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sooup Consulting's Commitment to Youth Development in Kochi

In a significant initiative, sooup Consulting, a leading company specializing in management support services, has confirmed its dedication to supporting high school students in Kochi Prefecture through corporate hometown tax donations. For six consecutive years, sooup has contributed to Kochi’s local government fund, supporting the Kochi Future Creation Global Human Resource Development Project, which aims to nurture global talent among local youth. This year marks the second consecutive contribution to this essential program.

The Kochi Future Creation Global Human Resource Development initiative is in alignment with the Tobitate! Study Abroad Japan program, which is a public-private partnership led by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology alongside the Japan Student Services Organization. The aim of this initiative is to support students from Kochi to engage in inquiry-based study abroad experiences, contributing to their personal and professional growth while addressing both local and global challenges.

sooup Consulting's CEO, Hiroshin Wada, who hails from Kochi, has a personal connection to this initiative. Growing up in a single-parent household, Wada financed his own education through scholarships and part-time jobs, and he understands firsthand the impact of international exposure on young people's lives. He has expressed his commitment to helping students gain opportunities that were once beyond his reach, believing that such experiences are vital in today’s interconnected world.

Recent Events

On June 7, 2026, Wada participated in both the farewell ceremony and the pre-orientation session for the Kochi Future Creation Global Human Resource Development Project. During this event, he delivered words of encouragement to the participating high school students. Wada emphasized the importance of embracing different cultures and perspectives while striving to develop the mindset required in a rapidly evolving society. The students showed remarkable enthusiasm and determination, leaving a strong impression on Wada and the other attendees.

Wada’s message resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them as they prepared for their upcoming journeys abroad. The shared goal of fostering global-ready individuals who can address pressing challenges, not only for Kochi but for Japan and beyond, is at the heart of this program.

Details of the Initiative

The Kochi Future Creation Global Human Resource Development Project embodies a collaborative effort between industries, government, and educational institutions. This initiative reaffirms the region's commitment to building a framework where high school students can engage in overseas study. Participants can set research themes and destinations that are relevant to regional issues, channeling their international experiences back into their communities.

With a donation-driven model, the corporate hometown tax system was established in 2016. It allows companies to receive tax benefits when contributing to approved local revitalization projects. This system has led to a substantial amount of contributions: a total of 63.14 billion yen allocated across over 8,000 corporations, with Kochi Prefecture being a notable beneficiary.

Despite the growing recognition of individual hometown taxes, there remains a gap in awareness regarding corporate donations. sooup Consulting strives to bridge this gap by educating the community and encouraging participation in this impactful program.

Future Goals

The CEO of Kochi Prefectural Board of Education, Takahisa Oe, expressed gratitude for sooup's ongoing support, highlighting how donations play an essential role in enabling 32 high school students from 14 schools to embark on their study abroad journeys this year.

As Kochi faces challenges such as an aging population and regional economic decline, initiatives like these are critical for empowering the next generation of leaders. Wada’s vision extends beyond financial contributions; he aims to inspire young people to harness their experiences abroad as tools for tackling both local and global issues.

As sooup Consulting continues to advocate for educational opportunities, it remains committed to fostering a sense of global citizenship and equipping students with the skills necessary to effect meaningful change in a complex world. The company's legacy of philanthropy in Kochi is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in the future of its youth, shaping leaders who will rise to meet tomorrow's challenges.