JCCU Completes Educational Gakken Comic 'The Secret of Co-ops' for Elementary Students to Mark Its 75th Anniversary

The Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union (abbreviation: JCCU, Representative Director and President: Chitose Arai) celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 20, 2026. As part of the commemorative project, it produced 'The Secret of Co-ops: Connection, Mutual Support, Everyone's Life' as a volume in Gakken's 'Easy-to-Understand Manga Series'. The book introduces the origins of co-ops and the 'connections' they value in an easy-to-understand manner to a wide range of people, from children leading the next generation and their families to those learning about co-ops for the first time and those already familiar with them.

From around May 2026, this book will be donated to approximately 24,000 locations nationwide, including elementary schools, special needs schools, public libraries, and children's centers. Through the story, JCCU will spread learning about the importance of cooperation and involvement with society, conveying the original purpose of co-ops.

About This Book

Through its story, this book introduces the role of co-ops and their activities in various fields such as food safety, welfare, and the environment.

① Synopsis

The story depicts a transfer student named 'Ikuto' who works with his classmates to overcome challenges while preparing for a school play. Triggered by experiences at a local event, Ikuto and his friends realize that connecting with people leads to problem-solving. Furthermore, by listening to elderly people involved in the launch of co-ops, they learn about the history of consumers combining their strength to realize their wishes. While touching on disaster relief and peace initiatives, they learn how people's cooperation is utilized in society.

② Dive Deeper with Columns and Trivia

In addition to the story, the book is enriched with columns and trivia, providing clear explanations of the role of co-ops and their activities in various fields such as food safety, welfare, and the environment.

Book Overview

Title: 'The Secret of Co-ops: Connection, Mutual Support, Everyone's Life'

Distribution: Donated to approximately 24,000 locations nationwide, including elementary schools, special needs schools, public libraries, and children's centers. *Not available for purchase at bookstores. Format: A5 size Pages: 128P *Also available on Gakken's website. URL: https://kids.gakken.co.jp/himitsu/library233/

JCCU will continue to stay close to the lives of its members. At the same time, as an organization of mutual aid alongside co-ops nationwide, it will aim to realize a sustainable society where everyone can live with a smile.

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● About the 75th Anniversary Logo and Copy [Logo, Copy] We have paved the way for the future step by step by 'connecting' with members, co-ops, business partners, and others to solve various challenges and social issues. As the logo for JCCU's 75th anniversary, we expressed the image of a spiral staircase stepping up towards the future step by step while inheriting our past history and initiatives.

● Three Themes and Purposes of the 75th Anniversary Project This year, marking its 75th anniversary, JCCU will conduct commemorative projects throughout the year in line with three purposes: 'Passing on History', 'Social Communication', and 'Gratitude and Dialogue'. Passing on History Compiling the history of co-ops nationwide and JCCU to pass it on to the next generation. It will be an opportunity to reflect on past history while considering the future direction of the co-op movement. Social Communication Socially communicating the vision of co-ops contributing to the creation of a sustainable society for the future. Gratitude and Dialogue Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved with co-ops and expanding connections by providing opportunities for dialogue with a wide range of people, including younger generations.

75th Anniversary Special Website URL: https://jccu.coop/jccu/history/75th/