#Japan #Tokyo #Next Japan Initiative #Masanobu Ogura #NXJI Research

Announcement of NXJI Research Launch

On March 12, 2026, the Next Japan Initiative (NXJI), located in Akasaka, Tokyo, revealed the formation of its think tank component, NXJI Research, during a special lecture featuring former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This event also marked the appointment of Masanobu Ogura, a former State Minister, as the inaugural director of the research division.

Background and Purpose of the Announcement

NXJI has primarily focused on operating the Reiwa Political Leadership School, a program aimed at training the next generation of political leaders. Out of 93 students, 24 have participated in national elections, leading to 17 victories—demonstrating the program's effectiveness.

In this newly formed structure, NXJI Research will complement the practical implementation division (the Do-Tank) of the Reiwa Political Leadership School by establishing a think tank focused on policy development. The goal is to enhance the quality of policy formulation in Japan through research and recommendations grounded in long-term, holistic, and global perspectives.

Characteristics of NXJI Research

NXJI Research strives to be a distinctive think tank in Japan, with the following objectives:

• - Proposing policies based on comprehensive and global perspectives without succumbing to populism, special interest groups, or inward thinking.
• - Collaborating with the Reiwa Political Leadership School for effective policy implementation.
• - Comprising primarily individuals under 40 who will carry the mantle of Next Japan.
• - Supporting academicians (experts with academic knowledge) capable of thriving in political administration.
• - Implementing mechanisms for visualizing and monitoring policy impact.

Major Outputs and Activities

The activities of NXJI Research will revolve around three main axes:
1. Policy Communication: This will include the release of quarterly reports "Quarterly Report", focusing on avenues like educational reform, administrative reform, social security, and political institutional reform. An annual general meeting, or policy symposium, will also be held.
2. Policy Implementation: Support activities for legislators, providing opportunities for current and former Reiwa Political Leadership School students to engage in policy practice, and facilitating the involvement of relevant academicians in political spheres.
3. Policy Exchange: Managing workshops on specific policy themes and nurturing researchers through conference activities.

Annual Activity Schedule

• - July 2026: Launch of NXJI Research
• - August 2026: Publication of the first "Quarterly Report"
• - November 2026: Publication of the second "Quarterly Report"
• - February 2027: Publication of the third "Quarterly Report"
• - May 2027: Publication of the fourth "Quarterly Report"
• - June 2027: Annual policy symposium

Director Masanobu Ogura's Background

Masanobu Ogura, the newly appointed director of NXJI Research, is a former State Minister responsible for Child Policy, Declining Birthrate Measures, and Gender Equality. He graduated from the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Law and worked at the Bank of Japan before obtaining a master's degree in finance and economics from the University of Oxford. With four consecutive terms as a member of the House of Representatives, Ogura has substantial experience with key policies on child and family agency establishment as the Special Liaison Minister, along with expertise in educational, social security, administrative, and political reforms.

Presentation Venue

The announcement about NXJI Research and Ogura's appointment took place during the 24th Special Public Lecture of the Reiwa Political Leadership School's second term, held at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu on March 12, 2026. Kishida Fumio, Japan's former Prime Minister, delivered a lecture attended by over 170 participants.

Additionally, Masafumi Masuda (NXJI auditor and chief of the Next Generation Project Team) announced the publication of the book "Government Bankruptcy" published by Shinchosha, marking another significant milestone for NXJI.

About the Reiwa Political Leadership School

The Reiwa Political Leadership School is designed to train the next generation of political leaders aged between 20 and 39. So far, from 93 students across two generations, 24 have run for national elections, with 17 winning seats, showcasing its bipartisan impact on nurturing political talent across various parties.

The application window for the third generation will run from May 16 to June 15, 2026, enabling new talents to step into the political arena.

About NXJI

The Next Japan Initiative is a public interest incorporated foundation dedicated to training the next generation of political leaders while engaging in policy research and proposals. It has been involved in various initiatives, including operating the Reiwa Political Leadership School and publishing policy recommendation literature since its inception. NXJI aims to integratively push forward both the Do-Tank and Think Tank aspects of its operations.

• - Location: 3F Akasaka Mizuno Building, 2-6-24 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
• - Website: nxji.jp

For further inquiries, please contact:
Next Japan Initiative Secretariat
3F Akasaka Mizuno Building, 2-6-24 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, 107-0052
E-mail: [email protected]