NPO OIKOS Launches Nationwide Initiative: 'Yusupotto' – Safe Spaces for Children Created by University Students

OIKOS, a certified nonprofit organization (Representative Director: Harukawa Haruto), completed its official registration on May 14, 2026, and has begun operations as an NPO. OIKOS establishes student-led branches at universities across Japan to operate 'Yusupotto'—new community spaces for children. These spaces prioritize safety and connection, uniquely enabled by university students who are close in age to the children. With formal incorporation, OIKOS will now expand this initiative nationwide.

1. Background of Establishment

OIKOS addresses the 'poverty of connection and security' among children and youth. This refers to the lack of time and relationships in local communities where young people can genuinely feel, 'It's okay for me to be here,' outside of family and school. The informal, natural connections with neighbors and older figures that once existed in communities have diminished due to nuclear families, dual-income and single-parent households, and weakening community ties.

This invisible issue is now reflected in alarming statistics. The number of elementary and junior high school students not attending school is approximately 350,000, and youth suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students reached 529—both at record highs (MEXT and MHLW, Reiwa 6 survey). OIKOS believes a key root of these issues is the lack of safe, welcoming spaces for children.

OIKOS’s solution leverages two key resources: 'university students' and 'universities.' As non-parental, non-teacher figures, university students offer a 'diagonal' relationship where children can share small concerns they wouldn’t bring up to adults. Universities, meanwhile, offer underutilized space, people, and knowledge—resources that, when opened to the community, can expand children’s worlds.

Combining these two creates 'Yusupotto.'

The name carries two meanings. First, YOUTH × SPOT: a space created by young people like university students, offering close, peer-like interaction with children. Second, YOUR × SPOT: a place where children can be themselves, not conforming to others. 'Yusupotto' is a space for all children, created by students.

The organization’s origin lies in the experience of Haruto Furukawa, the representative, who led a student group at Keio University providing meals and running children’s cafeterias. From that field experience, the ongoing relationships built with children evolved into a new kind of space—'Yusupotto'—beyond the traditional children’s cafeteria model. As activities expanded, so did responsibilities: more locations, partnerships with companies and local governments, and accountability to donors—roles too great for an informal group. To ensure sustainability and social credibility, OIKOS completed registration as a certified nonprofit on May 14, 2026.

2. OIKOS Activities – A Two-Tier Structure of Headquarters and Branches

OIKOS operates 'Yusupotto' spaces for children across communities. University students lead operations on the ground, while the headquarters supports the launch and sustainability of each branch. This two-tier structure—'students create the space, headquarters supports through systems'—is OIKOS’s defining feature.

Branch Operations by University Students: Students at each university establish branches and operate 'Yusupotto' spaces in their local communities. Through meals, play, study, and quiet time, they create everyday environments where children feel safe and at ease.

Headquarters Support for Launch and Sustainability: The headquarters provides ongoing support to ensure branches can launch and continue sustainably. This includes sharing know-how, training, and operational assistance. The headquarters’ role is to transform student passion into sustainable systems.

3. Achievements to Date

- Over 570 children and youth have visited - 3 'Yusupotto' locations currently operating - Over 20 events held to date

Current Locations: - OIKOS Todai (since June 2025) - OIKOS Kagaku University (since January 2026) - OIKOS Komazawa (since July 2026)

Note: As of July 2026, 7 additional locations are in preparation.

Timeline of Progress: - Origin: Student-led cooking and children’s cafeteria initiatives at Keio University - 2024: Launched student-run children’s cafeteria in Arakawa Ward - June 2025: Established first location, 'OIKOS Todai' - May 2026: Incorporated as NPO OIKOS

4. Vision and Mission

Vision: To create a society where every child looks forward to tomorrow.

Mission: OIKOS will achieve this vision by increasing three key things:

- Increase offline spaces where children say 'See you again': Create everyday spaces for eating, playing, studying, or just being—places children want to return to. - Increase connections with student mentors in 'diagonal' relationships: Interactions with university students—neither parents nor teachers—can become small, safe entry points before deeper consultation. - Increase the number of children who feel 'It’s okay to be myself': Transform children’s 'Anyway, I can’t' into 'Maybe I can do it too.'

5. Future Outlook and Call for Support

With incorporation as the first step, OIKOS will advance toward nationwide expansion. 'Yusupotto' spaces based at or near universities will be established across Japan at a sustainable pace.

- September 2026: Launch crowdfunding campaign (READYFOR / target: 7.5 million JPY) - Within FY2026: Aim to establish 20 locations, accelerating expansion to universities nationwide

Alongside this, OIKOS has launched a monthly supporter program, 'Philos,' to ensure sustainable support. 'Philos' comes from the Greek word for 'love' or 'friendship,' the same root as 'OIKOS' (meaning 'home'). For as little as 100 JPY per month, anyone can become part of the OIKOS community. While most organizations set monthly support at 500 JPY, OIKOS chose 100 JPY to lower the barrier to participation in social good. 'Philos' is less about raising funds and more about growing a community. Small, monthly support adds up, enabling students to continue their work with peace of mind. We start with a goal of 200 supporters. We would be delighted if you became one of them.

Join 'Philos'

To expand children’s safe spaces across Japan, we welcome support from individuals and corporations.

- One-time donations: From 500 JPY - Monthly supporter 'Philos': From 100 JPY/month - Corporate sponsorship and joint projects: CSR and sustainability partnerships - Pro bono and skill-based support: Management, design, PR, legal, etc.

Inquiries can be made via our official website.

We would be grateful if you could support us through the link.

Representative’s Message

'What we want to create is a place where children can say, 'See you again.' Not just for special someone, but a daily space where every child feels it’s okay to be themselves. For me, it all started two years ago with the children’s cafeteria in Arakawa Ward. There, I saw that beyond just food, it was the safe time and the relationships that made children want to return—those were what truly supported their hearts. What children need isn’t just support after problems become serious. It’s having easy access to a place where they can drop in and talk. That’s what helps children develop the strength to affirm themselves.'