The Small Kindness Movement of Japan was begun in March 1963 by the President of Tokyo University, Dr. Seiji Kaya. Their motto is “Let’s practice whatever kindness we can offer, so that it will become the habit of our society.” A successful, well-coordinated movement, it has evolved over the past 48 years into a national network with branches in 167 municipalities’.

Their activities are centred around their mission statement – motivating and coordinating volunteers to perform any small, worthwhile act from collecting used stamps to helping in the aftermath of earthquakes and floods.

The thoughtfulness,calm "Small Kindness Movement of Japan" and resilience of the Japanese people after the major earthquake offshore Miyagi in the Pacific on March 11 and following tsunami has impressed people greatly.

Sadly, many of the 170,000 members of this volunteer programme who would normally be active in helping others in trouble have been caught up themselves in this on-going catastrophe of unprecedented scale.

As a result, a fundraising account has been established specifically to help them rebuild their own lives. If you would like to donate to this appeal, please send money to the following account:

Name: Small Kindness Movement Disaster Relief Campaign
Mizuho Bank Kudan Branch.
Swift code: MHBKJPJT
Mizuho Bank Kudan Branch
Account Number: 532-1775798