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Ubunture UTokyo

Youth are Our Future

A student-led international collaboration project from the University of Tokyo. University of Tokyo and South African university students work together as equal partners, tackling South Africa's education gap by developing and running ICT education programs that expand what's possible for children. Together, we also build exchange between students of both countries, strengthening the bilateral relationship through the next generation.

About

About Us

Mission: Youth are Our Future

Ubunture UTokyo is a student organization from the University of Tokyo that expands children's freedom to learn and their power to dream through digital education. University of Tokyo and South African university students collaborate as equal partners to develop and run digital education programs, opening up the future for children and students alike.

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Activities

Our Activities

From the challenges we see on the ground, to the activities we run, to the value it creates — here's how our work fits together.

01 · CHALLENGES

The Challenges

South Africa's education and digital-skills gap, and the need to strengthen ties between Japan and South Africa to help close it.

02 · ACTIVITIES

Our Activities

Running lessons and developing teaching materials directly with children and teachers, while building lasting partnerships with South African universities and student organizations.

03 · VALUE

The Value We Create

Solving local challenges, developing the university students involved, and strengthening ties between Japan and South Africa.

Two Pillars: Education and Partnership

We work across two pillars: education — running pilot lessons and developing teaching materials directly with children and teachers at local schools — and creating partnerships with local universities and student organizations, including the University of Pretoria, the University of Cape Town, and Stellenbosch University. Alongside that, we work to strengthen ties between Japan and South Africa by having students from both countries learn together as equal partners.

See our activities in detail
Team

Members

A diverse group of students from the University of Tokyo bring different perspectives to South Africa's education gap.

Daichi SawachikaRepresentative

2nd year, College of Arts & Sciences (Natural Sciences I), The University of Tokyo

Developed an interest in educational inequality in high school, conducted international comparative research, and won a domestic competition for the paper. Currently engaged in activities to reduce educational disparities with NPOs and student groups in the Noto region. Also plans and runs inquiry-based learning events for children and leads a university seminar on the theory and practice of inquiry learning. Interested in digital skills as well, works on robotics and math-driven problem solving using digital technology, and has achieved results in competitions in Japan and abroad—bridging science & technology with education.

Aria Mitani

2nd year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities I), The University of Tokyo

Has collaborated with students from Japan and abroad through a field program in the Philippines focusing on urban and agricultural development and poverty, and by organizing student conferences in Boston and Tokyo. Active in Ubunture UTokyo since its launch last year, exploring approaches to educational cooperation through fundraising, curriculum design, and field visits. Aims to promote international educational cooperation that expands children's possibilities by connecting people across countries and backgrounds.

Hisato Aoe

1st year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities II), The University of Tokyo

Spent four years studying in the U.S. starting from the third year of junior high school, serving as vice president of the high school chapter of a major entrepreneurship education organization, where he organized park cleaning volunteer projects in collaboration with environmental NPOs. Currently a member of the student organization MIS, working with Vietnamese university students on waste management issues, handling project planning and local relationship building.

Keitaro Koide

2nd year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities I), The University of Tokyo

Attended the Japanese School in Johannesburg, South Africa, for two years. Through international exchange programs at local elementary schools and orphanages, developed a deep interest in South African society and international cooperation. Active in organization management and event operation as the representative of a squash club, and served as vice-representative of a joint student exchange program between UTokyo and Seoul National University.

Haruto Fukuda

2nd year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities I), The University of Tokyo

Spent his childhood attending an international school in the Middle East, living alongside friends from all over the world. Currently active as the president of UTDS, a parliamentary English debate club. Inspired by a past visit to South Africa where he witnessed local disparities firsthand, he decided to join this project. At Ubunture UTokyo, he mainly supports communication with overseas partners using English.

Rena Mizuguchi

2nd year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities II), The University of Tokyo

Has practiced abacus (soroban) since childhood, achieving the highest rank of 10th dan in both abacus and mental arithmetic, and won a national championship in team competition. Through her participation in the UTokyo Global Internship, she broadened her international perspective by interacting with Thai students. She founded and serves as the representative of a student organization where students from diverse backgrounds tackle social issues.

Isshin Sato

1st year, College of Arts & Sciences (Humanities III), The University of Tokyo

Participated in a global leader program in Singapore during high school, where engaging with local university students through classes and Model United Nations sparked an interest in international cooperation. Has also been active in the Boy Scouts for ten years, participating in numerous volunteer and international exchange programs.

Yuji Shimma

Faculty of Letters (French Language and Literature), The University of Tokyo

Developed an interest in colonialism issues during high school graduation research and is currently interested in such issues in African countries. Plans to study abroad in South Africa for one year, focusing on post-colonial issues across literature, political science, and sociology.

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News

Latest Updates

We share our latest activity reports on note. Follow us on note.com →

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Supporter Voices

Messages of Support

  • I am truly moved by the young energy taking on the challenge of turning educational “gaps” in South Africa into “possibilities.”

    The power of digital skills is not confined to computers or internet access—when we draw on “wisdom” and “creativity,” its potential expands without limit. You are embodying that very spirit.

    Through science, I also work to “keep the flame of science alive wherever you are in the world.” This project resonates deeply with that aspiration. I hope many more people will learn about this challenge. It is the “young people who act” who create the future. You have my full support!

    Genki Ichioka ｜ GENKI LABO

  • I deeply resonate with Ubunture UTokyo’s ambition to expand digital education starting from South Africa!

    As the organizer of “52Hz,” an online community that supports students applying to universities abroad, I’m reminded every day of the power of technology to broaden our horizons and the potential of learning to expand future choices. I’ve been active between Japan and the United States, and Ubunture UTokyo’s mission speaks to me. It’s also very encouraging to see them—juniors from my alma mater, the University of Tokyo—taking on the challenge in Africa, a field different from my own.

    Having founded two companies in Japan’s education sector, I’ve come to appreciate the high quality of education in this country. Precisely because of that, I’m convinced that if we can bring high-quality, Japan-born educational infrastructure to learners worldwide, we can fundamentally reduce educational inequality. I wholeheartedly support Ubunture UTokyo’s bold challenge!

    Rinyu Tanitsu ｜ CEO, Tokitsukaze Inc.｜Director, 52Hz (General Incorporated Association)

Sponsors

Partner Organizations

Our work is made possible by the support of partner organizations.

Partner Organizations

Contact

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