#Japan #Tokyo #Social Issues #High School Awards #Aya Onishi

High School Students Showcase Innovative Business Ideas to Address Social Issues at National Awards

On August 20, 2023, the "High School Everyone's Dream AWARD 7" national competition took place at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo, where high school students from across Japan presented creative business concepts aimed at solving social issues. Among the various innovative projects, Aya Onishi from Okayama Toyozan High School won the grand prize for her proposal titled "Iroha Light: A Career Education Program Illuminating Student Opportunities."

About the Event

The Non-Profit Organization, "Everyone's Dream Realization Association," has been hosting the business contest for the past 16 years, aiming to discover, nurture, and support young entrepreneurs. Since 2020, the event has specifically focused on high school students and has now celebrated its seventh iteration. Participants utilized an online learning content called "Social Business Learning Program" to formulate their impactful business ideas before submitting them to the competition.

From a total of 2,012 participants from 310 high schools nationwide, ten finalists were selected to present their ideas at the national event. The presented projects not only highlighted various social issues but also displayed the unique insight of high school students. Each finalist was evaluated based on their empathy towards social needs, feasibility of their business initiative, and the effectiveness of their presentation.

The judging panel consisted of prominent figures, including Watanabe Miki, CEO of Watami Incorporated, as the chief judge, along with Minako Suzuki, the chairperson of Suzumo Machine Co., Ltd., and Yoshito Dejima, CEO of CF Startup Partners and a certified public accountant.

Finalists and Their Business Ideas

The finalists presented diverse business concepts addressing pressing social concerns:
1. Reina Hōi from Toin Gakuen School: "Wara Tan Song Project"
2. Haruto Hoshi from Kōsei Gakuen High School: "Ending the Skincare Confusion for Boys! - SkinU -"
3. Sohwon Lee from Tokiwa Matsuhama Gakuen High School: "ECOPO - Biodegradable Pots Made from Weeds - From Waste to Resource"
4. Rumi Kawamura from NUCB International College: "PeaceCream - An Ice Cream Shop Spreading Peace"
5. Rina Katayama from Ōzu Agricultural High School: "Hade no Wa - My Genuine Dream to Create a Circular Society through Learning"
6. Aya Onishi: "Iroha Light - A Career Education Program for Students"
7. Rei Sasaki from Hiroshima Sakuragaoka High School: "Gomi Gacha - A Recycling Initiative"
8. Kōe Sakuma from Ikubunkan Global High School: "Towards an Inclusive Future - Persimmon Dye Sunscreen for Diverse Skin Tones"
9. Tomohiro Sano from Tsuchiura Nihon University Secondary School: "Overview Academy - Fostering Next-Generation Leaders with a Cosmic Perspective"
10. Mikiyasu Masano from Trinity Pawling School: "Transforming 'Travel You Can Go' into 'Travel You Can Enjoy'."

The Winning Idea

Aya Onishi's journey began when she experienced the difficulty of making career decisions without a clear understanding of the work landscape. Her program aims to bridge this gap by enhancing students' awareness of employment through connections with the broader society. The goal is to help students take charge of their career paths by focusing on their dreams rather than eliminating options through indecision.

Runner-Up Idea

The runner-up, Kōe Sakuma from Ikubunkan Global High School, highlighted the impact of her Canadian study experience on developing a persimmon dye sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. The initiative seeks to decrease the environmental burden while ensuring everyone can feel confident in their skin.

About the Organizing Body

The "Everyone's Dream Realization Association" began its activities as an NPO in 2010, dedicated to supporting individuals in chasing their dreams and enhancing their inherent qualities. The organization aims to foster a society where dreams are pursued, and gratitude is expressed among its members. In 2014, the association was approved as a public interest foundation by the Cabinet Office. Facilitating the "Everyone's Dream AWARD" and other events supported by various sponsors, including government agencies, the organization continues its mission to inspire dreams and assist in their realization.

Find more about the competition and its initiatives at Everyone's Dream. For details specific to the awards, visit Everyone's Dream AWARD.