Otera Oyatsu Club Receives the 65th Social Contribution Award from the Public Interest Foundation for Social Contribution Support

The Certified NPO Otera Oyatsu Club (Representative Director: Yasuro Matsushima) has been honored with the 65th 'Social Contribution Award' hosted by the Public Interest Foundation for Social Contribution Support (Chairperson: Akie Abe). We sincerely express our gratitude and appreciation to temples, support organizations, and all supporters across Japan who have warmly watched over and supported our activities through donations, contributions, and volunteering.

About the 'Social Contribution Award'

The 'Social Contribution Award,' hosted by the Public Interest Foundation for Social Contribution Support, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in areas often overlooked by public attention. From numerous nominations nationwide, our organization's initiatives were selected for their profound social significance.

▼ For details: https://www.fesco.or.jp/award/index.php

65th Social Contribution Award recipients (held at Imperial Hotel Tokyo on July 27, 2026)

Reasons for Recognition (Background of the Award)

The following initiatives and approaches of Otera Oyatsu Club were highly praised:

・ Unique Support Model Utilizing Temple 'Offerings' A sustainable system that collects snacks and daily necessities offered at temples nationwide as 'blessings from Buddha' and shares them effortlessly with single-parent households in poverty and children's support organizations.

・ Anonymous Mutual Support System A system where temples anonymously deliver 'shared gifts' directly to households. By leveraging technology, it protects the privacy of both givers and receivers, creating a comfortable distance and mutual well-being expressed as 'happy to rely, happy to be relied upon.'

・ Creation of Locally Rooted Mutual Aid Networks Collaboration among temples, local governments, and support organizations across Japan, expanding a 'circle of mutual aid' based on compassion, going beyond mere material support.

Speech by a board member of our organization

At the award ceremony, Michiko Yoshinaga, non-fiction writer and selection committee member, encouraged us with the words: 'Temples are the spiritual heart of Japan. We hope you continue your activities to support many people.'

We deeply felt the encouragement and expectations from many people, which will greatly strengthen our resolve to continue our mission.

Otera Oyatsu Club's Activity Highlights and Call for Support

Let’s look at our activity statistics as of August 2026:

Supporting Temples: 2,398 nationwide Registered Organizations: 1,045 nationwide Registered Households: 24,183 nationwide Households currently awaiting support: 550 nationwide

While summer vacation is an exciting time for children, the absence of school meals increases food and utility costs, making daily life even more difficult for struggling families. To these families, a 'shared gift' from an unknown person arrives. Because names and faces remain unknown, the gesture carries only pure intentions—'I want to help' and 'I hope you have a joyful summer'—delivered with just the right distance. We kindly ask for your support in sending 'summer gifts' to children in need.

[Support via Donation]

Each 'shared gift' requires approximately 1,000 yen per box for shipping, plus operational costs for system development to match households with temples. These operational funds come entirely from public donations. Your contribution will help deliver more gifts to more families. https://otera-oyatsu.club/donate/

[Other Ways to Support]

① For Temples: Register your temple here https://otera-oyatsu.club/temple/#content01 ② Donate food and daily necessities here https://otera-oyatsu.club/donation/food/

Future Outlook and Commitment

Child poverty, loneliness, and social isolation remain serious and worsening issues. Otera Oyatsu Club will take this award as strong encouragement to continue our activities—not just delivering goods, but ensuring children and caregivers nationwide feel the comfort of being 'watched over and supported.'

About Certified NPO Otera Oyatsu Club

Otera Oyatsu Club aims to address child poverty across Japan by receiving various 'offerings' placed at temples as 'blessings from Buddha,' and through collaboration with child support organizations, sharing them as 'gifts' with single-parent households facing hardship.

▼ Official Website https://otera-oyatsu.club/

Name

Certified NPO Otera Oyatsu Club (Certified November 27, 2020)

Headquarters

765-1 Yao, Tawaramoto-cho, Kashihara-gun, Nara Prefecture 636-0311

Representative

Representative Director Yasuro Matsushima

Inquiries and Media Requests

▼ Contact

https://otera-oyatsu.club/contact/

▼ Press Inquiries

https://otera-oyatsu.club/activities/edification/press/

(Contact: Yoshiki Noda, Certified NPO Otera Oyatsu Club)