President's message

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JCI Tokyo
75th Deputy Chairman Ryuta Takagi

"Realization of a bright and prosperous society"

Our basic philosophy and the image of society we aim to be is a society where people are full of smiles, support each other, and grow together. As the founding Junior Chamber, Tokyo Junior Chamber is celebrating its 75th anniversary, ahead of other Junior Chambers nationwide. The long history of 75 years has been woven from the belief set forth in the founding charter by our predecessors: ``The rebuilding of a new Japan is the work of our young people.'' With this belief in mind, our predecessors felt a sense of responsibility for the future, earnestly faced changing social issues, and fulfilled their mission as local leaders. Because of our accumulated track record and trust, we are able to carry out campaigns rooted in the local community and deliver hope to many people.

In this special anniversary year, we will inherit the thoughts and aspirations of our predecessors and aim for even greater heights. As we look back on the times and look to the future, we are expected to take the lead in designing Tokyo and creating new value.

The world is changing rapidly, the environment surrounding us continues to change every day, our values ​​are also changing, and we are reaching a new turning point. However, we must create a society where everyone can have dreams and hopes and pursue self-fulfillment for the sake of the communities, citizens, families, and companies that we care deeply about. By confronting an ever-changing society, carving out new paths, and continuing to grow together with society, we will lead to the realization of a bright and prosperous society.

Now is the time for us to play our role as the axis of collaboration between industry, government, academia, and the public, to pool our wisdom, and to act with faith in infinite possibilities. Through these actions, we are expected to create new value for society, unleash the light of hope, and build a future for Tokyo that is filled with endless smiles. We are deeply connected to the local community, and our mission is to produce as many future leaders as possible and expand new possibilities for this society. We are passionate about this mission, working together with our colleagues to take a step toward a brighter future.

Creating a legacy and making a new leap forward

Taking advantage of the Tokyo tournament, which was held for the first time in 32 years, we were able to connect with many friends and partners from all over the country.

In addition, each of us who presided over the national conference had a valuable opportunity for growth and development. We believe that this connection and experience is our legacy. In order to build on this connection and experience, we not only collaborated with junior chambers across the country in the national collaboration project that started with the commemorative event of the national convention, but also collaborated with 23 junior chambers within the Tokyo Bloc Council on athletics and other areas. We need to cooperate in human resource development and strive for coexistence and mutual prosperity.

As the founding Junior Chamber, we cannot be an organization that only thinks about the development of Tokyo. By building an effective collaboration system with like-minded colleagues and co-creating a movement, we can spread the new social system we have cultivated with a medium- to long-term vision throughout the country. Furthermore, the connections between people and communities will also lead to our own growth. Let's take advantage of the important connections and experiences we gained at the Tokyo National Convention to further advance the legacy we have built for the future of Tokyo.

In 2020, the Tokyo Junior Chamber established a medium- to long-term vision for the five-year plan. By setting goals as an organization and supplementing continuity, which is a weakness of the single-year system, all members have been able to continue their movement in the same direction. In 5, the fourth year of our five-year plan, we will set up a medium- to long-term vision revision review council in preparation for revising our medium- to long-term vision in 5. We will verify whether we have contributed to the realization of a society where society is better, and move forward as a stepping stone toward 4.

Over the past four years, we have experienced the effects of the spread of the new coronavirus and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In the future, events that we could never have imagined will occur, various cutting-edge technologies will be born, and the world will move forward at a dizzying speed. In such an environment, we will take the lead in designing a vision for Tokyo's future and take concrete steps to achieve new evolution as an organization, even though we will need to revise our strategies. Masu.

Design a movement that will lead to the future

Throughout the ages, we have discovered social issues and worked with many of our counterparts to come up with solutions that look to the future.

Because we live in an uncertain and unpredictable society, we always learn the latest information, combine our youthful wisdom, and design movements. To achieve this, it is necessary to listen to the stories and opinions of experts, have lively discussions with colleagues, and find better solutions.

We will work to build a new social system that the Junior Chamber can do, something that cannot be done by governments or companies. Let's help as many members as possible understand the joy of building a movement and its infinite possibilities, and design a movement that anticipates and creates future challenges.

