Over 80% Comprehension! Experiential Cybersecurity Education Program "Cyber Sakura 2026" for Junior High and High School Students Nationwide Launches. Applications for the First Round, "ROUND1: Defense," Begin July 3rd!

NPO L-Community (Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Representative: Miki Takebe) is launching "Cyber Sakura 2026," an experiential cybersecurity education program for beginners targeting junior high and high school students nationwide. In conjunction with this, applications for the first round, "ROUND1: Defense," will begin on July 3, 2026.

In recent years, the threat of cybercrime has rapidly become more serious and sophisticated, with an increase in phishing reports, fraudulent transfers, and data leaks from listed companies in Japan. Against this backdrop, the existence of "ethical hackers (white hat hackers)" who can protect society and corporate systems with high ethical standards and solid technical skills, rather than just passive countermeasures, is more needed than ever.

"Cyber Sakura" is an experiential program designed for junior high, high school, and technical high school students who are beginners with no prior cybersecurity knowledge, aiming to convey the joy of learning through hands-on activities.

This year, we will continue to expand nationwide by leveraging the strengths of online delivery, enhance our constant support system using a Discord community, and strengthen our role as a "hub" to connect students to more specialized events from other organizations, providing a "platform for challenge" for them to grow into next-generation professionals.

"Cyber Sakura 2026" Program Overview and Schedule

Throughout the year, we will offer three consecutive experiential rounds (ROUNDs) covering diverse fields. Drop-in participation for only the rounds you are inexperienced in or find challenging is also welcome.

・ROUND1: Defense | Held on August 20 or August 22 (Applications start July 3)

Cooperation: Sakura Internet Co., Ltd.

Students will build a web server prepared in the cloud, conduct vulnerability assessments, and reinforce weaknesses. They will learn methods to strengthen system defenses while deepening their understanding of how the internet works.

・ROUND2: Improve | Held in October (Applications start September)

Cooperation: Hitachi Solutions Create, Ltd.

Students will participate in a quiz competition in a question-and-answer format called "CTF (Capture The Flag)." They will hone new technical skills, learn how to use tools, and improve their security skills in a game-like environment.

・ROUND3: Pursue | Held in December (Applications start November)

Cooperation: Fukui Prefectural Police

Students will experience realistic cyber investigations, role-playing as cyber investigators alongside active police officers to track down traces left in suspicious systems.

Official Website: https://cybersakura.jp/

ROUND1: Defense

Features and Past Achievements

・High Satisfaction and Solid Comprehension: In last year's survey, many participants responded with "very satisfied." By providing a "debriefing session" after the program, we resolve any confusion and ensure a curriculum with over 80% comprehension that leads to further learning.

・Addressing Educational Disparities and Expanding the Base: Held entirely online, the program allows participation from junior high and high school students across the country, not just in urban areas. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including general education high schools and public junior high schools, not limited to technical schools, serving as the "first point of contact" before specialized education.

・Community Management via Discord: We have created an environment where participants can freely ask questions and chat before and after ROUND sessions. It also functions as a community space for direct communication with students going forward.

Application Guidelines

・Target Audience: Junior high and high school students nationwide (for beginners)

・Participation Fee: Free

・Capacity: First 20 participants per session

・How to Apply: Applications will be accepted from July 3 via the official website or the QR code on the flyer. *Registering for membership (free) allows for early application.

・Organizer: NPO L-Community / Cyber Sakura Secretariat

・Supporters: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications / Fukui Prefecture / Fukui Prefectural Board of Education / Sabae City

・Cooperation: Sakura Internet Co., Ltd. / Hitachi Solutions Create, Ltd. / Fukui Prefectural Police

・Sponsorship: NSD Co., Ltd. / Fujitsu Limited / Takebe Musen Co., Ltd.

Explanation Video Here

About the Organizer

NPO L-Community has been based in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture for 18 years, fostering local leaders through the "Sabae City Regional Revitalization Plan Contest" and creating sustainable regional activity structures. Additionally, we have nurtured future leaders for "IT Town Sabae" by providing programming education to children at the IT x Manufacturing base "Hana Dojo" and supporting programming education in city elementary schools in collaboration with Sabae City. "Cyber Sakura" is an educational project developed by leveraging this experience. We will continue to provide learning opportunities with the aim of expanding the base of individuals who will become leaders in cyberspace.

Company Name: NPO L-Community

Location: 2F Hana Dojo, 1-6-6 Asahi-cho, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture Establishment: September 28, 2012

Business Activities:

1. Support projects for plans promoting regional revitalization proposed by young people

2. Support projects for creating regional brands aimed at improving regional capabilities

3. Projects to promote participation in regional activities targeting young people

Representative Name: Miki Takebe

URL: https://www.l-community.com/