I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our member societies for their continued generous support and cooperation in the operation of the Association's activities.

　Since last year, natural disasters--including earthquakes, torrential rain, strong winds, hail damage, and forest fires--have occurred one after another across Japan, affecting many people. Even this year, natural disasters have continued to have a significant impact on our daily lives and local communities, including the earthquake with its epicenter off the Sanriku coast and the large-scale forest fire in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture.
　I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by these disasters and sincerely hope for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction.
　I would also like to express my profound respect to our member societies for their efforts to provide a wide range of support toward rebuilding the lives of those affected, including the prompt and appropriate payment of kyosai claims.

　Last year's International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025) provided a valuable opportunity to broadly communicate to society the roles and value of cooperatives and kyosai business. JCIA has also worked to promote understanding of cooperative kyosai through seminars, information dissemination, and other initiatives.
　The International Year of Cooperatives is designated by the United Nations against the backdrop of expectations for the role that cooperatives can play in realizing a sustainable society, and it is expected to continue to be observed every ten years. JCIA will build on the momentum fostered through IYC2025, make use of its achievements in its future activities, and continue to communicate and promote understanding of the social value of cooperative kyosai.

　At the same time, the social environment surrounding us is undergoing major changes, including population decline, a declining birthrate and aging population, changes in local communities, and the increasing severity of natural disasters. In such times, I believe that kyosai is expected, more than ever, not only to provide protection, but also to support connections between people and contribute to building local communities in which people can live with peace of mind.
　The origin of kyosai lies in mutual aid. The principle of supporting one another in times of need remains a universal value that does not change, even as the social environment undergoes significant transformation. Indeed, precisely because a wide range of challenges are now becoming more apparent, its significance may be growing even further.

　Meanwhile, the use of digital technologies and AI is advancing rapidly, bringing about major changes in the nature of society and industry. In kyosai business as well, such technologies are expected to be utilized to improve operational efficiency and enhance services. Even so, the essential value of kyosai, founded on relationships of trust and dialogue with members and policyholders, will remain unchanged. JCIA will support the efforts of our member societies through information sharing and research activities concerning these changes in the operating environment.

　Thanks to your support, one year has passed since the journal Web Kyosai and Insurance fully transitioned to a web-based format in April last year. We will further advance initiatives that make the most of its characteristics as a platform for widely disseminating research findings and the latest information concerning cooperatives and kyosai business.

　JCIA will promote cooperation and coordination among its member societies and, through activities such as organizing business study workshops and training seminars, addressing policy issues, handling inquiries and complaints regarding kyosai business, and, providing support for the resolution of disputes through ADR, will strive for the sound development of cooperative kyosai.
　Through the sound development of kyosai business, we remain committed to fulfilling JCIA's mission of contributing to the stability of livelihoods and the improvement of welfare for many people, including those engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, workers, and small and medium-sized business owners.

　I respectfully ask for the continued understanding and support of our member societies and all stakeholders.