"Politics Derails, Business Cannot Save Everything, NPOs Can Only Save So Much" - Why We Chose Policy Entrepreneurship

On June 5, 2025, a new series began on SET's Podcast. One of the narrators, Shunsuke Mitsui, director of a certified NPO, was once a young person who immersed himself in local communities through NPO work. The other narrator is Akira Kimura, a city council member of Rikuzentakata. The new podcast series from certified NPO SET, "Making Politics an Ally for Community Development - The Lives of Policy Entrepreneurs Who Drive Youth and Regions," will be delivered in 4 episodes, distributed every Friday.

Questions Starting from Three Limitations

"Politics derails, business cannot save everything, and NPOs can only save so much." These three phrases, discussed in the third episode of the series, honestly articulate the sense of stagnation felt by many involved in community development. When one still wants to change a region, where should they stand? What is the meaning of applying the concept of "policy entrepreneurship," researched overseas since 1984, to Japanese regions facing population decline? This series confronts these questions from the field of Rikuzentakata.

The Original Experiences with the Community Held by the Two Narrators In the first episode, "Why Did You Choose to Become a 'Council Member'?" both individuals share their original experiences, from their encounters with the community immediately after the earthquake to the moment their friends rushed to support them on the final day of the election. Why did they choose the path of a council member rather than an NPO or business? This introductory episode questions the endpoint of the desire to "change society."

In the second episode, "What You See Only After 'Entering' the Council," the realities of being a council member are carefully explained, covering the structure of the dual representative system, the movements of the four regular sessions per year, and how to move things forward beyond just saying "we will consider it." The behind-the-scenes story of Mitsui establishing a new NPO in Rikuzentakata aimed at promoting permanent residency is also told.

The series continues with the third episode, "What is Policy Entrepreneurship? - Ideas to Overcome Three Limitations," and the fourth episode, "The Possibilities of Politics Unique to Regions - Collaboration with Administration Drives Community Development." Is the administration an "enemy" or a "friend"? What lies beyond the shackles of social business? The questions raised from the small town of Rikuzentakata reach everyone who thinks about the future of their region.

To Whom This Series is Delivered

We want to deliver these four episodes to people who have the desire to change society but are unsure where to stand. We would be grateful if those who are questioning their own position, whether in rural areas or cities, in NPOs or government, would listen.

Planning & Speaker: Shunsuke Mitsui / Guest: Akira Kimura, Rikuzentakata City Council Member / Editing & Composition: Makoto Fujita / BGM: Chihiro Nishida / Art Cover: Shota Okada

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About Certified NPO SET

SET's mission is to "Turn everyone's 'want to do' into 'done' and bring Good Change to Japan's future." Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, we have created systems for young people and residents to learn together in regions, primarily in Iwate Prefecture. Through programs like school trip homestays and programs for university students and working adults, and community building, we foster "lasting relationships" where young people engage in the daily lives of the region and learn together with residents. In fiscal year 2024, over 5,000 people participated. We now operate in multiple regions beyond Iwate Prefecture. We are working towards sustainable community development based on the very relationships between people and regions, simultaneously fostering the growth of young people and the vitality of the regions. We have received the Prime Minister's Award twice in the past, among numerous other awards.

[Organization Overview]

Certified Specified Non-Profit Organization SET

Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture

Director: Shunsuke Mitsui

Established: March 12, 2011 (Incorporated: June 18, 2013, Certified: October 16, 2025)

Official Website: https://www.nposet.org

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[Inquiries Regarding Coverage]

Public Relations: [email protected]

Phone: 0192-47-5747