Up until now, the Tokyo Junior Chamber has carried out campaigns with an emphasis on the characteristics of each district and the relationships that each district has built. We will continue to have a positive impact on society by giving our members independence and increasing the number of members who take part.

In 2023, we will preside over the national convention in Tokyo for the first time in 32 years, and have built the convention in collaboration with local industry, government, academia, and citizens, and junior chambers nationwide. We will further deepen the relationships gained through this experience and the collaboration we have created so far as a legacy, and co-create a future movement that will be ``for Japan,'' ``for Tokyo,'' ``for the region,'' and ``for children.'' I'll go.

No matter what kind of society we face, let's be undaunted as an organization that is resilient to change, take on exciting challenges toward the future, and design the future together with our colleagues.

A regular meeting for co-creation that spreads the sound of empathy

The significance of the regular meetings is that ``all members participate and share the movement with society with a sense of unity.'' We need to reaffirm the significance of holding regular meetings, increase the presence of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, and effectively utilize regular meetings as a place to spread the word about the new social system we have built.

Members who build regular meetings not only transcend the boundaries of the committee and strengthen ties among members, but also have many opportunities for growth. In addition, by involving counterparts other than members, you can build your business from an objective and multifaceted perspective. By leveraging the personal connections and experience of our counterparts, we will create a synergistic effect and build a regular meeting centered on "co-creation" rather than a regular meeting created by ourselves alone.

Regular co-creation meetings not only lead to interaction between the many members involved and their counterparts and provide opportunities for further growth, but also resonate with more citizens and contribute to the branding of Tokyo Junior Chamber. By widening the circle of this "co-creation," we will spread the resonance of empathy and create a virtuous cycle that will lead to promotional movements.

Now that the participation rate at our regular meetings is around 40%, we aim to understand the difference between a "regular meeting" and a "business" and create a regular meeting that can bring about change in society. Let us face many challenges and design a sustainable society.

Building a sustainable symbiotic system that connects “the earth and people” and “people and people”

The realization of a sustainable society in which the earth and people coexist is brought about by a virtuous cycle between the economy and the environment. From 2021, Junior Chamber Tokyo will lead the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Declaration, promote carbon neutrality with many regional partners, and aim to promote ethical consumption and bring about behavioral change among producers and consumers by 2023. I'm here. Let's examine these movements, further promote them, and create sustainable local communities that connect "the earth and people."

In order to realize a cohesive society, the digital transformation of cities and the creation of new communities are closely related and important elements. Utilizing digital technology not only improves the efficiency and convenience of cities and develops them as smart cities, but also creates communities that connect people and create a human-centered environment. This makes it possible to create a sustainable city that takes into consideration the following.

Local community platforms and online community spaces connect people beyond geographical constraints, bring together people with common interests and goals, and create local bonds and new collaborative relationships. Let's co-create local communities.

Utilizing digital technology to create connections between people and valuing a human-centered approach, we design local communities for a sustainable future that realizes a society in which the earth and people coexist together. Let's do it.

Realizing true globalization and lasting world peace

As common global issues such as the new coronavirus, the progress of global warming, and population decline are becoming more apparent, the invasion of Ukraine is accelerating the division of the world and increasing tensions. Amidst the tense world situation, let us take the initiative in eliminating divisions in the world, realizing true globalization, and striving for lasting world peace and prosperity.

The number of foreigners living in Tokyo is increasing year by year, and their nationalities and races are becoming more diverse. Let's create opportunities for foreign language education and cross-cultural communication to overcome language and cultural barriers, and create a multicultural society where people can work together and thrive as friends, regardless of nationality or race.

In addition to transmitting Japanese technology and knowledge to the world, it is also extremely important to learn from overseas. By forming close alliances with the international economy, we will utilize overseas technology and knowledge, promote research and development and technology transfer, take the initiative in promoting the introduction of international business models, and promote innovation in light of global conditions. At the same time, let's improve our competitiveness and achieve economic growth.

Because we are a Junior Chamber, we are able to take full advantage of JCI's network of sister junior chambers overseas and international conferences. Let's take advantage of our connections with countries around the world, deepen mutual understanding among countries, and design solutions to international issues in cooperation with international organizations.

