The objective of this study is to investigate how the consumers’ recognition for eggs from rice- fed chicken may vary by different information treatment. Data were gathered from the members of Coop-Shiga by a survey distributed. In the attitude survey, after receiving the detailed information about how eggs from rice-fed chicken may benefit Japanese agriculture, most of respondents valued them high. In the choice based conjoint analysis, the members received the selected and more targeted information about the benefits of these eggs. Only when members realized the benefits of them directly, they chose the eggs from rice-fed chicken.

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This paper examines the current problems and future challenges of work-life balance in a large Japanese consumer cooperative. Through interviews with female staff employees, problems in human resource management are identified and analyzed. The main conclusion is that while there is an effective support system for women and good human relations among the staff and managers, two problems need to be addressed: the lack of a concrete program for career advancement and continued employment(through child-rearing and other family changes), and management's failure to tap into the strong motivation that the younger staff feel as employees of a cooperative enterprise.

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Countless companies of unauthorized insurance were set up between the year 1879 and 1884. These companies can be classified into three types on the basis of the death insurance and premium. The feature of the first type is that death benefit and premium were higher and the policyholders were wealthy. The second type is also nearly wealthy. The third type is that premium was lower and the policyholders were poor. Many of these companies are speculative, a few of them were non−profit and mutual aid organization. In the small number of cases, it is possible to see the dawn of Cooperative Insuranc(e Kyosai).

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For agricultural cooperatives(JAs)in Hokkaido, in which agriculture-related businesses play important roles in management, a farming advisory service connects members to JAs through the everyday interactions. Wide area merger of agricultural cooperatives have been promoted. As contact with the members in the merged agricultural cooperatives, it is important to expand opportunities for the agricultural cooperatives and the members to meet face-to-face. Thereby to understand the needs of the members, and has implemented respond to it activities. In merger cooperatives, it has become a major issue to continue to build an efficient system its in limited labor costs. The authors revealed the significance and challenges of building a new farming advisory system in JA KITAMIRAI. To strengthen relation with the members, the JA allocated labour resources significantly to the “meet members” system where staff allocated the section is designed to visit members more frequently. It was expected that the staff as a generalist responded comprehensively to the various needs of the members. However, the above system was needed to change. Needs for farming advisory services has required generalist with expertise. Agricultural cooperatives change the duties of staff in charge of farming guidance. Through the functional reforms in the “meet members” system, it is aimed to achieve a response to farming guidance needs.

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