History of Japan Asian Association & Asian Friendship Society (JAFS)

Kimihiko Murakami, the founder of JAFS (now the Executive Director) was studying in India in his early 20s. When he was traveling in the rural areas of southern region of Bangalore and his bodily fluids was depleted by the scorching sun, he met a farmer and was kindly given the water from a jar by the farmer. It was cold and delicious and cured the young Murakamiʼ s thirst.

After a few weeks, he found himself lying in the hospital in South India. He got typhoid fever. That “water” was dirty and pumped from the pond.

While he was lying in the bed, the Indian friends whom he met in the school visited him and talked about problems in the rural areas of India. He, then, realized the importance of the water and urged him to do something about it.

In 1970, he founded EPOS Club, predecessor of JAFS, then the earthquake hit West Bengal in India and saw the devastation. In the situation, he re-affirmed that the safe water has been the most important and needed. Eventually in 1979, he founded JAFS, and the history goes on.

Chronological table

Feb. 1972

Organized The Epos Club (Founded by Rev. K. Murakami)

Oct. 1979

The Epos Club is reorganized into Asian Friendship Society (Founded by Rev. K. Murakami)

May. 1980

The first well was constructed by JAFS in Ghogali Village, Nagpur, India.

Aug. 1981

The 1st workcamp was held in India, and has been continued now in several Asian countries.

Aug. 1984

The 1st Earth, Water and Green Summer School was held in Takada, Shingu-City, Wakayama Pref. and has been continued for 20 years as of 2003.

Oct. 1986

JAFS was awarded with “Regional Exchange Promoting Award” by The Japan Foundation.

Apr. 1988

JAFS has become the first corporation aggregate in Osaka Pref.

Apr. 1988

Mr. Sadao Shibatani (President, Hankyu Corporation) was elected as the first President of JAFS.

July. 1988

JAFS was awarded with Osaka Governors Award for our contribution and promotion in the international exchange programs.

Aug. 1989

JAFS has held the 1st Asian Afforestation Training program, and continued for 11 years as of 2000.

May. 1990

Mr. Katsumi Yokoi (President, Matsushita Refrigeration Inc.) was elected as the second President of JAFS

Oct. 1990

The 1st Asian International Network Seminar was held in Thailand and has continued for 14 years as of 2003.

Apr. 1994

JAFS began the Pandan Pipeline water supply project in Philippines and completed in April 1999.

Jan. 1995

JAFS made reconstructing support for the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

July. 1996

JAFS held Kumano International forestry and cultural exchange conference.

Apr. 1999

JAFS has begun International Water & Green Day Campaign (also known as Green Scout).

June. 1999

The first International Green Scout Campaign was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sep. 1999

JAFS has celebrated the 20th Anniversary.

May. 2000

Mr. Toshiharu Shibata (President, Asahi Broadcasting Inc.) was elected as the third President of JAFS.

July. 2002

The first Korea-Japan International Cultural Exchange Seminar was held in Miyama, Kyoto.

Nov. 2002

JAFS Watershed Project has begun and has continued to today.

Mar. 2003

JAFS International Symposium on Water was held in Osaka.

Apr. 2005

JAFS joins the Japan Platform for Disaster Emergency Assistance. JAFS sent experts to Indonesia and Pakistan when they had earthquakes and dt tsunami.

May. 2005

JAFS undertakes a project in Japan-China Forestation Fund funded by the Japanese government

Dec. 2006

JAFS sent experts for Indonesia

Aug. 2007

The first Friendship Youth Summit was held in August in India and in December in Japan.

Nov. 2007

JAFS assisted in the relief work of Bangladesh at the time of the cyclone “Sidr.”

May. 2008

Preparing to assist Myanmar for the cyclone “Nargis” and China for the major earthquake in Sichuan.

Oct. 2009

The 30th Anniversary of JAFS

Nov. 2009

The First Asia Youth Summit

Apr. 2010

Mr. Hagio Senri becomes 4th President of JAFS

Oct-Mar. 2010

Indonesia Padan Earthquake Relief Activities

Oct-Mar. 2010

Philippines Typhoon “Ondoy” Relief Activities

Mar. 2011

Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan Relief Activities (Continue)

Apr. 2012

JAFS becomes Japanese Government Recognized association.

Aug. 2013

The 3rd Friendship Youth Summit was hold

Nov. 2013

Philippines Typhoon “Haiyan” Relief Activities

Nov. 2014

“Haiyan Concert” was hold in Manila, Philippines

Apr. 2015

Nepal Earthquake Relief Activities

Apr. 2016

Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Activities

Dec. 2016　Philippines Typhoon “Nock-ten” Relief Activities

Nov. 2017　JAFS Nepal office open

Oct. 2019

The 40th Anniversary of JAFS