Unleash the Potential of Young Changemakers

There are many young changemakers who are challenging to solve social problems in Japan. 99 teams of Youth Venturers are in action now. Let us introduce a couple of them today!!

1. Moe
   "I wouldn't expect a large earthquake to happen in MY town." These are the words of victims of large earthquakes happened in Hanshin-Awaji, Tohoku and Kumamoto area. When I was a high school student, I was wondering why people don't learn from lessons even though those victims from different regions get connected, and why people don't get prepared even though it is a risk for everyone in Japan. "Live, and please don't die," said my friend who tells a story of earthquake disaster. I strongly felt the need to convey the voices of victims that are not told through mass media or one-way story. I don't want to see any survivor who regret to survive. Such passion led me to start dialogue event where participants can interact and share their opinions. Disaster prevention and reduction is considered to be a serious and laborious topic. But it is not all about buildings with aseismatic structure or emergency kit. At our dialogue event, participants will take time to think about people, items and time that are important for them. After the dialogue, they change their mind and say, "I want to meet one person I didn't meet for a while" or "I want to talk to my friends more." We believe that such change in emotion and behavior will be a first step for disaster reduction in the future. After the great earthquake in 2011, people pay more attention to disaster prevention itself. But such awareness is not enough. The real problem is a lack of opportunities that change their minds and drive them to take action. Of course, it is a choice of individual to take (or not take) action. But I hope participants would feel that they would like to share stories they learned with their friends even after the event. Through this, I would like to realize a society where many more people can choose their way of living that they want to live.
   
   
2. Anji
   I'm organizing a cooking class for students and adults who are working with students. While cooking, we will discuss what each participant would like to challenge, why he or she can't try something or how to overcome the fear to take action. Talking about ideas helps people take a step forward and give it a try eventually. There are two roles for the cooking class. One is to make the participants relaxed and feel free to express their own opinions. The other is to give participants confidence through the successful experience of cooking. Many people convince themselves that they can't do anything even before giving it a try, but I want them to believe in their potential. I was organizing this class once every three months, but after designated as a Youth Venturer and thanks to its seed money, I'm doing it once a month. Currently, I'm trying to do this outside of my local area and to collaborate with other projects. I'm also figuring out how to make it available and accessible for others who would like to use this scheme. Still in the journey to develop my project even better.
   
   
3. Shu
   Veganism is a lifestyle which abstains from using animal products. More vegan restaurants and products are appearing in developed countries, but it is hard to practice veganism in Japan right now. We, Japan Vegan Community, aim for a society where everyone can practice veganism, working with 80 members all over Japan. There are mainly three projects that we are working on: 1) V-cook, a website where people can post and share their vegan recipes; 2) Hitsujino., a web media to share stories of vegans; 3) Vegan Summit, an event for creating vegan society together. In addition to these three projects, we are working for raising awareness of veganism as the increase in the number of vegans is projected in the future. We promote vegan options and products among restaurants as well as advocating veganism among the general public. Though newly established last year in 2018, we are determined and keep moving forward toward the peaceful and sustainable society where people, animals and future generations can live happily.

Your donation will make us and our initiatives proceed. Hope we can change society better together.

Many thanks,
Ashoka Japan Youth Venture