Youth Summit 2026

Youth Summit 2026
~Social Innovation by Youth, Advancing Inclusion~

 

Registration link:
https://tinyurl.com/youthsummit26

Overview: What is the Youth Summit? 
The Youth Summit is a contest in which youth aged 15-23 (high school to college) can brainstorm a way to implement social change in our communities. By competing in teams, mentors and volunteers will strive to create a concrete solution to the issues we face today. 
 

Objectives 
As global problems become more complex, local action is more important than ever. This year’s summit empowers young changemakers to connect, share ideas, and create practical solutions for issues in their communities. By working together, young people can build a more sustainable future. 

Overall, the summit wants young people to be seen not just as people who receive support, but as leaders and problem-solvers who can create fair and sustainable solutions for everyone.

Keep in mind all teams should focus on not-for-profit projects and avoid business model innovations. Generative AI models, apps, technology or case competitions as a project idea is not recommended.

Last year, the Youth Summit welcomed 80 applicants from 26 teams, giving them the chance to solve real community problems and compete for funding to bring their ideas to life. With mentorship from industry experts, participants also develop important leadership and teamwork skills needed to create social impact.

Theme of the Summit
The Youth Summit is an event where young people come together to think about and solve important social issues. This year, the summit focuses on building a more inclusive society through five key areas 

1.    Supporting children and youth in vulnerable situations 
2.    Promoting dignity, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities and rare diseases 
3.    Strengthening social inclusion and care for elderly communities 
4.    Supporting and empowering refugees and displaced communities 
5.    Encouraging youth-led disaster response and environmental protection initiatives. 
 

Eligibility 
Age 15-23 (High school, college/university students, post-grad youth) 
Japanese resident status
Language: English/or Japanese

Key Activities 
Workshops, planning solutions, presentation creation, practicing presentation skills

Important Dates 
April 7: Team Announcement
April 26: YS26 Kick-off meeting @Temple University
May: Workshop 1
June: Volunteer Month
July: Workshop 2
August 9: Semi Final 
September 13: Dress Rehearsal @Hilton Tokyo
September 27: YS26 D-Day @Hilton Tokyo

Expected Outcomes & Impact 
We hope by joining the Youth Summit, participants learn how to work in a group setting, how to take initiative, and how to find a solution within a feasible timeline which will lead to eventual implementation.

•    Hands-on Skill Development: Participants will gain practical, real-world experience in volunteer mobilization, project planning, and community leadership. 
•    A Collaborative Network: Young changemakers will connect with like-minded peers and mentors from across Japan, exchanging unique perspectives and ideas. 
•    Actionable Community Project: Teams will develop feasible, community-focused solutions, with the opportunity to win cash to help turn their ideas into a reality. 

Be part of something bigger than yourself. Join us in transforming communities, one idea at a time.

 

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[ Read the Youth Summit 2025 Event Report ]

2. Wonder Pixel
Collaborative Dialogue Platform for Supporting Independence of Children in Social Care
Members: K.I. , N.A

3. Healink Japan
MediPath: A Guide to Safe Healthcare in Japan
Members: Lesechko Yelisaveta, WANG ZICHENG, Max Webb, Than Yaw Zin A Angel, Okunevych Mariia

4. Voice of Youth
Harmony and Expression: Societal Impacts on Speech
Members: Maya Caffrey, Mayuko Kawase

5. Spotlight
Keystart: Furniture Support for foster home graduate
Members: Manasvi Patwardhan, Ma My An, Saya Funaki, Quyen Tu Nguyen, Roger Troy Bancaya

6. United Rhythms
Fighting Xenophobia through the Universal Language Music
Members: Yuki Homma, Duru Yildirim, Sana Okajima

7. A to More!
Connecting Seniors Through English, One Word at a Time
Members: Chinatsu Huang, Jimin Suh, Sarah Roland, Jade Cui
 

Youth Summit 2025 Kick-off Event 

On May 31, the “Youth Summit 2025 Kick-off Event” was held at Temple University. After an introduction to Hands On Tokyo and the Youth Summit, Mr. Kazuyuki Imamura, Director of the Arakawa Clean Aid Forum, gave a short lecture on environmental issues and the importance of taking action. Followed by that, participants discussed and shared ideas on various issues related to the environment, poverty, and education, giving them a valuable opportunity to think more deeply about their own projects. From here, each team will work with their mentors to refine their projects in preparation for the preliminary round on August 31. Out of 80 applicants representing 26 teams, six will earn a place in the final, to be held on September 21 at Hilton Tokyo.

"Youth Summit 2025" Preliminary Round Report

On Sunday, August 31, the preliminary round of the “Youth Summit 2025” was held at Frontier International in Shibuya. Leading up to this event, from May through August, each team refined their project plans through regular meetings and feedback sessions, with the support of 17 dedicated mentors.

A total of 16 teams took the stage at the preliminary round, presenting diverse ideas to tackle pressing social issues. Each idea was highly engaging and conveyed a strong passion for making society better, resulting in truly inspiring presentations.

The evaluation was conducted based on the following criteria:
 - Mission and Vision
 - Social Impact and Value Proposition
 - Teamwork and Passion
 - Innovation and Practicality

Following a rigorous review by the judges, seven teams were selected to advance to the final round, which will be held on Sunday, September 21, at Hilton Tokyo.

After the preliminary round, with the generous support of six corporate mentors, each team further polished their presentation skills in preparation for the final.

The final on September 21 at Hilton Tokyo will be a remarkable opportunity to witness the passion and creativity of young people committed to addressing social challenges, and to gain inspiration from the next generation of changemakers. We warmly invite you to join us at the “Youth Summit 2025” and experience the possibilities of the future!

Contact Us / Hands On Tokyo
youthsummit@handsontokyo.org

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■If you would like to support the Youth Summit financially, please visit the Hands On Tokyo website page below. Please indicate "Youth Summit" on the donation application form (Donation to be directed to…).