Kyoto Food Bank "Second Harvest Kyoto" Announces Change of Chairman

Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto (Kyoto City) announces that, as it approaches its 10th anniversary, there will be a change in its chairman, effective April 1, 2026, transitioning to a new organizational structure.

Since its establishment in December 2015, the organization has primarily engaged in food bank activities, delivering food donated by companies and producers to those in need, under the philosophy of "supporting human dignity and life through food." Through collaboration with local food pantry organizations, social welfare councils, welfare facilities, and administrative agencies, we have been working to build a food safety net within Kyoto Prefecture.

On this occasion, Masaaki Sawada, who has served as chairman since the organization's founding, will retire, and Seiji Makino will newly assume the position of chairman. Moving forward, under the new leadership, we will further develop the foundation we have built and advance the creation of a sustainable food support system.

■ Comment from the Outgoing Chairman
I will be retiring from my position as chairman of Second Harvest Kyoto. The activities, which began in December 2015 with the desire to "create a food bank system in Kyoto," have been able to continue for 10 years, supported by many companies, organizations, volunteers, and local residents.
This activity could never have been achieved by one person alone; it has continued this far thanks to the efforts of everyone involved. I express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support and cooperation we have received. Moving forward, under the new chairman, I hope that the "system to protect lives through food" will take deeper root in Kyoto and be passed on to the next generation.

■ Comment from the New Chairman
I am Seiji Makino, and I have been appointed as the chairman of Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto.
I have previously been involved in the organization's activities as a legal advisor or auditor, and I have now taken over 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 total staff members. I intend to maximize my knowledge and experience as a lawyer and manager, as well as the connections I have gained through my legal activities, to further disseminate and expand the philosophy of "supporting human dignity and life through food" and the "system to protect lives through food" that former chairman Sawada created and established.

Without the efforts of our volunteers, supporting companies, and other stakeholders, the continuation of these philosophies and systems would be extremely difficult. Therefore, I kindly ask for your continued support and goodwill. Thank you very much.

■ Organization Overview
Organization Name: Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto
Established: December 2015
Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Activities: Food Bank Project, Food Safety Net Project, Children Support Project

■ Contact Information for this Matter
Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto
TEL: 075-276-0728
Email: contact@2hkyoto.org
WEB: https://2hkyoto.org