[10 Members of the House of Representatives Elected in General Election!] Non-Partisan Political Academy "Reiwa Seikei Juku" Begins Recruitment for 3rd Cohort from May 16

The Next Japan Initiative (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideki Yoshimura; hereinafter referred to as "the Foundation"), a general incorporated foundation, will begin recruiting for the 3rd cohort of the "Reiwa Seikei Juku," which aims to foster politicians and policy entrepreneurs who will transform future politics, regardless of gender or academic background.

About "Reiwa Seikei Juku": Nurturing Next-Generation Political Leaders "Completely Free of Charge"

The "Reiwa Seikei Juku" is a political academy established and operated by the Foundation in 2024. To cultivate next-generation political leaders and policy entrepreneurs, it invites leading politicians, researchers, and business executives as instructors, providing foundational knowledge such as political history and political thought, as well as practical knowledge including election strategies and individual policy research.

■ Past Achievements

The 1st cohort (September 2024 - August 2025) saw 40 participants from diverse backgrounds across Japan, and in the 2024 House of Representatives election, 4 members of the House of Representatives were elected across party lines.

The 2nd cohort (September 2024 - August 2025) has 54 participants with diverse backgrounds, similar to the 1st cohort.

In the 51st House of Representatives election in February 2026, a total of 21 members from the 1st and 2nd cohorts ran as candidates across party lines (8 from the Liberal Democratic Party, 5 from the Centrist Reform Alliance, 5 from the Democratic Party for the People, 2 from Nippon Ishin no Kai, and 1 from Team Mirai), and 10 were elected. Furthermore, Kaoru Fukuda, a member of the House of Representatives from the 1st cohort, was appointed as Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, marking the beginning of alumni actively working in the core of government.

List of Results of the 2026 House of Representatives General Election

List of Current National Diet Members from/enrolled in Reiwa Seikei Juku

In January 2026, the Foundation published its first policy proposal, "Government Bankruptcy" (Shincho Shinsho), and the activities of NXJI Research, its think tank division, are now in full swing.

Because it is privately operated, it facilitates open policy discussions regardless of party affiliation or political beliefs, and functions as a hub for exchange. Furthermore, it provides lectures and various forms of support completely free of charge (including costs for assigned readings, babysitting fees during lectures, and participation fees for training camps).

■ Curriculum

Lectures are held every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Topics will cover a wide range, including history, political thought, policy formulation, election strategy, policy entrepreneurship, public affairs, and external relations methods.

A 2-night, 3-day training camp is planned for the summer of 2027 (dates to be announced separately).

Details of past curriculum: https://nxji.jp/curriculum/

Activity Report: https://note.com/nxji

3rd Cohort Application Guidelines

◾ Eligibility

Generally, individuals aged 20 to 39 (age at the time of application).

Gender and academic background are not considered. Participation may be allowed for individuals outside the age range, taking into account social experience and passion for politics. Participation is also allowed for individuals with specific circumstances, such as those raising children.

Those who can commit to attending at least 70% of the lectures held every Thursday evening.

◾ Training Period

1 year (scheduled from September 2026 to August 2027)

* Lectures will be held every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Residents of Tokyo are generally expected to attend in person, while those from other regions can participate online.

◾ Capacity

Approximately 40 people

◾ Cost

No tuition fees.

Costs for assigned readings, babysitting fees during lectures, and participation fees for training camps will be subsidized.

* Actual expenses such as transportation costs are to be borne by the individual. There is a separate subsidy system for participants who are parents.

Selection Process

■ Application and Selection Flow

1. Information Session (Entry via web, hybrid format)

2. First Selection (Document screening)

3. Second Selection (Final selection, individual interview by NXJI executives)

■ Application Period

May 16 (Sat), 2026 - June 15 (Mon), 2026, noon

* Applications will be screened sequentially as they are submitted, and the second selection will also be conducted. Recruitment may close once the capacity is reached.

■ Information Session

Dates: May 26 (Tue), June 1 (Mon), 2026, 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM each day

* Hybrid format (online and in-person)

Click here to apply for the information session

■ First Selection

Required document: Essay on the theme "How I would change Japan" (approx. 2000 characters)

Deadline: June 15 (Mon), 2026, noon

■ Second Selection

Applicants who pass the first selection will be notified of the schedule for individual interviews (second selection).

Interview location: NXJI Office (Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

* For those living far away, interviews will be conducted online.

■ Application

Click here to apply for the 3rd cohort

Overview of General Incorporated Foundation Next Japan Initiative (NXJI)

Next Japan Initiative is a think tank and do tank that aims to cultivate next-generation political leaders and policy entrepreneurs who can pursue optimal policies for Japan as a whole, with a long-term and global perspective, to address various challenges facing Japan. In addition to operating the Reiwa Seikei Juku, it promotes diversity in the political field.
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