Oikocredit Japan is a general incorporated association established in 1996, inspired by Oikocredit's idea of supporting people in poverty through investment. It is Oikocredit's only support organization in Japan, recruiting investors, introducing Oikocredit's work and promoting awareness of social investment.
Oikocredit is a Dutch cooperative for development cooperation that has supported microfinance and cooperatives in developing countries since its founding in 1975. It invests in three main areas: "inclusive finance and microfinance institutions," which bring financial services to the poor; "agricultural businesses and cooperatives," which support small-scale producers; and "renewable energy," which brings solar and other power to areas without electricity.
Its website offers a course that explains microfinance from the basics with examples, activity reports, and guidance on how to take part. In July 2026, after its general assembly, a talk was held by a person who has held a senior position at Oikocredit International.
Key points
- Japan's support organization for a Dutch-born cooperative that helps people in poverty become self-reliant through investment
- Invests in three areas: inclusive finance, agriculture and cooperatives, and renewable energy
- A microfinance course and activity reports help you learn how it works from the basics
Why this organization's work stands out
A notable point is that you can take part in international cooperation through investment rather than donation. It presents the idea that invested money creates new flows of money and goods around the world.
With its microfinance course, it is an accessible entry for anyone wanting to understand the link between international cooperation and finance.
Editor's comment
The idea of supporting people around the world through how we use our money shows how wide the choices in international cooperation have become.
How to invest and its activity reports are introduced on the official website. Please take a look.