#Japan #Shibuya #Prairie Card #Studio Prairie #Akane Sakaki

Akane Sakaki and the New Era of Entrepreneurship Education

Studio Prairie, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is making headlines as its founder, Akane Sakaki, has recently been appointed as the "Entrepreneurship Promotion Ambassador" by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This significant appointment aims to cultivate a culture of innovation among the youth, starting from the educational foundations laid down in schools across the country.

The Role of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Ambassador

MEXT's initiative underscores the government's commitment to bolstering startup ecosystems in Japan. This step follows the introduction of the "Five-Year Startup Development Plan" in November 2022, aimed at diversifying and enhancing the pool of entrepreneurial talent among students. The plan emphasizes nurturing a mindset that embraces entrepreneurship through exposure to entrepreneurial experiences, fundamentally changing how young people view business and innovation.

Sakaki, leveraging her extensive network and personal experiences, will engage in workshops and lectures at schools and events nationwide, inspiring students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable path. Through her efforts, she seeks to instill the belief that young people are capable of driving societal changes.

Prior Accomplishments Leading to this Appointment

Before her official designation, Sakaki was already actively involved in various educational programs aimed at high school and junior high school students. Here are some notable examples of her contributions:

• - September 2024: Sakaki led a talk and workshop titled "What’s Entrepreneurship? - Learning About Life from Entrepreneurs" at the Youth Entrepreneurship Program organized by the Kyoto City Economic Center, focusing on self-discovery through entrepreneurship.
• - March 2025: At the "KSAC Entrepreneurs Fest 2025" in Osaka, she conducted a workshop where high school students explored how to create their digital business cards, nurturing a collaborative spirit.
• - July to October 2025: Sakaki participated as a guest in the three-month entrepreneurial training program "HELLO, WORLD_NEXT" aimed at business high school students in Oita Prefecture, engaging them in seminars and discussions.

These initiatives laid the groundwork for her recent appointment, allowing her to build upon her experiences and extend her message of innovation to a broader audience.

Empowering the Next Generation

In her comments regarding the appointment, Sakaki expressed her gratitude, highlighting her unique journey from a rural upbringing in Yamaguchi Prefecture to an art university in Kyoto, and eventually launching her projects internationally. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely about starting a business but involves identifying challenges, discussing them, and taking action in a rapidly changing world. Sakaki intends to convey the joy of taking risks and collaborating with peers to children, empowering them to believe in their potential as contributors to society.

Prairie Card: A Technological Innovation

In tandem with her ambassadorial duties, Sakaki is spearheading the promotion of "Prairie Card," a digital business card that streamlines information sharing through an integrated IC chip. With Prairie Card, users can quickly share their contact information, social media links, and personal interests by simply tapping their smartphones, enabling richer and faster communication in a tech-savvy world.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient: Unlike traditional business cards, Prairie Cards are designed to be eco-friendly and reusable, making them a sustainable choice for modern networking.
Versatile Sharing: Users can customize their profiles with any URL link, allowing greater flexibility in showcasing their information.
* Corporate Solutions: For businesses, Prairie Cards offer additional features such as bulk account creation and comprehensive management tools, enhancing corporate networking.

For more information about Prairie Card and its functions, visit Prairie Card Official Website.

Conclusion

Akane Sakaki's dual role as an Entrepreneurship Promotion Ambassador and the founder of Studio Prairie is an exciting development for the promotion of innovative educational practices in Japan. Her commitment to empowering the youth through entrepreneurship not only addresses the needs of the current educational environment but also sets a new precedent for future generations. As she continues to spread her message across various platforms, the seeds of entrepreneurial spirit she plants today will surely blossom into transformative societal changes tomorrow.