[West Tokyo City] Voices of 812 Young People Shape Policy: Scholarship Repayment Support System to be Established (Starting April 2026)

West Tokyo City will launch a new system to support scholarship repayment starting April 2026 (Reiwa 8), based on the results of a survey of 812 young people.

This system was realized through discussions and surveys conducted as part of the "Youth Meeting" project, which the city has been promoting since 2024 to encourage youth participation.

The survey revealed that 85% of those who have used scholarships feel the repayment is a financial burden, impacting their future plans. In response to these voices, the city has formalized support for scholarship repayment for those within three years of graduating from university or other institutions. Concurrently, a citizen-led "Youth Council" will also be launched to further advance policy-making through youth participation.

"Three Deficiencies" Revealed from the Voices of 812 Young People

In 2024, West Tokyo City launched the "Youth Meeting" project, where young city staff, citizens, and young people involved with the city engage in discussions.

The results of the first phase of the survey revealed that while young people experience a certain level of happiness, they also harbor vague anxieties about the future.

The background to this revealed the following "Three Deficiencies = Challenges":

■ Main Challenges Felt by Young People

1. Lack of Information

2. Lack of Connection with the Community

3. Economic Anxiety

To grasp these realities, the city conducted two rounds of municipal monitor surveys, as well as outreach-style hearing surveys at university campuses and community events.

By listening directly to voices in the field where young people are, rather than staying within the city hall, efforts were made to collect opinions that are in line with the actual situation.

Main Activities of the Youth Meeting