Exploring the Community Well-being Beyond Healthcare: A Joint Event with Youth Engagement

Exploring Community Well-being Beyond Healthcare

On January 17, 2026, a unique collaborative event took place at the headquarters of Astellas Pharma in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. This gathering brought together various stakeholders including healthcare professionals, businesses, government officials, non-profit organizations, researchers, and citizens to discuss community well-being beyond traditional healthcare frameworks.

The Power of Local Voices in Inspiring Youth

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Hiroyuki Ishiwatari, the Vice Chairman of SET, a certified NPO based in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture. During his talk, he shared the incredible journey of SET over the past 15 years, which has been deeply intertwined with the local community and the youth who have engaged with it since the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

A representative from Hirota Town in Rikuzentakata also spoke about the hope and transformation that young people bring into their community. "Initially, we were skeptical about what these urban youths could really contribute. However, as we witnessed their genuine passion for our town, it motivated us to reflect and embrace change ourselves,” expressed the local community member. This interaction marked a touching reunion for many who had assisted the youths in their student days, leading to heartfelt exchanges during the event.

The dialogues that emerged across generations reinforced SET's core belief: people can change, and when individuals evolve, the essence of the community also transforms.

15 Years of Commitment to Believing in Change

SET was established on March 13, 2011, just two days after the earthquake, with a mission to foster mutual learning between young people and local residents in Hirota Town. Over the past 15 years, SET has championed the idea that fostering strong relationships and providing opportunities for education and engagement can lead to overall community growth and well-being.

During the event, SET presented various successful examples of community development that demonstrated how connection and collaboration can uplift not only individuals but the entire town as well. This inspiring message resonated with the attendees, promoting the intrinsic value of communal interactions.

An Invitation to Collaborate

In the spirit of continued engagement, SET expressed its desire to host more events like this in the future. They welcome involvement from enterprises, organizations, and individuals interested in facilitating youth-community connections or creating dialogue opportunities across different fields.

SET wants to create spaces where young people can lead initiatives and converse with community members, ensuring that mutual learning continues to thrive.

Event Details

- Date: January 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (doors open at 12:30 PM)
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and Zoom Webinar)
- Limit: 100 in-person participants / 200 online (first-come, first-served)
- Venue: Astellas Pharma Headquarters (2-5-1 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
- Participation Fee: Free
- Organizer: CNC Corporation

About SET

SET has made it its mission to turn individuals' aspirations into achievements to foster positive change in Japan's future. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, they have developed mechanisms for young people and residents to learn from one another, aiming for a circular social system that enhances both youth development and community vitality. In 2024, over 5,000 people are expected to participate in their initiatives, including home-stays during school trips, programs for university students and professionals, and community building.

Organization Overview:

- Name: Certified NPO SET
- Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota Town, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
- Chairman: Shunsuke Mitsui
- Established: March 12, 2011 (Incorporated on June 18, 2013, Certification received on October 16, 2025)
- Website: https://www.nposet.org
- Instagram: SET Instagram
- Podcast: Spotify: SET Podcast on Spotify | Amazon Music: SET Podcast on Amazon Music