In the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 17, 1995, KOBE received support from more than 70 countries around the world. From that experience grew the spirit of helping one another in times of need, and citizen efforts to support disasters in various parts of the world spread. CODE was launched as an NPO on January 17, 2002, as a place where businesses, government, international organizations, research institutions and NGOs come together.
Including the period of its predecessor, the Hanshin Earthquake Local NGO Relief Liaison Council, it has carried out 63 relief operations. Its guiding idea is "to the very last person." Its pillars are supporting recovery over the long term, respecting the ability of local people to rebuild their own lives, and giving priority to people whom aid reaches less easily, such as children, women, persons with disabilities, older people and foreign residents.
Current relief projects include the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, the Noto Peninsula earthquake (the "Yasashiya Footbath Team" of volunteers), the Türkiye-Syria earthquake, the Sichuan earthquake in China, and support for displaced people from Ukraine. In 2015 it established the CODE Future Fund to support young people who want to work for disaster NGOs, offering internships, fieldwork and seminars.
Key points
- 63 relief operations rooted in the experience of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, including its predecessor period
- Guided by "to the very last person," it respects the strength of local people and stays close to medium- and long-term recovery
- The CODE Future Fund supports young people on the path to working for disaster NGOs (internships, fieldwork and seminars)
Why this organization deserves attention
A distinctive feature is that Kobe, once on the receiving end of aid, now puts that experience to use in disaster areas overseas. Beyond providing relief supplies, it supports care centers for children and families in temporary housing, housing reconstruction and footbath volunteering, staying close to the daily lives of those affected.
It shares news from the field through report meetings, events and newsletters. There are many ways to take part, such as membership, donations, volunteering and hosting study sessions.
Editor's comment
CODE's history reminds us that disasters are not events of a far-off country, and that someday someone will need help. The cycle of passing on the support one has received to the next person feels very warm.
Information about report meetings and events held in Kobe is posted on the official website. Why not take a look?