#Japan #Tokyo #SAMURAI Foundation #SAMURAI Kids #Entrepreneurship Club

The Inauguration of the SAMURAI Foundation

On April 14, 2026, the SAMURAI Foundation was officially established in Minato-ku, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Kentaro Sakakibara. The foundation's mission is clear: "It’s not about what you can or cannot do, but whether you choose to take action to change the world." In line with this philosophy, the foundation has announced a 50-year vision to offer the "SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club" to all elementary school students across the nation.

Why Focus on Elementary Students?

While opportunities for improving academic skills and digital literacy have been increasing for Japanese children, there remains a pressing need to enhance non-cognitive skills and entrepreneurial spirit. There is a noticeable gap in extracurricular activities, particularly in rural areas and smaller schools. Moreover, the scale of individual donations in Japan is only about one-thirtieth of that in the U.S. Based on GDP, Japan stands at 0.33% versus 2.00%. This lack of robust avenues for donations represents a significant challenge. The SAMURAI Foundation aims to fill this gap by creating a nationwide, free, and accessible educational infrastructure targeted specifically at upper elementary students during their extracurricular hours.

Initial Goals and Activities

In the first ten years, the foundation will concentrate on three main areas, gradually expanding its efforts to five key initiatives.

Key Activities for the First Ten Years:

1. Expansion of the Entrepreneur Club - The SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club will be offered to students nationwide, implementing educational programs that convey the real experiences of challenge, failure, and success. Mentorship programs involving entrepreneurs and investors will also be established.

2. Support for Entrepreneurial Schools - The foundation will assist in the establishment of schools that cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and global mindset, alongside supporting the integration of entrepreneurship curricula into existing educational frameworks.

3. Promotion of Donation Culture - The foundation will work to gather donations from both corporations and individuals, aiming to build a fund of 10 billion yen by 2030 to support long-term initiatives.

A Long-Term Vision

In addition to the initial activities, the foundation plans to support children with disabilities through specialized education and community engagement, as well as NPOs and social entrepreneurs that focus on education and welfare. The goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem for entrepreneurs committed to transforming the futures of children.

The Importance of 5th and 6th Graders

Kentaro Sakakibara shares that his own experiences as a 5th and 6th grader, such as leading school activities and taking on important roles, significantly shaped his confidence and path in life. He firmly believes that allowing children in these grades to take on responsibilities and challenges can instill lifelong self-confidence, hence the establishment of the SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club is driven by this insight.

The SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club for Kids

The core offering of the SAMURAI Foundation will be the SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club, available at no cost as an extracurricular entrepreneurship education program targeting 5th and 6th graders. Similar to sports clubs such as baseball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball, the club aims to become an integral part of student life nationwide. Through this program, children will take on roles within the club, learning the importance of teamwork while facing challenges and failures together, thus acquiring essential skills for future success.

First-Year Plans

The 2026 fiscal year will mark the kickoff of activities with partnerships in 4 to 6 schools. Starting June 2026, pilot programs will be gradually implemented. The foundation emphasizes a philosophy of starting small while maintaining a grand vision, ensuring a model built on real educational outcomes.

About the 10 Billion Yen Fund

In its inaugural year, the foundation will be funded through personal contributions from President Sakakibara. The foundation aspires to visibly demonstrate educational effectiveness through pilot programs and establish a long-lasting educational fund based on partnerships with founding donors.

Participation Invitations

The SAMURAI Foundation invites various participation forms, whether as corporate partners interested in club creation or as individual supporters looking to contribute to the cause. They encourage schools and educational committees interested in implementing the SAMURAI Entrepreneur Club to reach out as well.

Get In Touch

For more information, please contact the SAMURAI Foundation at their office in Minato-ku, Tokyo, or through their website. Together, we can create an educational infrastructure that empowers the next generation of change-makers.