Team Fukushima Receives the 77th Health Culture Award for Community Support Initiatives

Team Fukushima's Remarkable Achievement with the 77th Health Culture Award

In a significant recognition of its humanitarian efforts, Team Fukushima has been awarded the prestigious 77th Health Culture Award. This honor is bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to the fields of health, welfare, and hygiene over many years. The award, organized by Daichi Life Insurance Company and supported by various governmental bodies, has a legacy of more than 70 years, celebrating those who have dedicated themselves to public well-being.

The award ceremony highlights the organization's commitment to fostering a supportive community spirit, a philosophy that was significantly amplified following the devastating East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Team Fukushima has been instrumental in implementing several key initiatives that aim to strengthen community ties and promote a culture of mutual assistance.

Key Initiatives of Team Fukushima

Founded by Masahito Handa, NPO Team Fukushima operates with a dual focus on disaster prevention and next-generation support efforts. The organization has launched impactful projects including the "Fukushima Sunflower Foster Parent Project" and the promotion of mutual aid through the "Otagai-sama Ticket" system. This ticket system provides a way for locals to offer support to one another in times of need, promoting a resilient and interconnected community.

1. Fukushima Sunflower Foster Parent Project: Launched in May 2011, this project has seen participation from approximately 650,000 individuals nationwide, focusing on recovery and revitalization efforts through the symbol of the sunflower. It serves to deepen connections across regions and foster solidarity.

2. Community Fridge Himawari: Initiated in February 2022, this initiative targets single-parent families and those economically disadvantaged, providing support and relief to struggling households in the Fukushima region. The goal is to create a supportive ecosystem for child-rearing families within the community.

3. Otagai-sama no Machi Fukushima: This program seeks to build a community founded on mutual support and compassion, where the idea of "helping each other in times of need" is ingrained in social interactions. Through the widespread implementation of the Otagai-sama Ticket, the organization aims to create a model of mutual assistance across 100 locations in Fukushima.

The recent recognition as a recipient of the Health Culture Award is a testament to Team Fukushima’s determination and the invaluable support of the community and organizations across Japan. Their work embodies the spirit of cooperation and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration that resonates beyond the borders of Fukushima.

About the Health Culture Award

Established in the aftermath of World War II, the Health Culture Award was initiated to honor individuals and organizations committed to improving public health and hygiene. The awards are held annually in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and this year marks the 77th installment, celebrating its continued impact on society. Recognizing ten organizations and three individuals out of 33 applicants in 2025, the awards emphasize the importance of sustained commitment in addressing public health challenges, ranging from lifestyle diseases to support for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

The award's history reflects over seven decades of dedicated service, with a total of 1,134 awards presented across various contributing entities and individuals.

For more information about the Health Culture Award, visit the official website: Health Culture Award.