Natsu Camp 2027
A Project-Based International Summer Program in Japan

Before founding her own social enterprise, Ria gained valuable experience at the intersection of policy-making and philanthropy upon graduating from Stanford University with a graduate degree in East Asian Studies and a merit-based scholarship. During her time there, she conducted research in international relations at the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC). While participating in project implementation with various non-profit organizations, including a UN-affiliated NGO in Africa, she identified inefficiencies in traditional charity models. This inspired her to create Natsu Project, which uses a for-profit model to support non-profit work, ensuring financial independency and meaningful social impact.

Tamaki is a writer and scholar with an M.A. in modern Japanese history, and was salutatorian of Waseda University’s Graduate School of Social Sciences Class of 2024. From representing Japan at Miss World—where leadership and community impact are core evaluation criteria—to speaking at CORE Indonesia (Center of Reform on Economics) on the cultural and economic power of storytelling, Tamaki empowers young leaders to find clarity in the narratives that shape them—both around them and within. Her work bridges history, storytelling, and cross-cultural dialogue as tools for reflection, connection, and meaningful change.

Caroline graduated with honors in Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine, and earned her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She began her career as a Data Scientist at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Precision Medicine Center of Excellence in Neurocritical Care, using patient waveform and imaging data to develop machine learning models aimed at improving patient care and outcomes. Passionate about education and well-being, Caroline later founded Pincco, combining original hand-drawn characters and interactive experiences to make understanding and expressing emotions more approachable, engaging, and fun.

Hitoshi majored in Mechanical Engineering at Keio University before joining a double-degree program in Germany, where he carried out extensive research that led to publications in international journals. After graduation, he began his career as a Supply Chain Manager at P&G Japan. Two years later, he moved to New York in search of new challenges, and became a top-rated tennis coach. Currently, Hitoshi supports a startup’s expansion into the Japanese market while also competing in professional tennis tournaments. Passionate about both business and sports, he continues to push boundaries across multiple fields.