FY2025 Business Report
1. Project outcomes and matters related to project implementation
Project outcomes
- Tanzawa Farm, which has influence over consumer co-ops and others, published its first numerical targets as a first step toward going gestation-stall-free, along with its animal welfare policies on enrichment, transport, and more.
- Shiba Park Hotel, an urban hotel with around 200 rooms, switched to cage-free eggs.
- Cage-free is progressing for mayonnaise in major supermarkets’ private-brand products (with Yaoko joining, now offered by three companies).
- We conducted a cage-free hen count survey and concluded that the figure is 1.48%.
- Nanasei Foods achieved gestation-stall-free.
- Co-op Shizenha added a gestation-stall-free product brand.
- We confirmed that Hills, a major pet food company, sells many animal-welfare-compliant products in Japan and, as in Europe and the U.S., is cage-free, and will move to Better Chicken by 2030.
- All three seafood certifications available in Japan incorporated the abolition of eyestalk ablation for shrimp into their standards.
- Long-established confectionery maker Bourbon announced that it will switch 5% of its liquid eggs to cage-free by 2030 and also disclosed its progress.
- Calbee, AEON, House Foods Group Inc., Ajikan, and Heidi Hidakaya newly established and announced animal welfare policies.
- At a major poultry processing facility, animal-welfare monitors after bleeding were assigned in response to requests from Animal Rights Center.
- Starzen announced that it will expand cage-free eggs.
- Foie gras import volumes were reduced further, decreasing the number of victims by the equivalent of 13,443 birds.
- A sustainability-improvement type was created under the national subsidy program “Livestock Cluster,” removing the revenue requirement, and animal welfare was added to the performance indicators.
- A national subsidy was created to encourage capital investment in equipment to render chickens unconscious using gas at slaughter.
(1) Projects related to specified non-profit activities
| Project name | Project details | Period | Project location | Number of personnel engaged | Beneficiaries |
| Projects related to animal rights and animal welfare | |||||
| Projects related to animal issues in general | |||||
| Initiatives toward government | As an advisor, we attended meetings of the Animal Welfare Act Revision Project Team within the cross-party parliamentary league aiming for zero euthanasia of dogs and cats, and conducted lobbying for revisions to the Animal Welfare Act to include necessary amendments for farmed animals and laboratory animals. | ||||
| Awareness-raising | We carried out street actions in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Kichijoji, Omotesando, Takadanobaba, Kamata, Kinshicho, Shibuya, Mejiro, Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Ochanomizu), Saitama Prefecture (Urawa, Tokorozawa, Omiya, Saitama-Shintoshin, Kumagaya, Shin-Koshigaya, Kawaguchi, Kita-Asaka, Shiki), Iwate Prefecture, Kagawa Prefecture, and Hyogo Prefecture. Regarding farmed animals, captive animals, etc., we contributed articles to and responded to interviews from various newspapers, TV, magazines, and more. We updated and disseminated information via the official website, email newsletter (2,165 subscribers), and SNS (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTik). We published ARC News (newsletter) three times a year. We distributed leaflets on animal rights, anti-fur, anti-foie gras, the current state of farmed animals, environment/health and livestock issues, the current state of milk, cage-free egg-laying hens, revisions to the Animal Welfare Act, and an introduction to Animal Rights Center. Through the volunteer project team “Posu-bu,” we conducted nationwide simultaneous monthly posting in locations where volunteers are based. | Full year | Tokyo, Iwate, Aichi, Hyogo, Nagoya, Saitama | 20 people | Approximately 500,000 people who are unaware of animal issues and the current situation |
| Initiatives for human resource development | We held 11 Animal Rights Channel sessions, including webinars. | Full year | Nationwide | 6 people | People interested in animal issues and sustainability |
| Initiatives related to sustainability and consumer ethics | Within the “Citizen Network for Building a Sustainable Society through Consumption,” we conducted an “Ethical Report Card” survey of companies (the convenience store industry) to assess corporate ethical performance, and also improved how the site is presented. The network also hosted an event to announce the Ethical Report Card results. As a board member organization and vice chair of the Japan Ethical Promotion Council, we submitted petitions to the Ministry of the Environment and held an Ethical Academy. We participated in Tokyo Ethical, exhibiting at events and joining networking gatherings. | Full year | Tokyo | 2 people | People interested in animal issues, ethical consumption, environmental issues, etc. |
