Activities in Japan

Collecting Individual Power to Change Society

The background of the world problems we want to solve goes beyond borders and is made up of closely related factors. By collecting each citizen’s power, we want to challenge those global problems that are not easily brought to an end. We therefore continue to send out messages and broaden opportunities for cooperation to include as many people as possible, encouraging them to act by putting eyes on what is happening in the world.

Activities and Achievements in 2023

A year of new connections

With the rapid degradation in the situation at our activity sites in Sudan in April and in Gaza, Palestine in October, this year saw new heartfelt connections with many people, including those who didn’t know about JVC previously. We began providing urgent aid to Gaza, Palestine in October 2023, and by the end of March 2024 received more than 39 million yen from a total of about 2,500 people. In addition, we received support in various ways. Some gave us donations raised showing a movie, holding a live concert, and selling handmade goods; some supported us by sharing information on social media; and some donated old books.

We continued sharing messages online and face-to-face

With the COVID-19 pandemic getting under control, the number of in-person events gradually increased in 2023. We held 17 events in total, both online and face-to-face, in addition to putting up a display booth at face-to-face events such as Global Festa. We conveyed information about world issues to the participants. There are many people who continuously support us, and they expect us to deliver voices from the activity sites that the media might not convey. In 2024, we will continue to work more actively to share voices and information from the activity sites to encourage people to get involved.

Voices and Messages

Sticking to “What are the real needs?”

Ami Yoshino, 2021-2023 Intern

In my sophomore year, I joined JVC as an intern because I was attracted by its approach of being there for the people they support. I have the impression, through my experience as an intern, that JVC’s insistent stance is to stick to addressing the question “What are the real needs?” I felt this strongly when the conflict in Gaza started. After the conflict began, we heard through the community in Gaza that people couldn’t buy things in evacuation zones because of the surge in the prices of goods. In response, JVC administrated the support not by sending goods but by cash transfer. I think this is the JVC’s strength, to be able to identify the real needs because it has a close relationship with the community. This spring, I will graduate from university and the internship and start my career. I will support the JVC’s activities as a monthly supporter.

The support and value that only JVC can provide

Shimokune Ai, Public Relations and Fund-Raising Group

The wake of the worsened situations at our activity sites unexpectedly brought us relationships with many new people in 2023. We heard from many that they appreciated JVC’s activities. Even though at times a course of action might not seem a shortcut from the fund-raising prospect, we carry out the actions the supported people truly need. I feel that JVC work is in line with the origin of NGOs. I again felt this year that those who appreciate JVC’s value have supported us in turn. Thinking about efficiency is important, but I would like to stick to what really matters. Since I work in the Public Relations Group, I would like to consider ways of conveying the true value by showing people ‘That’s what JVC can do’.