University Co-op Report 2021

Prof.
Shinichi Shogenji
President
National Federation of
University Co-operative
Associations
(Fukushima University)

With the COVID-19 pandemic, our society is undergoing major changes. The unpredictable nature of the situation is making many people anxious. Students are also facing new challenges they have never experienced before. Students are being forced to take on brand new challenges, such as attending online classes every day from home. In some cases, it may be difficult for friends to interact with each other on a daily basis.

It is precisely at times like these that we can feel the expectations towards university co-ops, which have been providing a wide variety of connections. The cafeterias that were forced to close down is one example that university co-ops are also facing a difficult situation. However, some of university co-ops are expanding their activities into new areas and focusing on non-face-to-face member services. The activities of the more than 10,000 student committee members across the country during the pandemic have reaffirmed the strength of university co-op movement, which is based on the power of young people.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize the importance of communicating basic information to students. The role of the NFUCA Report should not be underestimated, as the distance from the campus may lead to a lack of contact with the university co-op. Some members may be familiar with the cafeterias and stores, but they may not be aware of the specific contents of the mutual aid services and career development support. The information provided here may help them make new connections that only a university co-op can provide.

In terms of presenting basic information in an easy-to-understand manner, NFUCA Report is an important gateway to our activities. We hope that many people, including parents, will get a deeper understanding of university co-ops from the report.