Building a community-based welfare system where all children can live with smiles

The number of births in 2022 will be 77.1, falling below 80 for the first time, and the declining birthrate is accelerating. As Japan's population continues to decline due to the declining birthrate and aging of the population, the period until the 2030s, when the young population will rapidly decline, will be an important turning point in halting the population decline. It is considered to be the last chance. Now is the time for society as a whole to stop this rapidly declining birthrate and population decline.

The Tokyo Junior Chamber has been promoting the Baby First movement to the government and working on childcare policies. In 2023, we collaborated with the social welfare councils of Tokyo's 23 wards to promote a regional cooperation system in preparation for emergencies.

We will further promote this collaboration with the social welfare councils in Tokyo's 23 wards and utilize it to support children and child-rearing, with the Tokyo Junior Chamber acting as the core, supporting all children, households raising children, residents, and businesses, regardless of age or gender. Let's establish a Future Children and Childcare Working Group together with various local entities such as the above, and create a society where the entire local community can support children and childcare.

Let's use the results as the ``TOKYO Future Children and Childcare Vision'' to pioneer the design of a new welfare social system that is friendly to children and childcare.

Building a new economic and social system to solve social issues

As the population ages and the population declines, coupled with the finite nature of the earth's resources, maintaining the traditional "expansion and growth" economic system is reaching its limits from a sustainability perspective. It is necessary for both companies and society to make a transition that emphasizes sustainability, not just the earning power of companies. We have been working to promote wellbeing.

After the war, startups founded by young people grew into large companies that drove the Japanese economy. Startups are a source of innovation and serve as a compass for economic growth that leads to the development of new business models and technologies. In order for startups to grow, drive the Japanese economy, and grow globally, a business model that creates a new value-added economy that brings sustainability to companies and society is essential.

By using DX to streamline corporate business processes, utilize data, improve customer experience, and provide innovative services, and by utilizing AI, we will transform the resolution of social issues into an engine of growth.

In our country, the current situation is that the number of entrepreneurs and the number of new businesses is sluggish. Let's promote the construction of an ecosystem that greatly fosters and nurtures startups by collaborating with companies and governments.
Let's design a new economic and social system to promote sustainable economic growth and improve Tokyo's competitiveness and solve social issues.

Building an educational system that designs life and society

Globalization has brought diversity to society, and advances in information technology and technology have brought qualitative changes to society. In such an era, it is necessary to break away from the traditional knowledge-transfer-based education system and develop problem-creating human resources who cultivate the ability to set their own challenges in an environment that embraces diversity.

In modern society, where advances in science and technology are accelerating, there is a need for not only a single specialized knowledge, but also the ability to connect different fields and generate new ideas and innovation. Promoting STEAM education is an important means to develop learners' skills and knowledge necessary for future society and industry.

In the era of 100-year lifespans, it is important at every stage of life to consider the significance of learning from the perspective of enriching one's life, to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills, and to design one's own life. We promote lifelong learning by creating an environment where students can continue learning at all stages of life.

STEAM education, as a pillar of lifelong learning, provides curricula and programs tailored to individual abilities and interests, and while honing skills such as self-expression, teamwork, and critical thinking, allows people at various stages to develop their own self-esteem. We provide a foundation for developing problem-creating human resources by creating an environment where they can pursue growth and career advancement. By creating a place where people of all ages and genders can learn together, we can create a synergistic effect where we can influence each other across generations.

Learning is returned to society and leads to the revitalization of society as a whole. Let's design society by building an educational system that takes into account the situation of society and the world from a wide perspective, and practices education that is open to society and creates a better society for all generations.

Building a political participation system to co-create policies and design the future

It is necessary to build a society in which citizens of all generations, from children to the elderly, can act as sovereign citizens and gather information, make rational choices, and make judgments about various domestic and international issues that are becoming increasingly diverse.

Although the voting age was lowered to 2016 in 18, youth voter turnout remains lower than that of other generations. It is important to foster a sense of sovereignty among the young generation who will be responsible for the future, to have them experience participating in society, and to cultivate the ability to express their political will in society. Therefore, we must promote practical sovereignty education for the young generation who will be responsible for the future, in order to lead them to political participation, including voting.

The mock petition project, which the Tokyo Junior Chamber has been developing for five years, is not just a traditional knowledge-transfer type of sovereignty education, but a practical one that cultivates awareness of social issues and the ability to make proposals for children and young people. By providing the experience of participating in policy formulation, this is a practical sovereign education that will lead to future leadership development, and has been established as a Tokyo model.

