Japanese Red Cross Society

The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) is a special corporation established under the Japanese Red Cross Law of 1952. Its highest governing body is the Board of Representatives, which is composed of 223 members elected by the Boards of Councillors from among the Society for a term of three years. The Board of Representatives meets twice a year to elect a president, two vice-presidents, three auditors, and 61 governors (all for three-year terms) and to make decisions on important matters such as annual budgets, operational plans, and statute modifications. The Board of Governors' primary responsibility is to assist the President with and deliberate on the management and execution of important activities and to approve matters referred to it in accordance with the Statutes. Since it usually only meets in its entirety three times a year, it may entrust its responsibilities to the Standing Board of Governors, which meets monthly, and is composed of not more than 13 members elected from among the Governors.

The Japanese Red Cross rapidly mobilized following the disaster to provide emergency medical care and psychosocial support. As part of the Psychosocial Support Program, Japanese Red Cross staff and volunteers provided support through health and social classes, including tea ceremonies.