By Chikara Ushiki | Senior Associate
Held October 25 (Sat) at Eiji Press Lab
On October 25, we hosted the Ashoka Youth Venture Mid-Term Gathering — a warm, reflective afternoon where current Youth Venturers shared updates on their journeys and future plans.
Three Youth Venturers took the stage: Karen, Mio, and Shin.
Each of them spoke honestly and thoughtfully about their challenges, learnings, and next steps. A total of 14 participants joined — mostly university students, along with educators, family members of former Youth Venturers, and other supporters of Ashoka’s youth programs.
What They Shared
Karen reflected on how her values and understanding of herself have shifted through the past six months of action and experimentation.
Mio, currently a senior in university, shared the uncertainty she feels as she tries to balance her project with graduation and career decisions — sparking heartfelt discussion and advice from commentators and the audience.
Shin, the newest Youth Venturer selected through our online review process, gave his first public presentation and introduced his changemaking work in Nigeria.
Our two guest commentators — a finance professional and a well-known editor — also served as judges during their original selection process, making their feedback personal, grounded, and deeply encouraging.
Small Conversations, Real Connection
In the second half of the program, each presenter hosted a themed round table. Participants freely chose whichever table resonated with them, asked questions, shared experiences, and tried short reflective activities the Youth Venturers had prepared.
The atmosphere was relaxed, engaged, and full of curiosity — very much in the spirit of “learning together.”
Closing Reflections from Director Watanabe
To close the session, Director Watanabe shared a message with the audience:
“Some of these young people have already started their own ventures. Others are still figuring out whether this work will become their life’s calling — or how to balance it with studies and future careers.
But all of them represent something rare: the mindset and capacity to lead positive change.”
In Japan, we estimate that there is roughly one youth changemaker per 100,000 young people. Still — the network is growing, and fast.
Today, even university entrance exams are beginning to assess changemaking ability alongside academic achievement. Society is slowly but clearly shifting.
But once these young people graduate, the challenges are not over.
The motivations of young people are changing — from prioritizing stability and salary, toward wanting purpose, contribution, and growth. While the shift may be slower in Japan than elsewhere, the momentum is real.
Now, we need more workplaces where changemakers can thrive. To support this future, Ashoka has been advancing the Changemaker Company (CMC) model globally — a framework where companies support employees to drive social innovation from within.
What’s Next
This coming spring, we will host the next public milestone event:
Final presentations by Karen and Mio
Mid-term report by Shin
We hope you’ll continue following their journeys — and we’d be grateful if you keep supporting Ashoka Japan’s Youth Venture program as we work together to nurture the next generation of changemakers.
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