Message from the Chairperson
Message from the Chairperson
Makoto Oshima
My name is Makoto Oshima, and I was appointed as the Representative Director (Chairperson) of the Japan NPO Center at the Board of Directors meeting held on July 1, 2024.
I live in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. My first involvement in civic activities was in January 1997, when a large amount of heavy oil spilled from the Russian-flagged ship Nakhodka, which ran aground off the coasts of Tottori and Shimane prefectures. The spill reached Naoetsu Beach in my hometown, and I called on local citizens to help collect the spilled oil. Despite the harsh conditions of the Japan Sea during winter, we worked for about 40 days. Around 30,000 local citizens participated in the clean-up activities, and many volunteers from surrounding Nagano and Gunma prefectures also came to help us. I still vividly remember being deeply moved by the passion of the citizens who were involved in the efforts.
This experience made me realize the importance of civic activities and the tremendous energy they generate. After many discussions with the Joetsu Junior Chamber of Commerce and local volunteers, we established the Kubikino NPO Support Center in 1998 to support civic activities in Joetsu. During this time, I received guidance from Mr. Yamaoka and Mr. Harima (both of whom were former JNPOC representatives), as well as from other pioneers who led NPO activities in Japan in the early days.
My connection with the Japan NPO Center dates back to the NPO National Forum held in Niigata in 2005. Until then, this national forum had been held in large cities such as Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Sapporo, but never in a city along the Sea of Japan coastline. We boldly volunteered to host the forum, hoping to raise the level of enthusiasm for civic activities in the Joetsu area. The forum was indeed a great success, if we may say so ourselves, and this achievement gave us great confidence.
Through this connection, I became a Trustee of the Japan NPO Center in 2005, a Board Director in 2008, and have served as Vice Chairperson since 2016.
As an SME owner by profession, my career has not necessarily centered on civic activities like those of previous chairpersons. For this reason, I must admit that I was somewhat hesitant at first to assume the position of Representative Director. However, given the current circumstances, the Japan NPO Center must undergo significant changes to keep pace with societal shifts. I am committed to working alongside the directors, trustees, staff, and all our supporters to navigate this period of transformation. While many uncertainties remain, I am eager to collaborate with all of you to shape the future of the Japan NPO Center.
My appointment to this position may not have followed the usual course in many respects. However, this only deepens my sense of honor and humility in striving to do my very best as chairperson. I am deeply grateful for your interest in our work, and we kindly ask for your continued generous support in the days ahead.