Let's continue to spread mock petitions across the country. Furthermore, in order to promote political participation, it is effective to build a political participation system that utilizes ICT. The use of ICT enables citizens to make rational policy choices and vote easily. It also connects citizens and government, allowing them to participate in policy making as fellow citizens, regardless of whether they have the right to vote or not.

Let's build a political and administrative system in which citizens actively participate in policy formation and co-create policies as their own, and design the present and the future.

Weaving the future with the threads of history

Each of us has the responsibility and obligation to lead the future to the next generation, as young business people who sincerely face local issues and develop movements with the aim of "realizing a bright and prosperous society." . 2024 will be a major turning point, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Tokyo Junior Chamber and the 23th anniversary of the establishment of the 50 ward district committees. Let's look back on history, inherit the thoughts of our senior brothers and sisters, and make this year a new start.

Building a sustainable movement is essential for the future development of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, but in order to do so, it is important to unravel the long history of 75 years, which can be said to be the brand of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, and to weave together the thoughts of our senior brothers and sisters. is. At the 75th anniversary ceremony, not only senior brothers and sisters who have built the history of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, but also counterparts from industry, government, academia, and the private sector with whom we have repeatedly collaborated, as well as many people from Junior Chambers across the country with the same ideals and aspirations were invited to attend. Friends gather together.

While looking back on the 75-year history of the movement, let's bring together the diverse personalities of the 23 ward committees and build an anniversary ceremony. Furthermore, we will promote coexistence and co-prosperity with the rest of the country by widely disseminating and sharing the results of the new social system centered on the medium- to long-term vision that we have been promoting since 2021.

In this milestone year of our 75th anniversary, let's build on the legacy gained at the national competition and design Tokyo's future together.

Friendship is the bond to the future

The Junior Chamber has always been a place that gives us new discoveries and many learning opportunities. In order to make this organization a sustainable one, it is essential that we strengthen our collaborative relationships with like-minded colleagues around the world and throughout Japan. In the process of building collaborative relationships, it is important to continually build a system in which members can continue to grow.

We, who were in charge of organizing the national convention in 2023, faced many difficulties leading up to the event, but we also shared many successful experiences and understood the hardships and journey involved in planning and managing the convention. Ta. Every year, Junior Chamber conferences are held in various regions both domestically and internationally. Thinking of all the comrades who support the construction of the tournament, let's get as many members as possible to participate next time. Let's absorb the movements and ideas promoted by our colleagues at various conferences and use them to build our movement.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce is a global organization, with members from all over the world working with the same aspirations in their local communities every day. The 2024 World Congress is scheduled to be held in Taiwan, and ASPAC is scheduled to be held in Cambodia, making it a year in which the Asia-Pacific region will be in the spotlight from members around the world and lead the world. We believe that it is essential for the future sustainable development of the Tokyo Junior Chamber that as many members as possible take this opportunity to experience in real life the best part of Junior Chamber activities, ``friendship with the world.''

As young business people, we each need to grow together as leaders who build collaborative relationships across borders. Actively communicating our movement on the international stage will also increase the presence of the Tokyo Junior Chamber.
Let's design a bright future by using this circle of international friendship as a step toward lasting world peace.

An organization that grows together with its colleagues

In 1989, the Tokyo Junior Chamber had 1422 members, but the number of members continues to decline. In addition, because the period of activity from joining to graduation (at age 40) has become shorter, opportunities to obtain job experience and exercise within the Junior Chamber are not being provided sufficiently. As the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which is responsible for nurturing the next generation of leaders, we must resolve these issues as soon as possible.

Currently, members who have just joined the club go through the GM seminar (seminar for new members) and then belong to the district committee, where they learn about the Junior Chamber and the movement and are nurtured. Member development programs vary by district committee. For this reason, the philosophy, purpose, and method of use of junior chambers vary depending on the district committee.

In order for members to be able to demonstrate their abilities and for organizations and committees to develop sustainably, it is necessary to build a system that equalizes the growth of members as an organization.

