From activities and announcements by NGOs and citizens’ groups themselves, we picked this week’s notable topics. They ranged from disaster relief in Japan to support for young staff and an exhibition of paintings by Afghan girls.
[2026 Kumamoto Earthquake] About 3,600 visitors attend a festival in Yatsushiro City. Giving children time for play and smiles – Phase 2 of relief for disaster survivors begins
From the editors: This announcement reports an initiative that brought children in the disaster area time for play and smiles, and the move to the second phase of support. Even after the emergency period, support continues to help children recover emotionally and regain their daily lives.
Let’s support the young staff who will carry the future of international cooperation – shining a light on young people striving on the front lines of aid with the “NGO Rookie Award”
From the editors: This introduces the “NGO Rookie Award,” which shines a light on young staff working on the front lines of aid. Securing and developing people is a major challenge for NGOs, and a system that supports young talent is a reassuring initiative.
Cries of the heart under oppression, expressed in pictures: an exhibition of paintings by Afghan girls in Tokyo
From the editors: This is an exhibition introducing paintings by girls in Afghanistan who have been deprived of educational opportunities. It draws attention as a chance to learn about the situation there and send our thoughts, even from Japan.
Defending the rules of war in a world that does not believe in them – Alain Délétroz, head of the humanitarian NGO Geneva Call
From the editors: This is an interview with the head of a humanitarian NGO that works to promote compliance with international humanitarian law in conflict. It lets us learn about a little-known role of NGOs: engaging directly with parties to armed conflict.
[My Future] Special guests announced one after another for the Climate March! <9/25 Tokyo> Artist KOM_I, <9/27
From the editors: This is an announcement of a “Climate March,” in which citizens call for action on climate change. International cooperation and climate change cannot be separated, and the march is spreading as a place for citizens to raise their voices.
Headlines belong to the respective news outlets and sources (copyright remains with each). Please read the full articles at the linked pages. The “From the editors” comments were written by the NGO Network Japan editorial team based on the headlines.