| Handling inquiries | Responded to inquiries (approximately 200 per year) | Full year | Tokyo | 4 people | 200 people |
| Projects related to livestock and the environment | |||||
| Awareness-raising | We served as speakers at lectures and disseminated knowledge about animal welfare and animal rights. On Hope For Animals.org, we shared information on the current state of farmed animals, the environment surrounding livestock, and human rights issues. We provided information to media outlets about the current state of farmed animals. We ran SNS advertisements. We participated in EcoPro, Earth Day, Ethical Marche, and other events to raise awareness about the environment and livestock. We disseminated information via a dedicated website and SNS to convey the current state of farmed animals. We began distributing Animal Rights music through the Editing Music Team. Through the Aquatic Animal Alliance, in which we participate, we made policy recommendations on the welfare of aquatic animals. We operated the Animal Future Sanctuary (Animal Rights Village) for pigs and chickens rescued from factory farming, and newly held “Animal Future BASE,” an in-person study session and meeting focused on chicken rescue. Through the Children’s Project Team, we distributed YouTube videos and leaflets for children. We held volunteer meetings once every two months. We provided lectures on animal welfare to consumer organizations and others. Through the Newspaper Team, we distributed the Animal Future Newspaper to agricultural high schools, junior high schools, high schools, and universities. | Year-round | Tokyo | 5 people | Approximately 550,000 people who are unaware of animal issues and the current situation |
| Initiatives toward government | We conducted lobbying of Diet members to request initiatives on animal welfare for farmed animals. We held an in-Diet meeting for farmed animals and laboratory animals. Through the Animal Welfare Subsidy Acquisition Team, we submitted petitions to prefectures and prefectural assembly members (Chiba, Aichi, Kanagawa). We investigated mechanisms for introducing gas stunning and held discussions with Diet members and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. We continued efforts to improve the situation regarding cattle abuse at the Ibaraki Prefecture Livestock Center. We conducted lobbying to include animal welfare in revisions to the Course of Study guidelines. | Year-round | Tokyo | 25 people | Purchasers of livestock products; people involved in the production-to-retail process of livestock; and 120 million people affected by them |
| Research | We conducted investigations of multiple livestock facilities and slaughterhouses and disclosed the information. We conducted and published an awareness survey on farmed animals’ rearing environments. We investigated the situation of chickens being immersed in scalding water while still alive at poultry processing plants. To enhance Japanese translations of overseas literature and standards related to animal welfare, animal rights, and changes in the food system, we operated “Animal Future FACT” through the volunteer project team “Fact-bu” and published many paper-summary articles. We investigated publicly available information on corporate animal welfare and published it as FARMWISE Impact2026. We collected technical information on in-ovo sexing, broilers, egg-laying hens, pigs, and more. To understand the distribution volume of cage-free eggs, we surveyed the number of hens kept cage-free. We investigated whether lairage areas at slaughterhouses have equipment that allows constant access to drinking water and published the results. | Year-round | Tokyo / Osaka | 25 people | Purchasers of livestock products; people involved in the production-to-retail process of livestock; and 120 million people affected by them |
| Initiatives toward companies | We held discussions with companies to call for improved animal welfare—including the abolition of gestation stalls, the abolition of cage farming, a transition to Better Chicken, the abolition of eyestalk ablation for shrimp, and the promotion of fish certifications—as well as the establishment of animal welfare policies and reductions in livestock products. We negotiated with companies on shifting from animal protein to plant-based protein and on initiatives related to plant-based protein. We joined the United Nations Open Wing Alliance to encourage companies to switch to cage-free eggs. Through the volunteer project team “Corporate Opinion Delivery Team,” we continued submitting opinions. We obtained cage-free commitments from 20 companies and stores. | Year-round | Tokyo | 6 people | Purchasers of livestock products; people involved in the production-to-retail process of livestock; and 120 million people affected by them |
