The Impact of SET's Community Care Program in Rikuzentakata: A Model for Revitalization
The recent recognition awarded to the certified non-profit organization SET highlights the significant strides made in community care in Rikuzentakata, Japan. At the ceremony for the 'Sugiru Community Medical Promotion Award' held on July 3, 2026, at Tokyo's Imperial Hotel, SET was acknowledged for its transformative initiatives that link university students and the elderly in the region, demonstrating a sustainable model for community support, especially in the wake of the devastating 2011 earthquake.
One pivotal achievement that played a key role in their win was the revival of traditional performing arts in the area, particularly the 'Minoto Sword Dance' from the Iwate Prefecture's Yahata district. This form of cultural expression had been dormant for 40 years due to the aging of its performers. However, students from the 'Change Maker Study Program' (CMSP), previously unaware of the dance's plight, took it upon themselves to learn and practice, driving the revival effort through sheer dedication. By August 2025, their hard work culminated in a standout performance at the Obon memorial service at a community center, marking the first appearance of the dance in generations. The emotional reactions from the audience, with individuals shedding tears of joy, underscored the dance's profound significance—one resident remarked, 'I never thought I would witness this during my lifetime.' Another expressed that the revival of the sword dance was instrumental in the success of their five-year festival, attesting to how culture intertwines with community well-being.
Since the 2011 earthquake, Rikuzentakata's population has plummeted from 24,000 to under 17,000, exacerbating social isolation, especially among the elderly, whose rate of aging stands alarmingly high at 41%—well above the national average of 29%. The breakdown of community ties following the disaster has led to numerous older adults living alone, grappling with feelings of isolation and health challenges like frailty. This backdrop paved the way for the establishment of CMSP in 2013, aiming to bridge generational divides and restore community interaction.
CMSP operates as an internship program involving teams of 4-5 university students from urban areas, who engage in sustained visits to specific communities in Rikuzentakata over six months. The program runs bi-annually, featuring intensive workshops and local action initiatives during a one-week training camp each long vacation period. Each year, over 300 community residents participate in activities alongside the students, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and collaborative work that builds lasting relationships.
Since its inception in 2013, the program has inducted over 1,500 individuals, including 500 staff members and 1,000 students, into its efforts. This impressive legacy entails not only action on the ground but has also fostered a culture of community contribution among participants. More than 80 former staff members now reside in Rikuzentakata or other regions in Iwate Prefecture, actively working in various fields such as local businesses, fisheries, and education. Research conducted by the Yahoo! Foundation in 2020 confirmed that CMSP participants exhibit higher levels of social capital and enthusiasm for community engagement compared to non-participants.
SET's chairman, Shunsuke Mitsui, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, 'We have not specifically aimed at the fields of frailty or community medicine, but it is gratifying to receive such acknowledgment from experts in these areas. We aspire to refine our efforts to better serve the community.' Currently, SET is preparing to expand CMSP's methodologies in collaboration with other local governments and organizations across the nation.
For real-time updates on SET's latest activities and events, be sure to follow their social media platforms. By engaging with their content, you can contribute to raising awareness and supporting community-driven initiatives.
Founded as a certified non-profit organization, SET is driven by a mission to transform individual aspirations into achievable outcomes, contributing positively to Japan's future. Since the Tōhoku earthquake in 2011, they have fostered environments where young people and residents learn together, focusing on sustainable relationships and community resilience. With over 5,000 participants expected in 2024, SET operates across multiple regions, emphasizing the empowerment of youth and the revitalization of local communities. They have received significant recognition, including two Prime Minister's Awards.
Contact Information:
One pivotal achievement that played a key role in their win was the revival of traditional performing arts in the area, particularly the 'Minoto Sword Dance' from the Iwate Prefecture's Yahata district. This form of cultural expression had been dormant for 40 years due to the aging of its performers. However, students from the 'Change Maker Study Program' (CMSP), previously unaware of the dance's plight, took it upon themselves to learn and practice, driving the revival effort through sheer dedication. By August 2025, their hard work culminated in a standout performance at the Obon memorial service at a community center, marking the first appearance of the dance in generations. The emotional reactions from the audience, with individuals shedding tears of joy, underscored the dance's profound significance—one resident remarked, 'I never thought I would witness this during my lifetime.' Another expressed that the revival of the sword dance was instrumental in the success of their five-year festival, attesting to how culture intertwines with community well-being.
Addressing Growing Local Challenges
Since the 2011 earthquake, Rikuzentakata's population has plummeted from 24,000 to under 17,000, exacerbating social isolation, especially among the elderly, whose rate of aging stands alarmingly high at 41%—well above the national average of 29%. The breakdown of community ties following the disaster has led to numerous older adults living alone, grappling with feelings of isolation and health challenges like frailty. This backdrop paved the way for the establishment of CMSP in 2013, aiming to bridge generational divides and restore community interaction.
A Model in Action
CMSP operates as an internship program involving teams of 4-5 university students from urban areas, who engage in sustained visits to specific communities in Rikuzentakata over six months. The program runs bi-annually, featuring intensive workshops and local action initiatives during a one-week training camp each long vacation period. Each year, over 300 community residents participate in activities alongside the students, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and collaborative work that builds lasting relationships.
Since its inception in 2013, the program has inducted over 1,500 individuals, including 500 staff members and 1,000 students, into its efforts. This impressive legacy entails not only action on the ground but has also fostered a culture of community contribution among participants. More than 80 former staff members now reside in Rikuzentakata or other regions in Iwate Prefecture, actively working in various fields such as local businesses, fisheries, and education. Research conducted by the Yahoo! Foundation in 2020 confirmed that CMSP participants exhibit higher levels of social capital and enthusiasm for community engagement compared to non-participants.
Reflections from Leadership
SET's chairman, Shunsuke Mitsui, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, 'We have not specifically aimed at the fields of frailty or community medicine, but it is gratifying to receive such acknowledgment from experts in these areas. We aspire to refine our efforts to better serve the community.' Currently, SET is preparing to expand CMSP's methodologies in collaboration with other local governments and organizations across the nation.
Join the Movement and Stay Connected
For real-time updates on SET's latest activities and events, be sure to follow their social media platforms. By engaging with their content, you can contribute to raising awareness and supporting community-driven initiatives.
- - Facebook: Frequent updates on activities, events, and daily life in Rikuzentakata.
- - Instagram: Captivating photos and videos showcasing current projects and progress.
About SET
Founded as a certified non-profit organization, SET is driven by a mission to transform individual aspirations into achievable outcomes, contributing positively to Japan's future. Since the Tōhoku earthquake in 2011, they have fostered environments where young people and residents learn together, focusing on sustainable relationships and community resilience. With over 5,000 participants expected in 2024, SET operates across multiple regions, emphasizing the empowerment of youth and the revitalization of local communities. They have received significant recognition, including two Prime Minister's Awards.
Contact Information:
- - Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
- - Chairman: Shunsuke Mitsui
- - Founded: March 12, 2011 (Incorporated: June 18, 2013, Certified: October 16, 2025)
- - Official Website: SET Website
- - Press Inquiries: [email protected]
- - Phone: 0192-47-5747
Topics People & Culture）
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