Terra People Association (Chikyu Shimin no Kai) is an NGO born in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu in 1983, working on international cooperation, international exchange and community building. Its website explains that it is a certified NPO approved by Saga Prefecture, and that donations to it are eligible for tax benefits.
News on the site includes reports on community development in Myanmar, such as drinking water supply and electrification projects, and new scholarship support at Ketapahuwa School in Sri Lanka. After the Kumamoto earthquake in July 2026, it decided to carry out emergency relief to deliver support from Saga to Kumamoto, saying donations will be used for transporting supplies, supporting evacuation centers and sending volunteers.
It also holds events that local people can join easily, such as the Yanagimachi Coffee Fest at the former Koga residence in Saga City, where visitors compare Myanmar coffees and think about the lives of the producers. Its annual report and the results of a donor awareness survey are also published.
Key points
- International cooperation overseas, including community development in Myanmar and scholarships in Sri Lanka
- Emergency relief delivered from Saga to disaster-affected areas
- Accessible events for local people, such as one for enjoying Myanmar coffee
Why this organization's work stands out
A distinctive feature is that, while rooted in its local community, it works on both international cooperation overseas and disaster relief in Japan. Its approach of turning supporters' wish to "do something" into concrete support comes through clearly.
Using familiar themes such as coffee to help people learn about the lives of producers in distant countries is also a useful reference. The publication of annual reports and survey results is reassuring for those considering how to get involved.
Editor's comment
Thinking about the producers' lives behind a single cup of coffee makes international cooperation feel much closer.
Latest activity reports and events are on the official website. Please take a look.