Accelerating Independence Support for Foster Care Youth: Iruka House's New Expert Team

Accelerating Independence Support for Foster Care Youth

As societal issues continue to evolve, the role of NPOs supporting children in need of social care in Japan becomes increasingly vital. Iruka House, an NPO that focuses on providing a safe haven for diverse individuals in urban settings, has taken a significant step forward. On November 8, 2025, they announced the formation of an expert team composed of Takuma Matsumoto, a small business consultant, and Nobunaga Administrative Scrivener Office led by Yoshihiro Kobayashi. This collaboration aims not only to tackle operational challenges but also to enhance their support for youth who have experienced foster care.

The Need for Sustainable Operations

Many NPOs in Japan grapple with structural challenges that make continuous operation difficult. According to a report by the Cabinet Office, 63.3% of NPOs cite difficulties in securing and nurturing personnel, while 58.7% struggle with financial resource acquisition and diversification. Iruka House faces similar hurdles and aims to establish a sustainable business model to transcend these issues and focus on its core mission: aiding young people who are transitioning from foster care.

Under the leadership of Tomoe Koike, Iruka House thrives as a local bastion of support, leveraging her expertise in child counseling and trauma care. The organization seeks to foster a community environment that proactively engages families before governmental intervention is necessary, creating safe and stable homes for youth. In this urban landscape, single-parent families and those who live far from their own extended families often encounter hardships in childrearing. Iruka House has consistently provided food, emotional respite, educational opportunities, and collaborative support for families navigating these challenges.

Yet, scaling their operations to reach more individuals requires moving from a dependency on charismatic leadership to establishing a solid organizational foundation. This transformation is critical amid the complex landscape faced by NPOs in Japan today.

Collaborating with Experts

To strengthen their operations, Iruka House has brought in specialists in management and law. This partnership signifies a new approach, ensuring that their vision aligns seamlessly with sustainable business practices.

Matsumoto, with extensive experience in NPO support, will lead the charge in identifying grants and crafting essential project outlines. His adept facilitation skills will be pivotal in achieving consensus among stakeholders while directing the project's overall progress. Meanwhile, Kobayashi's administrative prowess will empower the organization to secure substantial grants. His focus on enhancing social trust through compliance and procedure development will help mitigate over-reliance on individual leaders, which is a common pitfall for NPOs.

Furthermore, innovative technologies like DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) are set to be explored, creating a transparent and self-sustaining operational model that encourages community participation and engagement.

Voices of the Experts

In a comment, Matsumoto expressed enthusiasm for enabling Iruka House's noble aspirations to transform into a continuum of sustainable activities. He emphasized the importance of leveraging project management expertise to construct a robust foundation that ensures the children's futures.

Kobayashi reflected on his mission: providing a light to those lost in darkness. He views Iruka House as a beacon for those struggling to find a way out, promising to navigate legal complexities to support their vital work.

Looking Ahead

With an eye on the future, Iruka House aims to accelerate the development of its business plans and secure large-scale funding for fostering independence among socially cared-for youth, targeting initiatives like the 2026 social welfare independence support project. Their new expert team could serve as a model for similar NPOs across the nation, redefining peer-support dynamics and sustainable operation frameworks.

About Iruka House