The Japan Chernobyl Foundation (JCF) is an NGO born from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. In autumn 1990, a Japanese resident of Kyiv sent a request for help, saying that leukemia was increasing among children and asking for Japan's advanced medicine. In January 1991 a first delegation surveyed Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, and JCF was founded to save the lives of the children there.
Its purpose is to provide medical support to residents of areas hit by radiation disasters. It also aims to protect the health and welfare of children so they can live in safety wherever radiation disasters occur, supporting medical care from a citizens' standpoint, scientifically examining the disasters and working toward an independent civil society. Its work rests on three pillars: Chernobyl medical support, support for Fukushima nuclear accident survivors, and medical support in Iraq.
In recent years it has also focused on support for people displaced from Ukraine. Its website and social media share activity reports from local staff in Krakow, Poland, the preparation of shelters for displaced people, and exhibitions of children's drawings. The most recent update visible in the "Events and Latest Information" section of its website is from June 2025.
Key points
- A citizens' organization continuing medical support in Chernobyl, Fukushima and Iraq
- Local staff in Poland report on its support for displaced people from Ukraine
- As a certified NPO, it explains donation tax deduction procedures on its website
Why this organization's work stands out
It has a history of supporting medical care for children in disaster-affected areas for more than 30 years. Expanding from Chernobyl to Fukushima, Iraq and Ukraine, wherever help is needed, is a useful reference.
Its activities are shared through news and social media, and there are many ways to get involved, including donating, joining as a member, volunteering and spreading the word.
Editor's comment
I was moved that a response to a single plea has grown into such a long-running and expanding effort.
Details on its activities and how to take part are on the official website. Please take a look.