#Japan #Osaka #Okinawa #Social Business #High School Dream Award

High School Dream Award in Osaka: Solutions for Society

On August 11, the High School Dream Award was held at the EXPO Hall "Shine Hat" during the Osaka-Kansai Expo, featuring business models aimed at solving social issues. Organized by the Minna no Yume Association, the competition saw participation from high school students across Japan. The highlight of the event was the grand prize awarded to Yuma Hirado, a senior from Okinawa Prefectural Kitayama High School, for his business idea titled "New Ryukyu Style: A Society Where Everyone Can Speak About Their Dreams."

Event Overview

The Minna no Yume Association has been organizing the Dream Award program for 15 consecutive years, aimed at discovering and nurturing future entrepreneurs. Since 2020, it has specifically focused on high school students through the High School Dream Award, this being its sixth competition. The initiative has encouraged students to develop innovative business ideas that address societal challenges.

This year, the event attracted 2,464 participants from 396 schools nationwide, out of which 10 finalists were selected to present their social business ideas at the national competition. The judging criteria assessed empathy and social relevance, business viability, and presentation skills. The prestigious panel was led by Mikio Watanabe, the chairman and CEO of Watami Co., Ltd., alongside other prominent industry executives. The grand prize includes a 200,000-yen scholarship for a training trip, while the runner-up receives a 100,000-yen scholarship.

All participating students will also receive a certificate for their entries, which can be used for university applications and job recruitment processes.

Innovative Ideas from the Finalists

Held at the Expo Hall, the event showcased a diverse range of clever business models designed by the 10 finalists:
1. Yuta Tsuji (Osaka University of Education Tennoji): Developed an eco-friendly deodorizer aimed at rejuvenating the Noto region using chopsticks as a bridge for revitalization.
2. Momo Yamazaki (Iku Bunka High School): Launched an online learning initiative designed to encourage elementary school students' behavioral change through the V-Study platform.
3. Yohei Yashiro (Gifu Prefectural Ginan Technical High School): Created a robotics kit designed to provide exhilarating experiences through participation in robot contests.
4. Kohmu Suwa (Keifuu High School): Founded "REBUILD," a platform connecting communities.
5. Tomoka Tsuji (Nishiyamato Academy): Developed "Narielle," a product promoting kindness while addressing invisible disabilities.
6. Yuri Sasaki (Kyoto City Horikawa High School): Aimed to reduce Japan's public medical costs and improve societal well-being.
7. Yui Mizuta (Yokohama Kyoritsu Gakuen): Established "Tomo Lab," a research institute that generates excitement from differences.
8. Kanna Tabata (Nagano Prefectural Kamiina Agricultural High School): Utilized mushrooms to contribute to the thriving future of Wagyu beef production through sustainable practices.
9. Daisuke Nakajima (Rikkyo Ikebukuro High School): Focused on ensuring that everyone can shine regardless of their challenges.
10. Yuma Hirado: His winning proposal aims to revitalize Okinawa’s economy by promoting traditional crafts through international marketing and e-commerce.

Spotlight on the Winners

Grand Prize Winner: Yuma Hirado

Hirado's project focuses on uplifting the Okinawan economy, which faces challenges such as high poverty rates and reliance on non-regular employment. He emphasizes the beauty and cultural richness of Okinawa’s crafts, which he believes haven’t reached their full market potential. By leveraging storytelling, rarity, and collaboration with designers, he aims to create high-fashion products that appeal to affluent consumers globally.

Runner-Up: Yohei Yashiro

Yashiro, inspired by his participation in robotics and volunteer experience, developed an affordable robotics kit that meets quality standards but at a fraction of the typical cost. His project aims to make robot building accessible for young students, thereby fostering interest in engineering and technology.

International Participation

In addition to local competitors, the event featured presentations from international participants, including representatives from Cambodia and Bangladesh, who shared their unique approaches to business practices aimed at addressing their local issues. The Cambodian representative introduced a "Bookstore Cafe," while the Bangladeshi delegate presented a healthcare clinic aimed at improving maternal care.

Conclusion

The High School Dream Award stands as a testament to youth innovation and entrepreneurship, showcasing how young minds can tackle pressing social challenges with creativity and determination. The Minna no Yume Association continues its support of young entrepreneurs, paving the way for a future where dreams can flourish and make a tangible impact on society.