Board member

Takuya Shiraishi (President)

＜message＞I’m working as an international development consultant in the developing and emerging countries around the world. I have been working together with Madagascar since 2013 and making a good relationship. Through my work and life in Madagascar, I have realized the current situation of differences between the local people’s needs and the feelings of Japanese people who want to cooperate with Madagascar but can’t visit there. In particular, grassroots activities are directly linked to local needs however the activities would stop after the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) return to Japan or running out of NGO funds In many cases, even though local needs have not been met.

On the other hand, , there are not so many opportunities to learn about these local needs and get involved easily from Japan side. Recently, more and more individuals and companies are learning about "SDGs" and want to take some actions as their own things however there is a lack of "producers" to connect these "thoughts (= skills, funds, personal connections, etc.)" to local needs.

With the aim of taking on this role of producer, we have come to establish the Manatody Fund, together with a wonderful friends from Japan and abroad. We will make the most of each member's network to help connect the needs of the local community with the cooperation spirit of Japanese people. Thank you all for your support and cooperation with Mantody Fund!

Ryuzo Habara

(Vice President)

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After my first activities in Madagascar as JOCV, I have been working in Madagascar for more than 15 years. There are many people that they want to do something for Madagascar, but are not able to connect their thoughts to concrete work or activities, and I strongly think that is a waste of opportunities.

I believe that one person's thoughts can eventually become a great power, and I hope to help these people who have some “thoughts”.

Masakatsu Ohwada

(Chief of the secretariat)

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When I implemented the project based on JICA scheme of private sector partnership, I went abroad for the first time in my life and the country was Madagascar. Through the project, we were shocked to see the destruction of forests and children unable to attend school, but at the same time, we were impressed that they smiled at us peacefully. We will work on to see their smiles and to improve their study and life environment in the future as well.

Chihiro Tnaka

(Accounting Staff)

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I was sent to Botanical and Zoological Garden as JOCV and after returning to Japan, I have been involved in technical assistance regarding animals in Madagascar.It has been difficult for us to work with people who live next to nature, and whose lives are not always affluent, but through Manatody Fund, I was able to tackled the issue.I believe that sustainable human life style will lead to the long term of conservation of nature.

Keiko Sakurai

(Auditor)

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After I was working to expand aquaculture technology as JOCV, I chose Madagascar as the field for my graduate school research and visited door to door fisheries sites. I was drawn to Madagascar and saw and learned about its diversity. I hope that we can support the Malagasy people who are living in the same lifetime, to make a better life.

Yuki Ohbuchi

(Public Relations)

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I was involved in Kaizen activities to improve the quality of farmers’ life in Madagascar agricultural area as JOCV. Thorough these activities, I found both the richness of mind in people in the area and the vulnerability to sudden misfortune (e.g., illness, natural disasters). I will work to make Madagascar prosperous and more resilient to sudden misfortune.

Hisanori Suzuki

(Public Relations)

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I was involved in Irrigation Associations and aquaculture activities in Madagascar, but had to return to Japan urgently due to COVID-19 pandemic before reaching the end of term. I will work to return the favor to Malagasy people, to support them take better action in their own future, and the nation “JAPAN” and “JAPANESE people” to be loved more and more.

Ferana Raharinzatovo

(Field Manager)

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I have been working on Japanese project with Japanese members since around 2012. These experiences and connection was inspired me to join Manatody Fund. I’m working on rural development and environmental protection energetically. I will continue to cooperate with Japanese people to ensure the success of Manatody Fund's activities for the future.