| Projects related to animals used as materials for clothing, etc. | |||||
| We disseminated information via a dedicated fur website and SNS. We distributed posters opposing fur. We submitted requests to apparel companies to stop handling real fur. We conducted corporate negotiations on fur-free and animal-free initiatives. As a member of the FUR FREE ALLIANCE, we participated in a campaign targeting Woolrich and also shared information overseas about Japan’s fur consumption situation. | Year-round | Tokyo | 2 people | Approximately 400,000 people concerned about fur issues and interested in fashion | |
| Projects related to animals used in experiments | |||||
| We disseminated information on SNS about animal experimentation. We launched a signature campaign calling for the abolition of animal testing for cosmetics. We supported the cosmetics animal testing working team within the cross-party parliamentary league on animal welfare. | Year-round | Tokyo | 1 person | Approximately 120 million people who purchase pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, those involved in their manufacture, and those affected by them | |
| Projects related to captive animals | |||||
| We disseminated information via the website and SNS. We made recommendations regarding inappropriate handling at events and exhibitions and provided information to the media. We disseminated information calling for the cancellation of the Itoman Haarii duck-catching race. | Full year | Nationwide | 2 people | People who are unaware of animal issues and the current situation | |
| Projects related to plant-based diets and health | |||||
| We operated Hachidory, an information site on vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Through the Animal-Friendly Shops Companies Report Team, we conducted interviews, wrote articles, and published them on Hachidory. We developed vegan recipes. | Full year | Nationwide | 15 people | 100,000 people interested in ethical consumption and veganism | |
| Projects related to partner animals | |||||
| We took action calling for improvements regarding malicious exotic pet sellers. We disseminated information on SNS about companion animals. | Full year | Tokyo | 1 person | Diet members; people interested in animal issues; and approximately 10,000 people who are unaware of the current situation for animals | |
| Public relations activities to achieve our objectives: reporting is included above. | |||||
(2) Other projects
| Project name | Project details | Period | Project location | Number of personnel engaged | Beneficiaries |
| Merchandise sales project | We sold books and advocacy goods aimed at raising awareness of animal issues. | Full year | Tokyo | 3 people | People interested in animal issues |
| Statement of Activities | |||
| [Tax included] (Unit: JPY) | |||
| Specified Nonprofit Corporation Animal Rights Center | From April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 | ||
| [Ordinary Revenue] | Non-profit activities | Revenue-generating activities | total amount |
| [Membership Fees Received] | |||
| General members (supporting) membership fees received | 1,704,000 | ||
| General members (regular) membership fees received | 816,000 | ||
| Light members membership fees received | 445,000 | ||
| Support members (supporting) membership fees received | 960,000 | ||
| Support members (regular) membership fees received | 324,000 | ||
| Student members (supporting) membership fees received | 12,000 | ||
| Corporate members (supporting) membership fees received | 72,000 | 4,333,000 | |
| [Donations Received] | |||
| Donations received | 28,795,937 | 28,795,937 | |
| Donations received – pigs | 2,419,700 | 2,419,700 | |
| [Grants Received] | |||
| Grants received | 24,488,403 | 24,488,403 | |
| [Program Revenue] | |||
| Program revenue | 234,796 | 234,796 | |
| Speaker fees / writing fees | 305,240 | 305,240 | |
| [Other Revenue] | |||
| Interest received | 202,221 | 202,221 | |
| Fees received | 426,079 | 426,079 | |
| Total ordinary revenue | 60,970,580 | 234,796 | 61,205,376 |
| [Ordinary Expenses] | |||
| [Program Expenses] | |||
| (Personnel expenses) | |||
| Salaries and allowances (program) | 12,280,920 | 15,000 | 12,295,920 |
| Officer compensation (program) | 3,625,071 | 3,625,071 | |
| Statutory welfare expenses (program) | 1,809,178 | 1,809,178 | |
| Employee welfare expenses (program) | 5,280 | 5,280 | |
| Total personnel expenses | 17,720,449 | 15,000 | 17,735,449 |
