For Students Who Want to Create from Scratch with Peers, Facing the Region: Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki, Deadline May 10
Certified NPO SET is recruiting members for its 2026 student internship program, where students will collaborate with local communities to create projects in Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki, Iwate Prefecture. Emphasizing 'lasting relationships' with the region, the application deadline is May 10.
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The recruitment for the 2026 student internship program, where students will create projects from scratch as a team in Iwate's Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki, has begun. This content is a must-read for students who are interested in engaging with local communities but are unsure how to take the first step. Certified NPO SET is accepting applications for both the Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki programs, with a deadline of May 10, 2026 (Saturday).
SET has observed the changes that arise from spending six months to a year with a community as a team for over 15 years. Fostering 'lasting relationships' between regions and young people, rather than one-off 'experiences,' is the core of SET's activities and what this program has valued.
■ About the Two Programs
This recruitment is for the Chang Maker Study Program (CMSP) in Rikuzentakata and the Kuzumaki Program.
Students will create 'what they can do for the region' with local residents. We are recruiting student operational staff to create programs in Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki, Iwate Prefecture, from scratch.
【Experiences Unique to Operational Staff】
Deep Local Engagement: Become the 'first runner' to enter the community and build trust with local people.
Planning from Scratch: Combine regional challenges with student energy to implement 'actions' filled with passion.
Best Team: Meet fellow students who share the same enthusiasm, can discuss deeply, and inspire each other.
It's okay if you don't know 'what you can do' yet. We are waiting for your enthusiasm to empathize with the feelings of local people and work hard together.
・Rikuzentakata CMSP
Number of recruits: 18 people
Kick-off: May 24
Closing Ceremony: September 26, 27
・Kuzumaki Program
Number of recruits: 6 people
Kick-off: May 30 or 31
Closing Ceremony: December or January
Both programs are designed around creating one project as a team.
■ We are looking for students with interest and will
SET does not require applicants to have prior experience in regional activities or special skills. Any university student with even a slight interest in local communities and the will to take on a challenge as a team can apply.
■ Application Method and Deadline
The application deadline for both programs is May 10, 2026 (Saturday). Please apply for the information session via the application forms below. (However, inquiries before the kick-off meetings of both programs will be handled.)
CMSP Information Session Form: https://forms.gle/uCB1R4FT2FaQJtze7
Kuzumaki Program Information Session Form: https://forms.gle/Tmy3feb8uK8ywoTU6
In an era of declining population, the way young people engage with local communities is being re-examined. What SET values is that young people who get involved don't just end up saying 'I want to come again,' but continue to connect with the region at a life level. SET believes that the six months or one year spent with a team in the two Iwate towns of Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki will leave something in their lives thereafter.
■ About Certified NPO SET
SET's mission is to 'turn each person's 'want to do' into 'did it' and create Good Change for the future of Japan.' Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it has created mechanisms for young people and residents to learn together, primarily in Iwate Prefecture. Through programs such as school trip homestays, programs for university students and adults, and community building, it fosters 'lasting relationships' where young people engage in the daily lives of the region and learn together with residents. In fiscal year 2024, over 5,000 people participated annually. Currently, activities are expanding beyond Iwate Prefecture to multiple regions. While simultaneously generating youth growth and regional vitality, SET is working on sustainable community development based on the relationship between people and regions themselves. It has received the Prime Minister's Award twice in the past, among many other awards.
【Organization Overview】
Certified Specified Non-profit Organization SET
Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
Chairman: Shunsuke Mitsui
Established: March 12, 2011 (Incorporated: June 18, 2013, Certified: October 16, 2025)
Official Website: https://www.nposet.org
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nposet/?hl=ja
Official Podcast Spotify: https://x.gd/wh4Lo Amazon Music: https://x.gd/TjRP0
【Inquiries regarding coverage】
Public Relations: set.forjapan@nposet.com
SET has observed the changes that arise from spending six months to a year with a community as a team for over 15 years. Fostering 'lasting relationships' between regions and young people, rather than one-off 'experiences,' is the core of SET's activities and what this program has valued.
■ About the Two Programs
This recruitment is for the Chang Maker Study Program (CMSP) in Rikuzentakata and the Kuzumaki Program.
Students will create 'what they can do for the region' with local residents. We are recruiting student operational staff to create programs in Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki, Iwate Prefecture, from scratch.
【Experiences Unique to Operational Staff】
Deep Local Engagement: Become the 'first runner' to enter the community and build trust with local people.
Planning from Scratch: Combine regional challenges with student energy to implement 'actions' filled with passion.
Best Team: Meet fellow students who share the same enthusiasm, can discuss deeply, and inspire each other.
It's okay if you don't know 'what you can do' yet. We are waiting for your enthusiasm to empathize with the feelings of local people and work hard together.
・Rikuzentakata CMSP
Number of recruits: 18 people
Kick-off: May 24
Closing Ceremony: September 26, 27
・Kuzumaki Program
Number of recruits: 6 people
Kick-off: May 30 or 31
Closing Ceremony: December or January
Both programs are designed around creating one project as a team.
■ We are looking for students with interest and will
SET does not require applicants to have prior experience in regional activities or special skills. Any university student with even a slight interest in local communities and the will to take on a challenge as a team can apply.
■ Application Method and Deadline
The application deadline for both programs is May 10, 2026 (Saturday). Please apply for the information session via the application forms below. (However, inquiries before the kick-off meetings of both programs will be handled.)
CMSP Information Session Form: https://forms.gle/uCB1R4FT2FaQJtze7
Kuzumaki Program Information Session Form: https://forms.gle/Tmy3feb8uK8ywoTU6
In an era of declining population, the way young people engage with local communities is being re-examined. What SET values is that young people who get involved don't just end up saying 'I want to come again,' but continue to connect with the region at a life level. SET believes that the six months or one year spent with a team in the two Iwate towns of Rikuzentakata and Kuzumaki will leave something in their lives thereafter.
■ About Certified NPO SET
SET's mission is to 'turn each person's 'want to do' into 'did it' and create Good Change for the future of Japan.' Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it has created mechanisms for young people and residents to learn together, primarily in Iwate Prefecture. Through programs such as school trip homestays, programs for university students and adults, and community building, it fosters 'lasting relationships' where young people engage in the daily lives of the region and learn together with residents. In fiscal year 2024, over 5,000 people participated annually. Currently, activities are expanding beyond Iwate Prefecture to multiple regions. While simultaneously generating youth growth and regional vitality, SET is working on sustainable community development based on the relationship between people and regions themselves. It has received the Prime Minister's Award twice in the past, among many other awards.
【Organization Overview】
Certified Specified Non-profit Organization SET
Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
Chairman: Shunsuke Mitsui
Established: March 12, 2011 (Incorporated: June 18, 2013, Certified: October 16, 2025)
Official Website: https://www.nposet.org
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nposet/?hl=ja
Official Podcast Spotify: https://x.gd/wh4Lo Amazon Music: https://x.gd/TjRP0
【Inquiries regarding coverage】
Public Relations: set.forjapan@nposet.com