Empowering High School Students Through Local Revitalization Programs in Japan

In a significant initiative aimed at addressing Japan's demographic challenges, Rizapro Inc., a leading educational consulting company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is partnering with the Mirai Political Economic Research Institute to launch a pioneering extracurricular program for high school students. Slated for the summer of 2025, this program, titled "Local Revitalization Course – Addressing Regional Issues and Proposing Solutions to the Mayor," will take place in Miyake Town, Nara Prefecture.

The Program Overview

The program is designed to enhance the skills and awareness of students by immersing them in real-world local governance issues. Miyake Town, noted as the second smallest municipality in Japan, will serve as the backdrop for this hands-on learning experience. Students will engage in fieldwork and collaborative group activities as they confront and analyze pressing issues faced by local authorities. The final outcome will involve students presenting their proposed solutions directly to Koji Morita, the mayor of Miyake.

Context and Importance

Japan is grappling with structural challenges like an aging population and declining birth rates, particularly impacting small municipalities. Miyake Town, with an area of approximately 4.06 square kilometers, exemplifies these challenges. Nevertheless, it has been proactive in launching initiatives such as childcare support facilities and community interaction hubs like MiiMo, alongside actively disseminating information via platforms like Note.

This program aims to cultivate future community leaders from high schools, encouraging them to view local issues as personal responsibilities. By doing so, participants will develop critical thinking, conceptualization, and communication skills, vital for engaging with the complexities of local governance.

Program Structure

First Session: Fieldwork in Miyake Town

Date: August 3, 2025 (Sunday) 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Miyake Town Community Development Center MiiMo
1. Lecture by Mayor Koji Morita: The mayor will provide insights into regional challenges and the town's initiatives, prompting students to consider local issues as their own.
2. Visit to MiiMo: Participants will tour MiiMo to understand its role in community development. They will focus on the design, management, and impact of this central hub.
3. Group Work: Based on insights gained, students will discuss and prioritize local issues, then prepare proposals for presentation.

Second Session: Online Reporting and Proposal Presentation

Date: August 16, 2025 (Saturday) 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Online (via Zoom)
1. Team Presentations: Groups will present their proposals addressing Miyake's regional challenges to Mayor Morita.
2. Feedback from Mayor: The mayor will provide constructive feedback and suggestions based on real administrative perspectives, creating a unique learning opportunity.
3. Discussion: A dialogue led by the mayor will focus on future prospects for Miyake and his expectations for youth involvement in local governance.

Leadership Profiles

Son Tsu-Gyo, CEO of Rizapro Inc.

After graduating from Waseda University, Son Tsu-Gyo founded an online tutoring service during his first year at university in 2019. He established Rizapro in 2020, expanding its reach with various educational services such as online classes and study abroad programs.

Koiki Shimada, Chairman of Mirai Political Economic Research Institute

Born in 2000, Koiki Shimada graduated from Waseda University and has served as a staff member for a member of the House of Representatives. He has organized seminars and discussions aimed at increasing youth political participation and has founded the Mirai Political Economic Research Institute to nurture public-minded leaders.

Through these combined efforts, the Local Revitalization Course promises to not only equip students with vital skills but also rejuvenate local communities by actively involving the youth in addressing societal challenges.