#Japan #Tokyo #Tech Innovation #young creators #Mitou Junior

Mitou Junior Program: Nurturing the Next Generation of Innovators

The Mitou General Incorporated Association, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially opened applications for the 2026 Mitou Jr. program. This initiative aims to support young creators under the age of 17, helping them to develop their original ideas and technical skills.

The Mitou Jr. program is designed to provide selected participants with comprehensive support over a six-month period, including mentorship from industry experts, development funds of up to 500,000 yen, and access to crucial resources such as workshops and equipment necessary for software and hardware development. Participation is entirely free of charge, and the program covers costs associated with the final presentation event, including travel and accommodation expenses.

Application Process and Important Dates

Eligible applicants must submit their project proposals by March 28, 2026. The selection process will involve reviewing submissions and conducting online interviews with the candidates. Participants will be announced shortly after the evaluation.

In recent years, there has been a surge in young individuals demonstrating interest and expertise in IT, thanks to the growing emphasis on programming education in schools. The demand for programs that can nurture these talents continues to rise. For example, under the auspices of the Independent Administrative Agency for Information Processing Promotion (IPA), the Mitou IT Human Resource Development Program has successfully produced numerous outstanding young entrepreneurs and researchers. However, despite this growth, younger students often face challenges due to a lack of accessible resources and entrepreneurial ecosystems that higher education students typically enjoy. This gap highlights the importance of targeted initiatives such as Mitou Jr.

The Mitou Jr. program was founded in 2016 to bridge this divide, providing vital support for aspiring creators looking to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Participants benefit from collaborative opportunities with mentors as well as interactions with peers, allowing them to refine their projects and share their outcomes at a showcase event.

Success Stories from Mitou Jr.

Over the years, the Mitou Jr. program has successfully launched a variety of projects, contributing to the professional development of over 150 young creators. With more than 120 projects completed since its inception, the program has consistently seen over 100 applications each year since 2018, successfully supporting diverse initiatives from various fields.

A few of the remarkable projects developed through the Mitou Jr. program include:

• - UmiNavi: A self-positioning system for underwater drones by Shinji Matsumoto
• - Flusca: An experiential game designed through simulation by Takehiro Kano
• - Mathmosis: An AI-supported tablet application to enhance mathematics learning by Daichi Minami
• - TalkBoost: An application designed to assist individuals with speech impediments by Junki Goto

2026 Program Overview

• - Eligibility: Individuals or teams of up to four must be 17 years old or younger as of April 1, 2026.
• - Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on March 28, 2026.
• - Program Duration: From June to November 2026, participants will engage in approximately six months of support and collaboration.
• - Cost: Free of charge, with detailed support features including mentoring and funding available for each group.

Call for Applications

The Mitou Jr. program invites a wide range of project submissions from interested young creators. If you have a vision for an innovative project, this is the opportunity to make it a reality!

For more detailed information about the application process and program benefits, please visit the official website.

About Mitou General Incorporated Association

Founded with the mission to stimulate innovation in IT, the Mitou General Incorporated Association collaborates with a network of graduates from the IPA's Mitou program. This community focuses on supporting creative human resources and facilitating industry connections to foster technological advancements.

Join the movement and turn your innovative ideas into impactful projects with the support of Mitou Jr.