To get access to a network of young social entrepreneurs scattered across Japan, four high school and university students fearlessly presented their projects during a youth social entrepreneurship contest held by the Japan office of Ashoka, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that financially supports social entrepreneurs worldwide.
Among the four presenters who passed the contest's interview screening portion was Yoko Aoki, an 18-year-old high school student who earlier this year launched a cosmetic therapy and photography service for elderly women living in nursing homes.
She was eventually chosen as one of the three winners of the Ashoka Japan Youth Venture contest held in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, in early June.