MieTa Inc. (Chuo Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Tomoaki Muramatsu), a company that provides practical inquiry-based learning services in collaboration with diverse experts active in society, has been entrusted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to implement the 'Youth Entrepreneurship Practice Program' for fiscal years 2026 (Reiwa 8) and 2027 (Reiwa 9).

Background of the 'Youth Entrepreneurship Practice' Program

This initiative originated from policy proposals submitted by high school students themselves through the 'Youth Policy Participation Project' in fiscal year 2025 (Reiwa 7).

According to the Japan Foundation's 2024 survey on 18-year-olds' awareness (※1), only 45.8% of Japanese youth believe they can change their country or society through their own actions—the lowest rate among six surveyed countries. Additionally, a survey by the National Institution for Youth Education (※2) found that only 22.9% of Japanese high school students 'strongly' or 'somewhat' agree with the statement 'I want to start my own company or shop,' less than half the rates in other countries (53.5% in the U.S., 58.6% in China, and 64.1% in South Korea), highlighting a high barrier to taking initiative in uncharted areas.

Meanwhile, in today’s rapidly changing world with no clear answers, the 'spirit of challenge'—the willingness to forge ahead without fear of failure—is becoming increasingly important.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to increase the number of youth who proactively take on challenges by helping future creators experience the importance and appeal of taking initiative through self-driven problem-solving and collaboration with diverse individuals. Initiatives such as SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Public Day, held on April 29, 2026 (Reiwa 8), have provided platforms where high school students’ ideas inspire their peers to take their 'first new step.' To further advance these efforts, Tokyo has launched the 'Youth Entrepreneurship Practice Program,' where high school students themselves plan and implement activities to spread the appeal of challenge to their peers.

※1 Japan Foundation Survey on 18-Year-Olds' Awareness, 62nd Theme: 'Awareness of Country and Society (Six-Country Survey)'

※2 National Institution for Youth Education, 'Survey Report on High School Students’ Career and Occupational Awareness'

※3 SusHi Tech Tokyo Official Website

About the Youth Entrepreneurship Practice Program

(1) Program Overview

High school students will take the lead in planning and operating programs that inspire their peers to become interested in tackling social issues, entrepreneurship, and other challenges. The goal is to create a cycle where students develop and apply the skills needed to address real-world problems.

(2) Program Activities

Centered at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), the core 'Youth Members' will plan and implement the following initiatives:

- Planning and organizing idea pitches and other activities for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2027 Public Day (※4) - Activities to promote an entrepreneurial mindset at TIB - Content creation aimed at sparking interest in entrepreneurship and business among peers

(Program activities scheduled from November 2026 to May 2027)

※4 A day where children, students, and adults of all ages can interact with startups and cutting-edge technologies, collectively envisioning the future

Official website: https://entre-practice.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

Recruitment of 'Youth Members'

(1) Application Period

July 7, 2026 (Tuesday) to September 13, 2026 (Sunday)

(2) Member Activity Overview

Starting around November 2026, approximately 20 students will form a team and participate in monthly meetings (about twice a month) at Tokyo Innovation Base, including orientation sessions and planning meetings. They will collaboratively design events for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2027 Public Day aimed at making entrepreneurship and business more accessible and appealing to their peers.

During the program, members will also attend lectures by entrepreneurship experts and participate in external events to deepen their understanding of how society works.

By collaborating and learning from peers of various grades and backgrounds from diverse middle and high schools, participants will broaden their perspectives and develop teamwork skills.

※For details and application, please visit the website below:

https://entre-practice.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

Awareness-Raising Event: 'The First Step Toward Challenge Starts Here'

An awareness-raising event will be held to introduce the program’s goals and planned activities and convey its appeal.

Through expert-led talk sessions and workshops, the event will share insights into entrepreneurs’ 'daily lives' and 'inner struggles.'

◇ Date and Time

August 4, 2026 (Tuesday), 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

◇ Venue

Tokyo Innovation Base

◇ Speakers

Eriko Yamaguchi (CEO & Chief Designer, Motherhouse Co., Ltd.)

Kota Hikichi (CEO & Creative Director, VISIONs Inc.) and others

◇ Application

Please apply via the Google Form below:

https://x.gd/PcEkh

MieTa has supported educational operations for over 180 schools nationwide through the planning, operation, and delivery of inquiry-based and career learning programs. Leveraging this track record and expertise, MieTa will collaborate with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to provide a practical platform that transforms students’ genuine passion and desire to 'change society' into concrete 'actions.' We will support approximately 20 participating high school students as they bravely tackle society’s 'questions without definitive answers' and cultivate the ability to shape their own futures.

About MieTa

MieTa Inc. operates under the concept of 'Connecting learning with society to create oneself and the future.' Drawing from over 100 real-world themes, the company designs, operates, and delivers inquiry-based programs such as workshops, fieldwork, and school trips tailored to each school’s unique characteristics. Through MieTa’s exclusive network of experts, students gain opportunities to learn proactively while connecting with the real world.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event