 9, 2024.
• - Conducting donation ceremonies for the emergency support fund for the Noto Peninsula earthquake on March 6, 2024.
• - Reporting that over 170,000 donors contributed approximately 260 million yen to the emergency relief efforts as of February 26, 2024.

With 2025 designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, the collaborative spirit between Pal System and the Noto Agricultural Cooperative stands as a testament to the strength of community ties and the importance of mutual support in overcoming adversities.

Conclusion

In a world where connections can often be transactional, the partnership between Pal System and JA Noto reflects the deep bonds formed through shared experiences and collaboration, ensuring that affected communities are not alone in their journey towards recovery. The future looks promising, with both organizations committed to nurturing this relationship and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.