| (Other expenses) | |||
| Outsourcing expenses (program) | 830,080 | 830,080 | |
| Advertising and promotion expenses (program) | 235,053 | 235,053 | |
| Honoraria (program) | 21,600 | 21,600 | |
| Printing and bookbinding expenses (program) | 1,131,194 | 74,466 | 1,205,660 |
| Animal medical and protection expenses | 1,850,011 | 1,850,011 | |
| Meeting expenses (program) | 87,407 | 87,407 | |
| Venue expenses (program) | 166,450 | 166,450 | |
| Travel and transportation expenses (program) | 1,736,955 | 13,052 | 1,750,007 |
| Research expenses (program) | 26,400 | 26,400 | |
| Communication and shipping expenses (program) | 1,590,876 | 60,533 | 1,651,409 |
| Newspapers and books expenses (program) | 6,834 | 6,834 | |
| Supplies expenses (program) | 345,733 | 79 | 345,812 |
| Equipment (program) | 216,201 | 216,201 | |
| Repair expenses (program) | 28,111 | 28,111 | |
| IT-related expenses (program) | 1,320,364 | 7,812 | 1,328,176 |
| Utilities (program) | 577,950 | 440 | 578,390 |
| Land rent and office rent (program) | 1,251,068 | 12,948 | 1,264,016 |
| Insurance premiums (program) | 64,970 | 64,970 | |
| Membership dues (program) | 19,690 | 19,690 | |
| Taxes and public dues (program) | 154,041 | 29 | 154,070 |
| Bank/transfer fees (program) | 145,789 | 10,476 | 156,265 |
| Total other expenses | 11,806,777 | 179,835 | 11,986,612 |
| Total program expenses | 29,527,226 | 194,835 | 29,722,061 |
| [Administrative Expenses] | |||
| (Personnel expenses) | |||
| Salaries and allowances (administrative) | 1,059,274 | 1,059,274 | |
| Officer compensation (administrative) | 30,000 | 30,000 | |
| Outsourcing expenses (administrative) | 110,000 | 110,000 | |
| Total personnel expenses | 1,199,274 | 0 | 1,199,274 |
| (Other expenses) | |||
| Printing and bookbinding expenses (administrative) | 936 | 936 | |
| Travel and transportation expenses (administrative) | 28,860 | 28,860 | |
| Communication and shipping expenses (administrative) | 19,202 | 19,202 | |
| Supplies expenses (administrative) | 15,393 | 15,393 | |
| IT-related expenses (administrative) | 23,429 | 23,429 | |
| Utilities (administrative) | 5,004 | 5,004 | |
| Land rent and office rent (administrative) | 38,844 | 38,844 | |
| Taxes and public dues (administrative) | 89 | 89 | |
| Bank/transfer fees (administrative) | 45,072 | 45,072 | |
| Total other expenses | 176,829 | 0 | 176,829 |
| Total administrative expenses | 1,376,103 | 0 | 1,376,103 |
| Total ordinary expenses | 30,903,329 | 194,835 | 31,098,164 |
| Net change in ordinary activities for the period | 30,067,251 | 39,961 | 30,107,212 |
| [Non-operating Revenue] | |||
| Total non-operating revenue | 0 | ||
| [Non-operating Expenses] | |||
| Total non-operating expenses | 0 | ||
| Net assets change before taxes | 30,067,251 | 39,961 | 30,107,212 |
| Corporate tax, resident tax, and business tax | 70,000 | ||
| Reclassification transfer amount | 39,961 | △ 39,961 | |
| Net change in net assets for the period | 30,037,212 | ||
| Net assets carried forward from previous period | 159,180,156 | ||
| Net assets carried forward to next period | 189,217,368 | ||
| Balance Sheet | |||
| Specified Nonprofit Corporation Animal Rights Center | [Tax included] (Unit: JPY) | ||
| All offices | As of March 31, 2026 | ||
| Assets | Liabilities | ||
| Account | Amount | Account | Amount |
| [Current Assets] | [Current Liabilities] | ||
| (Cash and deposits) | Accounts payable | 1,426,196 | |
| Cash | 248,665 | Deposits received | 258,141 |
| PAYPAL (JPY) | 309,442 | Unpaid corporate taxes, etc. | 70,000 |
| Japan Post Bank – General account | 16,024,606 | Total current liabilities | 1,754,337 |
| Japan Post Bank – 127583 | 63,494,789 | Total liabilities | 1,754,337 |
| Japan Post Bank – 18536 | 1,046,259 | Net Assets | |
| Japan Post Bank – 189160AD | 1,333,026 | [Net Assets] | |
| Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank | 98,978,188 | Net assets carried forward from previous period | 159,180,156 |
| Petty cash | 32,126 | Net change in net assets for the period | 30,037,212 |
| Total cash and deposits | 181,467,101 | Total net assets | 189,217,368 |
| (Inventory assets) | Total net assets | 189,217,368 | |
| Stored supplies | 184,828 | ||
| Total inventory assets | 184,828 | ||
| Total current assets | 181,651,929 | ||
| [Fixed Assets] | |||
| (Tangible fixed assets) | |||
| Buildings | 1,105,072 | ||
| Vehicles | 540,000 | ||
| Furniture and fixtures | 67,565 | ||
| Land | 7,421,139 | ||
| Total tangible fixed assets | 9,133,776 | ||
| (Investments and other assets) | |||
| Security deposit | 186,000 | ||
| Total investments and other assets | 186,000 | ||
| Total fixed assets | 9,319,776 | ||
| Total assets | 190,971,705 | Total liabilities and net assets | 190,971,705 |