YMCA Japan was in the global YMCA spotlight in late June and early July 2025, as World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee and Head of Strategy & Policy Răzvan‑Victor Sassu visited the national YMCA Movement and several of its local associations, and took part in the World Urban Network (WUN) annual conference, including the Osaka (World) Expo 2025.
National Council & General Secretaries Meeting at Tozanso YMCA (20–21 June)
Carlos and Răzvan began their visit at Tozanso YMCA during the annual National Council Meeting, uniting all local YMCAs in Japan. Carlos’s keynote address emphasized the global YMCA Movement’s role in building a world of peace and calling for alignment with Vision 2030. He also spoke directly to local CEOs during a dedicated General Secretaries meeting.
“This is more than just a country visit. Japan’s commitment to Vision 2030, its organisational strength, and its spirit of peace is a gift to the whole global YMCA Movement.”
— Carlos Sanvee, World YMCA Secretary General
Răzvan followed with a plenary workshop and presentation focused on advancing Vision 2030 implementation nationwide, facilitating a dialogue between youth, staff, and leaders on embedding shared strategies in diverse contexts.
Local YMCA Visits & Staff Workshops (22–25 June)
In the days that followed, the team visited five local YMCAs—Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Kamakura—each underscoring innovative programming tied to global vision.
In Tokyo YMCA, Răzvan led a workshop with 40+ staff and volunteers addressing the need to accelerate the implementation of YMCA Vision 2030, as well as practical ways to do it. The workshop also enabled interactive engagement and led to great insights informing both the local team and the global context.
At Osaka YMCA, a similar workshop was hosted with 60+ staff and volunteers.
“Vision 2030 is only as strong as the commitment of each local YMCA. In Japan, we witnessed that commitment alive — in classrooms, care centres, and in the hearts of staff and youth.”
— Răzvan‑Victor Sassu
Visits to Yokohama YMCA highlighted its intergenerational model—where elderly care and kindergarten coexist in a shared facility—and left a lasting emotional impression for the team.
Kamakura YMCA’s strong local focus demonstrated how smaller YMCAs make a significant community impact, guided by needs-based programming and grassroots presence.
A special moment of the journey was the visit to Hiroshima YMCA, where Carlos and Răzvan met with Hibakusha (people affected by the atomic bomb), notably Mr. Kunihiko Sakuma, Chairman of Hiroshima Prefectural Hidankyo, and Mr. Toshiyuki Mimaki, Chairman of the Hiroshima Prefecture Council of Atomic Bomb Victims Organizations. They laid flowers at the Peace Memorial Park. It is of note that in 2024 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Japan A-Bomb Victims Association, and Mr. Toshiyuki Mimaki delivered an acceptance speech in Oslo.
“What moved me was the work of the YMCA of Hiroshima. Their programs are not just about remembering the past—they are about actively building a future rooted in peace, understanding, and reconciliation.”
— Carlos Sanvee
World Urban Network & Expo 2025 Engagement (29 June – 4 July)
After Carlos departed for another work visit in Hong Kong, Răzvan’s visit continued as part of the World Urban Network (WUN) conference held at Osaka YMCA, gathering over 60 CEOs and senior YMCA leaders from around the world. He shared updates from World YMCA to the WUN Executive Committee and to the full conference.
On 1 July, Răzvan represented World YMCA as a speaker at the Special Theme Week event, held at the Expo 2025 Osaka. Co-hosted by Osaka YMCA and World Urban Network alongside thematic producer Nakajima Sachiko, this session featured global YMCA leaders contributing to a dialogue broadcast live worldwide on “Health and Well-being.” The programme positioned YMCA as a contributor to global conversations on inclusion and flourishing life.
Attending the Expo 2025 Osaka was also a good opportunity to reconnect with the World YMCA heritage, as the World Alliance itself was created during a World Exhibition in Paris in 1855.
Launchpad for Vision 2030 & Global Dialogue
This visit reinforced YMCA Japan’s leadership in implementing Vision 2030—both at the national level and across local branches. Through workshops, keynote speeches, and high‑level dialogue, the delegation observed how Vision 2030 is actively shaping programming, partnerships, and strategic planning.