Abstract
We studied woman's associations within Japanese fisheries cooperatives. In the 1950's, the association were organized in fishing villages to save money because fishers and the village were very poor. Now the villages and fishers are no longer so poor, however woman's association and activities continue. In the past, their activities were effective, and they felt satisfaction, such as joy, happiness, confidence, ambition, a sense of fulfillment, getting a broad outlook and learning, which they did not experience before then. Today, there are other effects of the activities, such as communication and public relation of the region where they live, as well as the same effects of joy, satisfaction and getting a broad outlook. But recognition by the women's families, people in the region where they live, and fisheries cooperative is not enough. This recognition restrains women's behavior, especially the recognition by their families. This problem is felt more strongly by association members than association leaders, so young women are reluctant to join associations. To promote the associations and their activities, it is important to have good communication with local communities and have activities that positively impact the communities. It is necessary to support the member's position and promote communicative activity like a new business “Kigyo”.
