#Japan #Tokyo #Okinawa #child poverty #Nessu

Nessu Selected for 'OKINAWA Startup Program 2025-2026'

Nessu Corporation, based in Setagaya, Tokyo, is proud to announce that it has been selected for the 'OKINAWA Startup Program 2025-2026.' This initiative is led by eight major companies in Okinawa, focusing on supporting startups that address critical social issues.

With Okinawa having the highest child poverty rate in Japan, Nessu is committed to utilizing regional resources and donations to help those in need. The company aims to roll out the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' initiative, which leverages hometown tax donations to provide local specialties to children's cafeterias, single-parent households, and children facing serious illnesses. By offering nutritious meals and access to experiences, we hope to bridge the opportunity gap faced by children in this region.

Addressing Opportunities for Children in Okinawa

The statistics paint a concerning picture; in 2014, the relative poverty rate for children in Okinawa reached 29.9%, more than double the national average. Furthermore, the island has the highest percentage of single-parent households and the lowest average income per resident. Coupled with high logistics costs due to its geographical position—Okinawa is an island prefecture—food prices are also the steepest in Japan. This multifaceted hardship makes it challenging for many children to access healthy meals, raising the critical question of how to ensure stable support for these vulnerable groups.

The 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' program offers an innovative solution. Donors can contribute through hometown tax initiatives, sending local produce and experiences as “support items” directly to children in need. This model not only helps provide balanced nutrition but also acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and educational opportunities around food.

Nessu's successful incorporation into the 'OKINAWA Startup Program 2025-2026' will deepen collaboration with local enterprises and enhance the rollout of the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' initiative, paving the way for thorough verification of its positive impacts.

Insights from Nessu’s CEO

Yuki Kido, CEO of Nessu, commented on the necessity of supporting children's rights and needs in Okinawa. "While Okinawa faces significant structural barriers to receiving support, this incubator program provides a tremendous opportunity to partner with robust local businesses. I'm excited about the potential to implement our experiences nationally in pursuit of a society where children are not disadvantaged by their environment."

Kido’s personal journey has been shaped by early encounters with child opportunity gaps, leading him to become an entrepreneur after working in trading and consulting sectors. Born in 1985 to a family of fishermen and farmers in Wakayama, he has always been aware of such societal issues, particularly after witnessing the struggles of children with serious illnesses.

Nessu was founded in June 2022 as an impactful startup dedicated to bridging the opportunity divide. Kido also serves on the board of the Yaoko Children's Support Foundation and has published a children’s book.

About the OKINAWA Startup Program

Since 2017, the 'OKINAWA Startup Program' has aimed to nurture innovative and competitive startups from Okinawa. This acceleration program, supported by various local institutions and banks, seeks to cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem. Together with stakeholders across community sectors, Nessu aims to create a supportive environment for children and families in Okinawa.

With the motto of making a world where children aren’t hindered by their environment, Nessu looks forward to mobilizing efforts that connect these concepts and initiatives into actionable programs that can transform lives and communities.

Future Ambitions

With aspirations to expand the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' service to 10 to 20 localities by FY2025, Nessu is keen to strengthen its presence and collaborate further. Their commitment is not only to bolster support for underserved children but also to engage actively with local producers and governmental entities to create sustainability in assistance.

To learn more about the initiative, visit Kodomo Furusato website.

For job opportunities, check out Nessu’s careers page.