Take a Step Forward This Summer: Challenge Ideas to Solve Local and Community Issues! "Entrepreneurship Program for High School Students 2026" to be Held

Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Mayor: Kunihiko Oushiba) will hold the "-Creating the Future- Entrepreneurship Program for High School Students 2026" to foster the ability to think and act with a new perspective. In conjunction with this, we will be accepting applications from high school students until Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

This program is a four-session program where participants can enjoy learning "entrepreneurship," an attitude of thinking and acting on their own to create new value in response to everyday changes and local/community issues. While touching on basic business knowledge and the mechanisms of starting a business, we will provide a place to challenge oneself to shape personal interests and curiosities into concrete ideas. We welcome students who want to "change themselves a little" and those who wish to participate with friends.

Program Schedule (4 Sessions Total)

Each session features a comprehensive curriculum that builds step-by-step around a theme.

Session 1: Learning the Basics of Starting a Business Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Sat) 13:00 - 16:00

Session 2: Understanding Business Operations and Markets Saturday, August 1, 2026 (Sat) 13:00 - 18:00

Session 3: Shaping Interests and Curiosities Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (Wed) 13:00 - 16:00

Session 4: Delivering Ideas Saturday, August 30, 2026 (Sat) 13:00 - 16:00

Event Overview

Location: Kurukuru (2354-14 Nagasaka Kamijyo, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Target Audience: High School Students

* Any high school student, regardless of grade level or whether they live in Hokuto City or elsewhere, can participate.

Capacity: 15 people (first-come, first-served)

Participation Fee: Free

Organizer: Hokuto City

Cooperation: Yamanashi Prefecture Yorozu Support Center, Japan Finance Corporation Kofu Branch / Minami Kanto Startup Support Center, Hokuto City Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sponsorship: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SME Support Japan)

Application Method

Application Deadline: Until Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (System deadline: July 16, 00:00)

How to Apply: Please apply by entering the required information on the dedicated online application form.

[Inquiries]

Hokuto City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Department, Commerce and Industry Division

Phone: 0551-42-1354

Fax: 0551-42-5216

Details here

https://www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/docs/34705.html

Introducing the Charms of Hokuto City | Kobuchizawa Izutsuya

The shop name "Izutsuya" inherits the history and spirit of a Japanese confectionery shop that operated in this location after the war. In this atmospheric space, you can enjoy "superb domestic eel" that has been consistently prepared with care since the shop opened.

At this restaurant, cooking begins carefully "after an order is received." It takes about 30 minutes until it is brought to your table, but the time spent waiting while the aroma of the savory sauce and charcoal fire fills the air is the best spice! You can experience the superb finish of freshly grilled and prepared eel, crispy and fragrant on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

[Detailed Information]

Address: 1035 Kobuchizawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Phone: 0551-36-5990

Business Hours

* Lunch: 11:00 - 13:15

* Dinner: 17:00 - 18:45

* During busy periods such as the summer season, the shop may close once sold out.

Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (*Other temporary closures may occur)

Details here

https://www.hokuto-kanko.jp/spot/itutuya/