Transforming 'Letting Go of a Car' into 'Supporting Someone': Individual Registration for 'Car Donation Partner' Now Open

Japan Carsharing Association (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture; Representative Director: Takehiko Yoshizawa) announced on July 15, 2026—the 15th anniversary of its establishment—the launch of individual registration for its 'Car Donation Partner' program, which promotes mutual support through car donations. Originally launched in July 2025 for corporations, organizations, and local governments, with 103 groups currently participating, the program is now being expanded to individuals. The association aims to register 1,000 individuals by September 30, 2026, and 1,500 by the end of March 2027.

In Japan, approximately 10.56 million vehicles are disposed of annually, yet only about 0.005% (around 500 vehicles)* are donated. The association aims to expand this option and build a sustainable system to collect vehicles needed for disaster relief and support for low-income individuals and the elderly. *Annual number of vehicles donated to the association

Background for Expanding the Program to Individuals

Founded in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the association is a nonprofit organization. Utilizing vehicles donated from across Japan, it has responded to 35 disasters, lending over 10,000 vehicles free of charge to disaster victims and support organizations.

However, during major disasters, applications have consistently overwhelmed available vehicles, leading to shortages. During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6, the waiting list reached a peak of 390 people, taking about a year to resolve. For the anticipated Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake, it is estimated that over five times as many vehicles—more than 2.04 million—will be affected compared to the Great East Japan Earthquake, making enhanced preparedness urgent. Reference press release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000067.000047113.html

Expanding the option of 'donation' when letting go of a vehicle can support not only disaster relief but also individuals in daily life who rely on vehicles. To enable every car owner to participate, the association has now launched individual registration.

What is 'Car Donation Partner'?

'Car Donation Partner' is a registration program for individuals and organizations who wish to help spread a system of mutual support through car donations.

Anyone—corporations, organizations, local governments, or individuals—can register.

Those who have previously donated a vehicle, as well as those who support the mission and wish to promote car donation within their networks, are welcome to join. Registration is free.

Partners are categorized into three types based on donation volume and engagement:

Leading Partner: Individuals who lead the initiative (personal donors of 3 or more vehicles cumulatively)

Active Partner: Individuals who actively participate by donating vehicles (personal donors of 1 or more vehicles)

Iine! Partner: Individuals who help expand the donation network through referrals and outreach (registration open even without prior donation experience)

Three Actions Requested of Partners: 'Know, Share, Choose'

Know: Learn about car donation as an option and how donated vehicles are used

Share: Spread awareness among family, friends, workplaces, communities, and via social media

Choose: When letting go of a vehicle, consider 'donating' alongside 'selling' or 'scrapping'

Each individual’s action helps build a stable system for collecting vehicles needed for support.

Every Car Contributes to Society: Two Donation Methods

Utilization Donation: Vehicles donated for direct use in support activities. Typically includes vehicles with valid inspections, 15 years or younger, and under 150,000 km in mileage, capable of safe operation (※Conditions may vary based on circumstances)

Recycling Donation: Open to all vehicle types and conditions, including those without valid inspections or unable to operate. Vehicles are recycled as resources or circulated as used cars, converting their value into funding for the association’s activities

How to Register as an Individual Partner

Registered individuals will receive updates via the official LINE account, including stories of support generated from donated vehicles and useful information when letting go of a car.

Register as an individual partner here: https://lin.ee/TjM179w

For full program details: https://www.japan-csa.org/benefaction/cardonation.php

QR Code for Official LINE Registration

Future Goals and 15th Anniversary Initiative

The association aims to register 1,000 individuals by September 30, 2026, and 1,500 by the end of March 2027. The launch of individual registration is part of the 15th anniversary campaign '3-Month Challenge of Gratitude and Preparedness' (July 1 – September 30, 2026).

Reference link: https://www.japan-csa.org/blog/archives/13293

Toward a society where 'letting go of a car' becomes 'supporting someone’s life and mobility.' The association aims to make car donation a common choice and expand a nationwide network of mutual support.

About Japan Carsharing Association

Founded in 2011 in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Carsharing Association is a nonprofit organization. Utilizing vehicles donated from across Japan, it operates three core programs: 'Community Carsharing,' 'Social Car Support,' and 'Mobility Resilience.'

Organization Name: Japan Carsharing Association

Representative: Representative Director Takehiko Yoshizawa

Headquarters: 1-5-23 Ekimae Kita-dori, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture

Established: July 15, 2011

Official Website: https://www.japan-csa.org/