Leveraging strengths and relying on others for weaknesses. If we can care for ourselves this way, the world will surely expand. [Neyagawa Citizen Mutual Aid Society]
The Neyagawa Citizen Mutual Aid Society, an NPO with nearly 50 years of history in Osaka, shares its 'dream' of passing the torch of community connection and mutual support to the next generation as they approach their half-century milestone.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 21:00
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We support 'April Dream,' a project that makes April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release is the dream of our organization, the 'Neyagawa Citizen Mutual Aid Society.'
### Reason for the Dream
We began our activities in Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture, nearly 50 years ago. It was a time when the word 'volunteer' was very unfamiliar. During the high economic growth era, nuclear families were peaking and becoming the standard family form in the region. It was a period when people without family ties or geographical connections began to need 'mutual aid' beyond simple connection. We named our organization 'Mutual Aid' (Tasukeai) and titled our regular newsletter 'Connect' (Tsunagu). Our activities started as one of the pioneering 'renovated private house' type regional welfare activities in Japan.
Over the following decades, contrary to our initial hopes, society began to rapidly lose the sense of 'mutual aid' and 'connection.' Our activities faced crisis after crisis. The 'First Year of Volunteering' arrived following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. The enhancement of systems, such as the introduction of nursing care insurance in 2000, led us to question the significance of our existence. In 2001, we obtained NPO corporate status. Amidst uncertainty, we expanded our wings. Looking back, similar organizations that were active in small communities before 1990 have either grown into large businesses or ended their activities and dissolved.
Of course, since the 2010s, various social activities have increased. However, we have much to ponder. Since that time, we have increasingly considered how to pass the thoughts and feelings of those who supported us from the beginning to the next generation.
While running businesses, supporting each other in living together, maintaining daily lives, and feeling the changes in the regional community, we faced numerous crises in our activities and organization throughout the 2010s. Inundation from inland water disasters in 2014, damage from the Northern Osaka Earthquake and Typhoon No. 21 in 2018, and relocation due to road widening.
There were times when the survival of the organization itself was at risk, more than the issues arising from social contradictions, regional activities, or encounters with individuals. Still, we have continued to walk. Now, the 50-year milestone—half a century—is finally in sight. Our 'dream' is to continue our activities quietly as we pass through this 50-year mark.
### To Fulfill the Dream
When we say that accumulating 50 years of activity is our 'dream,' it might sound quite inward-looking. Last year, we took on the challenge of publishing an article in a 'Job Book for Junior High School Students.' The title was 'Aren't NPOs Volunteers? Can they exist as a job?' Since the late 2010s, the leading roles in social entrepreneurship have shifted from NPOs to for-profit companies and general incorporated associations. In this context, we feel the significance of an NPO, composed of citizen participation, continuing to create 'connections' within the region. We sent out a message for that purpose. That is also for the future.
Keywords: April Dream, Food Rescue, Food Sharing, Food Loss, Community Fridge, Networking, Connect, Regional Welfare
### Reason for the Dream
We began our activities in Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture, nearly 50 years ago. It was a time when the word 'volunteer' was very unfamiliar. During the high economic growth era, nuclear families were peaking and becoming the standard family form in the region. It was a period when people without family ties or geographical connections began to need 'mutual aid' beyond simple connection. We named our organization 'Mutual Aid' (Tasukeai) and titled our regular newsletter 'Connect' (Tsunagu). Our activities started as one of the pioneering 'renovated private house' type regional welfare activities in Japan.
Over the following decades, contrary to our initial hopes, society began to rapidly lose the sense of 'mutual aid' and 'connection.' Our activities faced crisis after crisis. The 'First Year of Volunteering' arrived following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. The enhancement of systems, such as the introduction of nursing care insurance in 2000, led us to question the significance of our existence. In 2001, we obtained NPO corporate status. Amidst uncertainty, we expanded our wings. Looking back, similar organizations that were active in small communities before 1990 have either grown into large businesses or ended their activities and dissolved.
Of course, since the 2010s, various social activities have increased. However, we have much to ponder. Since that time, we have increasingly considered how to pass the thoughts and feelings of those who supported us from the beginning to the next generation.
While running businesses, supporting each other in living together, maintaining daily lives, and feeling the changes in the regional community, we faced numerous crises in our activities and organization throughout the 2010s. Inundation from inland water disasters in 2014, damage from the Northern Osaka Earthquake and Typhoon No. 21 in 2018, and relocation due to road widening.
There were times when the survival of the organization itself was at risk, more than the issues arising from social contradictions, regional activities, or encounters with individuals. Still, we have continued to walk. Now, the 50-year milestone—half a century—is finally in sight. Our 'dream' is to continue our activities quietly as we pass through this 50-year mark.
### To Fulfill the Dream
When we say that accumulating 50 years of activity is our 'dream,' it might sound quite inward-looking. Last year, we took on the challenge of publishing an article in a 'Job Book for Junior High School Students.' The title was 'Aren't NPOs Volunteers? Can they exist as a job?' Since the late 2010s, the leading roles in social entrepreneurship have shifted from NPOs to for-profit companies and general incorporated associations. In this context, we feel the significance of an NPO, composed of citizen participation, continuing to create 'connections' within the region. We sent out a message for that purpose. That is also for the future.
Keywords: April Dream, Food Rescue, Food Sharing, Food Loss, Community Fridge, Networking, Connect, Regional Welfare