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Volunteers at the Tokyo Giving Machines devotional, January 17, 20262026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.On the evening of January 17, 2026, a devotional for the Tokyo Giving Machines was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Tokyo Japan Temple annex under the direction of Elder Kim, Counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency. About 100 people gathered, including members of the Tokyo Giving Machines Executive Committee—who had overseen the 32‑day event from November 24 to December 25—and volunteers from the greater Tokyo area.
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Brother Edward Ray, Chair of the Tokyo Giving Machines Executive Committee, at the devotional, January 17, 20262026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.At the beginning, Brother Edward Ray, chair of the Executive Committee, expressed appreciation to the more than 400 people who volunteered throughout the event, including those unable to attend the devotional. He reported approximate totals from the donation period: more than 8,250 visitors and over 4,100 donated items (all numbers are estimates and not final). The largest number of donations were for food and meal‑related items, followed by items that support self‑reliance and items that promote safety and well‑being. Although this was the first time the donation activity had been held in Japan, it reached a scale comparable to similar efforts internationally.
When volunteers were invited to share their thoughts, one brother spoke about his experience: “When the call first went out for Giving Machine volunteers, I immediately asked my wife, ‘Could we do this together? I want to sign up right away.’ It truly was a wonderful opportunity. What impressed me most about the Giving Machines was seeing so many people—not just Church members, but people across religions, across nationalities, and across generations—come and make donations. It was remarkable to see the Lord’s work move forward in this way, with those who are not members also becoming a light to the world. I truly felt, ‘This is the Lord’s way.’”
For members of the Executive Committee, the event began in a state of uncertainty, as everything was being built from the ground up. As preparations progressed, they noticed a transformation in their relationships with the many people involved—religious leaders, volunteer organizations, and contracted vendors. These individuals shifted from being business contacts to becoming friends and trusted partners. This change came as they came to understand the value of the Giving Machines and developed a deep appreciation for the event.
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Elder Christopher H. Kim, Counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency, at the devotional, January 17, 20262026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.During the devotional, Elder Kim spoke briefly about the Giving Machines planned for 2026, noting that in addition to Tokyo, the event will likely be held in Osaka as well. He also expressed his personal hope that the program will eventually spread nationwide.
From the beginning, Brother Ray had said, “If those who donate, those who volunteer, those who participate, and even those who simply pass through the venue can smile or feel warmth in their hearts, then the Giving Machines are a great success. That is their purpose. That is the love of the Lord.”
It seems clear that the purpose of the Tokyo Giving Machines was fulfilled.