University Co-operatives in Japan Youth Co-op Committee, ICA –AP General Assembly 2012 in Kobe University Co-operatives in Japan Yuki Matsuoka International Affairs Officer National Federation of University Co-operative Associations matsuoka.yk2@univcoop.or.jp

Contents Situation of young people in Japan Characteristics of University Co-ops Participation in Business Operations Development of Students in University Co-ops

1. Situation of young people in Japan Source: US Census Bureau International Database ・Japan is currently experiencing a declining birthrate. ・The current population size in Japan is 128 million. The population aged from 18 to 22 is 6.2 million (less than 5 %). ・Amid lingering economic depression, unemployment among young people remains a serious concern (8.2% for young people)

2. Characteristics of University Co-ops ・ University co-ops are consumers’ co-ops in educational institutions. ・ Nowadays, university co-ops (or members of NFUCA) exist in 208 major universities (out of 783 four-year universities). ・ 50 percent of the total number of students in Japan are members of university co-ops. The number of student members is 1.46 million, and with 100,000 faculty and staff members.

3. Participation in Business Operations University co-ops provide various products and services such as cafeterias, books, products for daily use and study, travel services, learning courses etc. University co-ops reviews assortment of goods and menu with the participation of members. Members’ voice and needs are identified through opinion cards and incorporated in the product and service development.

4. Development of Students in University Co-ops ・ By getting involved in co-operatives, students can gain firsthand knowledge of democracy and understand the significance of co-op activities. ・ University co-ops have been teaching students about the meaning of co-op enterprises and nurturing 21st century citizens who support the Japanese and world society.

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Information UNIVERSITY CO-OP DIGEST University Cooperatives in Nurturing 21st Century Citizens: For the International Year of Cooperatives (2011) Prof. Kokichi Shoji (President, NFUCA) The East-Japan Earthquake, the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident and Japanese University Cooperatives: For the International Year of Cooperatives (2011)