Kei Nakano of NPO wiz

Build a team to energize Iwate

Mr. Nakano returned home after the disaster. It was clear there was more he could do there than there was in Tokyo. He wanted to have a positive effect, but knew there was only so much he could do alone. In order to find new colleagues, he set up a nonprofit organization called Wiz.

Wiz began running seminars, training workshops and networking events, and began to expand its reach.

A reconstruction supported by young energy

Mr. Nakano also set up a crowdfunding website called Ishiwari, which aimed to provide a concrete way for young people to help. It's currently accepting numerous donations towards various local activities.

Another project he is currently working on is a practical internship that matches young people with companies. Mr. Nakano spoke enthusiastically, "The way to judge Iwate's vitality is by counting its young people and children. Some kids leave the prefecture as soon as they graduate from high school, so we need to give them a reason to come back. If we can bring them together as a team, it will have a tremendous effect on the reconstruction."

Profile

Kei Nakano
NPO wiz
Representative Director

Originally from Ofunato.
He went to Tokyo for university and found a job there after graduation.
In September 2011, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, he returned to Ofunato in order to help his hometown.
In March 2014, he set up a nonprofit organization, "Wiz," in order to create a network of enthusiastic young people.