"I was shown the origin of NPOs" - SET Chairman Speaks to Over 30 People About Community Development Practices That Turn Population Decline into "Prosperity"

On June 29, Shunsuke Mitsui, Chairman of Certified Non-Profit Organization SET (Headquarters: Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as SET), gave a lecture titled "Becoming Richer Because Population is Decreasing: Cultivating People, Towns, and Society" at the regular meeting of the Certified Specified Non-Profit Organization Platinum Guild Association held at Kyurian Shinagawa. More than 30 people attended the event, and after the lecture, participants commented, "I was shown the origin of NPOs."

Background to the Lecture

The opportunity for this lecture arose when SET received an award at the 12th Platinum Guild Award. This award created a connection between the two organizations, leading to an invitation to the Platinum Guild Association's regular meeting.

Since its establishment in 2011, SET has been active based in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture. In areas where the population is declining, SET views this not as a "challenge" but as an "opportunity to reconnect relationships," and has accumulated practices that foster ongoing relationships between young people and local residents. This philosophy and approach have garnered attention from a wide range of generations and fields.

Lecture Content and Participant Reactions

In his lecture, Chairman Mitsui introduced SET's philosophy and practices of viewing population decline not as a "constraint" but as a catalyst for redesigning regional prosperity. He shared specific initiatives where young people build relationships with local residents over time, and his commitment to creating "continued engagement" rather than one-off experiences, supported by real-life examples.

Following the lecture, multiple comments were received from participants.

"I was shown the origin of NPOs."

"I felt the difference with our generation in how motivation is approached, not through competition."

During the reception, participants approached Mitsui directly, with one saying, "I would like to visit the site in the fall."

Future Developments

Adjustments are expected to be made between the two organizations regarding hosting visitors in Rikuzentakata City. SET will continue to accumulate practices that connect communities and young people, while working to expand the circle of "people who continue to engage," regardless of age or position.

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About Certified NPO SET

SET's mission is to "turn each person's 'want to do' into 'can do' and bring about Good Change in Japan's future." Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, we have created systems for young people and residents to learn together, primarily in Iwate Prefecture. Through homestays during school trips, programs for university students and adults, and community building, we foster "lasting relationships" where young people engage in the daily lives of the community and learn alongside residents. In fiscal year 2024, over 5,000 people participated. We are now expanding our activities beyond Iwate Prefecture to multiple regions. We are working to create sustainable communities based on the relationships between people and the region itself, while simultaneously fostering the growth of young people and the vitality of communities. We have received the Prime Minister's Award twice in the past, among numerous 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

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Phone: 0192-47-5747