Change of Chairman at Kyoto Food Bank 'Second Harvest Kyoto'

Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto (Kyoto City) announces that it will transition to a new management structure with a change of chairman effective April 1, 2026, marking its 10th anniversary.

Since its founding in December 2015, under the philosophy of 'supporting human dignity and life through food,' our organization has focused its activities on the food bank business, delivering food donated by corporations and producers to people in need. We are working to build a food safety net in Kyoto Prefecture through cooperation with local food pantry organizations, social welfare councils, welfare facilities, and administrative agencies.

At this time, Masaaki Sawada, who has served as chairman since the organization's founding, will step down, and Seiji Makino will newly assume the position of chairman. Under the new structure moving forward, we will further develop the foundation we have built so far and proceed with creating sustainable mechanisms for food support.

■ Comments from the Retiring Chairman
I have decided to step down as chairman of Second Harvest Kyoto. The activities that began in December 2015 with the desire to 'create a food bank system in Kyoto' have been able to progress over 10 years, supported by many companies, organizations, volunteers, and people in the community.

These activities could never be accomplished by one person alone, and they have continued to this point thanks to the strength of everyone involved. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support and cooperation thus far. I hope that under the new chairman, the 'system of protecting lives through food' will take deeper root in Kyoto and be passed on to the next generation.

■ Comments from the New Chairman
I am Seiji Makino, and I have recently assumed the position of chairman of the Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto.

I have previously been involved in the activities of this organization as a legal advisor or auditor, and I have now succeeded the duties of chairman from the former chairman, Masaaki Sawada. I also serve as the representative lawyer of a law firm with 56 lawyers and over 90 staff members. I intend to maximize my knowledge and experience as a lawyer and manager, as well as the connections with people I have gained through my legal activities, to inherit the spirit of former chairman Sawada...