In order to solve these issues, we will discuss what JAYCEE (members) should do, the future that the Junior Chamber should aim for as an organization, and the future that JAYCEE should aim for as an organization, through an understanding of the JCI mission and JCI vision, mainly for members who have been members for less than two years. We will design a membership expansion program where people can learn about the value of exercise. In addition, we will carry out joint projects with the Academy Training Committee of the Tokyo Block Council, and by learning and growing together, we will realize the common challenge of "nurturing the next generation of leaders" in ALL TOKYO.

By allowing each member to take part on their own after joining, the range of activities in the district committee will expand more than ever before, creating empathy with fellow members (comrades) who work hard together, and increasing motivation for growth. Let's start designing.

Design a brand that resonates with you

Even though the Tokyo Junior Chamber of Commerce has a history of over 70 years, its social recognition is still low, and there are issues in terms of branding. Branding is the penetration of the medium- to long-term vision formulated in 2020, and is necessary to increase recognition. Based on the six visions set forth here, we will develop a pioneering movement aimed at resolving local issues, and communicate this to citizens through external public relations.

First of all, as a new attempt, we will unify the design of flyers for regular meetings and district committees to improve branding power. Additionally, in order to create "empathy" among project participants and encourage them to become fans, we will create the Tokyo Junior Chamber's official LINE as a collection of information. Then, the participants of the Tokyo Junior Chamber understand our movement and communicate their "empathy" to the appropriate target audience by setting personas, which will lead to the branding of the Tokyo Junior Chamber.

In addition, Wanpaku Sumo, which has a history of over 45 years, is the most recognized activity in the current Junior Chamber. Wanpaku Sumo aims to develop well-rounded young people, and has gained sympathy from many citizens. 2023 will be a miraculous year in which not only naughty sumo wrestlers from Mongolia will participate, but also naughty sumo wrestlers from Ukraine, receiving support from the government and media, and improving the brand power of the Tokyo Junior Chamber. Ta.

Let's believe in the unknown possibilities of Wanpaku Sumo, a project with a long history of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, and further spread sumo, a traditional culture unique to our country, both domestically and internationally. Let's aim to create a naughty sumo that is not only us but also our counterparts, and design a brand that resonates with others.

The mission of management to shape the future of the organization

In order to have a strong presence both internally and externally in terms of movement and organizational management, it is essential to build an organizational structure that emphasizes not only hierarchical structures but also cross-sectional connections and information sharing.

We will review the currently operating information sharing system for members, expand its functionality to make it easier for members to obtain information, and update it into a comprehensive tool, making it easier for members to access information and more proactive. We can create an environment where you can participate in business and regular meetings. In addition, by utilizing digital tools and technology in the examination process, we will streamline the movement, share information and facilitate communication, and develop an organization that is in line with the times.

In order to increase the presence of the Tokyo Junior Chamber, it is important to have sponsors who agree with our ideas, as well as the results of the movement. By connecting with society and expanding networks, an organization's voices and proposals can be more widely recognized, and its influence on decision-making and policy can be improved. Let's design a design that will expand the circle of partnership to include not only external funding but also new supporting companies to the XNUMX wards.

Now is the time to "design" Tokyo's future.

We are the ones who take these actions. We believe that it is necessary to always stand from the standpoint of citizens, who are the center of society, rather than from the standpoint of the government, to discover essential issues and needs, and to use design thinking to solve social issues. This design thinking creates "empathy" between people, and by expanding "empathy", it leads to the creation of innovation and strengthening of organizational strength.

As leaders who transform society, each of us identifies the essence of the issue, formulates a concrete plan, and co-creates a movement with our counterparts and citizens, an organization that generates a lot of "empathy" from citizens. We will transform it into. It is precisely because of the "empathy" in this society that many new encounters with new people are born. This encounter not only increases membership, but by connecting it to membership expansion, it leads to branding. Let's create a chain of sympathies and increase co-creation value.

Our precious families, our companies, and the cities we live in are all part of society.
So that everyone can have hopes and dreams for the future society and build a happy life even a little.
Now is the time for us to work together to design a society filled with hopes and dreams in the future of Tokyo.

Weaving the thoughts of our founding into the future, we take action with high aspirations.

To create a future full of smiles and excitement.

JCI Tokyo
75th Deputy Chairman Ryuta Takagi
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