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The 17th Youth Power Award Ceremony: Celebrating Youth Leaders

On February 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Hollywood Hall in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, the Japan Youth Leader Association will host the 17th Youth Power Award Ceremony. This event aims to honor the contributions of young individuals striving for social betterment and to encourage broader societal support for their initiatives.

The gathering will encompass a diverse group of participants, including corporate leaders, students, and other community members. The ceremony will conclude with a networking session from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM, allowing attendees to connect and exchange ideas.

Recognizing Outstanding Youth Leaders

The ceremony will recognize five outstanding individuals who embody the theme "From Silent Voices to Social Strength." Among the honorees, one individual will receive the prestigious Excellent Leader Award for their ongoing contributions.

Awardees and Their Initiatives

Yasumasa Tanaka - Youth Leader Award Recipient

Tanaka supports employment for individuals with mental disabilities by utilizing AI technologies. His establishment of an IT-focused employment support center aims to create an inclusive society where every individual's unique life path is valued. His initiative incorporates a recovery-oriented approach and promotes welfare digital transformation (DX) in the disability sector.

Mayu Imura - Youth Leader Award Recipient

Imura brings joy to children battling illnesses such as cancer through play. Her organization focuses on supporting these children in living fulfilling lives, tailored to their interests and aspirations, from hospitalization to home care. Imura’s work encapsulates the essence of nurturing hope and creativity in challenging times.

Tsuyoshi Nakamori - Youth Leader Award Recipient

Nakamori is dedicated to preserving agriculture among the aging baby boomer generation in Japan, ensuring food security. By mentoring young farmers and leveraging smart agricultural practices, he aims to strengthen Japan’s agricultural production and food sustainability.

Kana Ichikawa - Youth Leader Award Recipient

Ichikawa addresses homelessness and poverty by providing stable housing and employment opportunities for those in need. Her innovative recruitment agency enables individuals without formal identification or addresses to find jobs, tackling the ‘invisible’ aspects of the homelessness crisis.

Tatsuhiro Hoshino - Youth Leader Support Award Recipient

Hoshino utilizes the metaverse to create an alternative school that addresses the issues faced by children who struggle with school attendance. By prioritizing diversity, autonomy, and choice, his initiative aims to redefine education for a new generation aligned with contemporary needs.

Excellent Leader Award

The Excellent Leader Award will be given to Keiko Hayashi, director of a bridge organization supporting children aging out of childcare facilities. Since winning the Youth Leader Support Award in 2013, she has expanded her efforts to provide essential resources and guidance to vulnerable children, ensuring they have a pathway to independence and societal reintegration.

Understanding the Award Selection Process

The award selection process engages both self-nominations and third-party recommendations. The Japan Youth Leader Association held evaluations in summer 2025, followed by consultations with candidates, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives and expertise was considered in the selection of this year’s honorees.

A Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The Japan Youth Leader Association, established to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2009, believes that youth are the nation’s treasure. Their mission is to support young people in their challenges and achievements, and this event exemplifies their ongoing dedication to fostering youth leadership.

For further inquiries regarding this event, please contact:
Cheong Masahiro, Secretary-General, Japan Youth Leader Association
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 03-6441-0581