Shimada Mirai Foundation Becomes a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation: Accelerating the Realization of Dreams Where 'Students' Free Ideas Change Japan's Future'
The Shimada Mirai Foundation has transitioned to a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, providing non-repayable scholarships to students solving super-aging society issues.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 06:00
We support the 'April Dream' initiative, which aims to make April 1st a day for sharing dreams. This press release represents the dream of the 'Shimada Mirai Foundation.' The Shimada Mirai Foundation (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Naritoshi Shimada) was certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on April 1, 2026, and has transitioned to a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation. To address the challenges of a super-aging society and social welfare, we will continue to provide non-repayable scholarships to students who will lead the future, accelerating the realization of the dream that 'students' new ideas and designs will change the future of society.'
■ Transforming Japan, the world's most aged society, into an exciting future
Japan currently faces the highest aging rate in the world. We believe that 'diverse perspectives' beyond the framework of welfare are essential to solving this issue. If students from all fields—art, robotics, medicine, architecture, and economics—bring their expertise, free designs, and fresh ideas, the future of society will surely change. We accompany the realization of this dream where students from diverse fields face the challenges of a super-aging society and create new value.
■ Thoughts on becoming a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation - 2025 Activity Report -
The Shimada Mirai Foundation was established on January 15, 2025. We shared our dream on April 1st of the same year. As we progressed, we realized the rapid changes in society. To enhance public interest, transparency, and reliability, we applied for public interest certification. As a result, we received certification on April 1, 2026, exactly one year after our April Dream announcement.
In fiscal 2025, we primarily conducted the following:
■ Providing grant-type scholarships with high freedom and potential
We support students' autonomous learning and growth. The program is open to all faculties and supports unprecedented challenges. As it is a non-repayable grant, there are no restrictions on grades or income, and it can be used with other scholarships.
■ Nurturing next-generation talent facing social issues - 1st Awareness Raising Project (Workshop) -
We consider nurturing talent a key mission. The first workshop created opportunities for experts and scholars to learn and discuss modern issues together. In research presentations, foundation councilors provided professional advice, leading to active exchanges. This was a valuable opportunity for students to gain new insights.
■ Transforming Japan, the world's most aged society, into an exciting future
Japan currently faces the highest aging rate in the world. We believe that 'diverse perspectives' beyond the framework of welfare are essential to solving this issue. If students from all fields—art, robotics, medicine, architecture, and economics—bring their expertise, free designs, and fresh ideas, the future of society will surely change. We accompany the realization of this dream where students from diverse fields face the challenges of a super-aging society and create new value.
■ Thoughts on becoming a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation - 2025 Activity Report -
The Shimada Mirai Foundation was established on January 15, 2025. We shared our dream on April 1st of the same year. As we progressed, we realized the rapid changes in society. To enhance public interest, transparency, and reliability, we applied for public interest certification. As a result, we received certification on April 1, 2026, exactly one year after our April Dream announcement.
In fiscal 2025, we primarily conducted the following:
■ Providing grant-type scholarships with high freedom and potential
We support students' autonomous learning and growth. The program is open to all faculties and supports unprecedented challenges. As it is a non-repayable grant, there are no restrictions on grades or income, and it can be used with other scholarships.
■ Nurturing next-generation talent facing social issues - 1st Awareness Raising Project (Workshop) -
We consider nurturing talent a key mission. The first workshop created opportunities for experts and scholars to learn and discuss modern issues together. In research presentations, foundation councilors provided professional advice, leading to active exchanges. This was a valuable opportunity for students to gain new insights.
FAQ
Is repayment required for the scholarship?
No, this is a non-repayable grant-type scholarship. There are no restrictions on grades or income, and it can be used in conjunction with other scholarships.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students with Japanese nationality enrolled in universities (2nd year and above), junior colleges (2nd year and above), or graduate schools based in Tokyo as of April 2026.
What is the selection schedule?
Applications are accepted from April 15 to June 30, with the selection process in July and results announced in mid-August.