Mutual Aid Day

What Is Mutual Aid Day?

Every October 15th is "Mutual Aid Day" (たすけあいの日, Tasuke-ai no Hi) in Japan. The day was established in 1965 by the Japan National Council of Social Welfare (全国社会福祉協議会, Zenkoku Shakai Fukushi Kyōgikai) to encourage mutual help in everyday life and volunteer activity in local communities — reinforcing the principle that healthy communities depend on members helping each other, not only on government services.

The National Council of Social Welfare

The council is the national body of the social welfare councils (社会福祉協議会) set up in every prefecture and municipality in Japan. Through this network, it coordinates with welfare service users and social welfare workers, supports local activities, and works to improve the welfare system. Its origins go back to the Central Charity Association, founded in 1908, whose first president was Shibusawa Eiichi — the businessman known as the "father of modern Japanese capitalism," who now appears on the 10,000-yen note.

Community Welfare in Japan

Japan's social welfare system combines government-funded public services with an extensive network of volunteer organizations and community mutual aid. Many municipal social welfare councils run volunteer centers that match people who want to volunteer with people and groups who need help.

The Spirit of Tasuke-ai

"Tasuke-ai" (たすけあい, literally "helping each other") captures a core principle of Japanese community life — the idea that mutual support is not merely charity from the fortunate to the unfortunate but a reciprocal exchange that builds community resilience. In Japan's aging society, tasuke-ai between generations and between neighbors is increasingly important.

Fun Facts

• The Red Feather Community Chest: Japan's major annual community fundraising campaign (赤い羽根共同募金), which starts nationwide on October 1st, began in 1947, modeled on the American Community Chest. The red feather, given to donors, has been its symbol since the second campaign in 1948.
• Money stays local: Most of the money raised by the Red Feather campaign is used for welfare activities in the area where it was collected.