Second Harvest Japan, Japan’s first food bank (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as 2HJ) today announces that Yuji Shibata has been appointed as its new chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2025.

2HJ aims to establish a food safety-net in Japan that allows everyone to access safe and secure food whenever they need it, regardless of the economic situation or whether they are in peacetime or emergency. In addition to the Kanto region, where the main base is located, 2HJ has launched food pantries in collaboration with a local food bank in Okinawa, where the need for food assistance has remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic. We have also focused on supporting the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and Oku-Noto heavy rains that occurred in 2024 and continue to provide support in collaboration with local governments and organizations.

2HJ will continue to work with the government and various companies and organizations to expand our network to establish a food safety- net throughout Japan.

Comment of Yuji Shibata　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I am pleased to announce my appointment as CEO of Second Harvest Japan. This year marks my 17^th year since I joined 2HJ, attracted by the slogan of “Food for all people” and “Mottainai o Arigato e” which encourages everyone to convert surplus food into something to be appreciated. During that time, I have been engaged in various projects, struggling daily to realize our mission of establishing a food safety-net. Food is an essential item of life for everyone. I would like to collaboratively work with a variety of stakeholders to create a social environment and system where no one needs to worry about their meals tomorrow.

Profile of Yuji Shibata　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture. Graduated from Master’s degree in plant pathology from University of the Philippines. Worked for International Rice Research Institute in Philippine, Mitsubishi Research Institute. Joined 2HJ in 2009, and led the Ishinomaki Project, Pantry team and Advocacy & Development team. Involved in activities to support victims of disasters including in Tohoku (2011), Kumamoto (2016), Noto (2024) and others, promoting the name of ‘Food Pantry’ in Japan, building networks with government in self-support programs for people in need, and leading policy proposal activities to revise the government’s rice storage operations. He is currently a policy officer of Japan Alliance of Japan Foodbanks, a member of ‘Public-Private Council on Food Donations’ organized by CAA