The worker cooperative movement in Japan

This chapter details the history of worker cooperatives in Japan, tracing their origins to the post-World War II “Relief Measures for the Unemployed” program in 1949. The Japan Free Workers’ Union (Zen Nihon Jiyū Rōdō Kumiai), formed in 1953, later established numerous business enterprises (“jigyōdan”) to provide stable employment for its members. These evolved into worker cooperatives, influenced by European models, culminating in the formation of the Japan Workers’ Cooperative Union (JWCU) in 1993. The JWCU played a crucial role in advocating for, and ultimately achieving, the enactment of the Worker Cooperative Act in 2020, the first new cooperative act in Japan in 42 years. This act defines worker cooperatives, establishes their legal framework and promotes their role in creating sustainable and vibrant communities. The JWCU continues to expand its network and promote the concept of “associated work” (kyōdō rōdō) – a democratic and participatory work model.