It is a group of people who get together monthly, to contribute and receive emotional assistance, advice, and financial support on a rotating basis. The term is called moai in Okinawa, but it may be a local language term. I want to find the Japanese equivalent. Thank you.
-
5What is this called in English?– paullbMar 20, 2017 at 21:39
-
My female friend meets with a group of friends, contributes money to the group, and it is given to one who is in need, and the following month, another member is selected. This occurs on a monthly basis, the way I understand it.– Jack BosmaMar 21, 2017 at 5:16
-
So it's like a private welfare system...? Is this friend of yours Japanese or why do you think that there would be a Japanese term for this when you can't even explain it properly in English...?– a20Mar 21, 2017 at 10:24
-
The term is called something like Moai/Mouai but I am unable to locate a proper Japanese term. Thank you.– Jack BosmaMar 21, 2017 at 11:35
-
3ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A8%A1%E5%90%88 「模合」だって~初めて聞きます– chocolate ♦Mar 21, 2017 at 11:50
1 Answer
A moai is an informal group created by people who commit to offer emotional, social or even financial assistance to one another. The concept originated when farmers would meet on a regular basis to discuss the best ways to plant crops and how to support one another should their crops fail. Today, members of these social cooperatives meet one another’s practical needs—problem-solving, planning, pooling resources and collaborating. They also serve as extended family where social and emotional needs are met—managing a crisis, reducing stress, connecting emotionally and, at times, assuaging grief. Essentially, a moai is a group of people who “have your back” and commit to all aspects of well-being.
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A8%A1%E5%90%88 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moai_(social_support_groups)