The Japan Youth Summit (JYS) 2027 is an innovative project competition organised by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation in Osaka, Japan, from 10 to 13 May 2027. It is open to all nationalities and to participants aged 15 to 40. Fully Funded places are limited and registration for them closes on 20 December 2026; Self Funded delegates can register until 10 April 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the official summit pages, and every detail is set out below.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme: Read This First
This summit is not part of the Erasmus+ programme or the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). It is a paid-registration event, so it works differently from Erasmus+ and ESC projects, where participants do not pay a participation fee. Every fee is listed in the sections below. For a general picture of how to recognise projects that ask for payment, see our guide on how to spot a real Erasmus+ or ESC project and avoid fake offers.
What Is the Japan Youth Summit 2027?
Japan Youth Summit (JYS) is an innovative project competition organised by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), dedicated to empowering young leaders to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future. As a prestigious platform, JYS brings together youth from across nations, cultures and backgrounds under the spirit of "Innovate for Tomorrow."
📌 Type: innovative project competition and youth summit
🏙️ Location: Osaka, Japan
🗓️ Dates: 10-13 May 2027 (4 days, in person)
🏢 Organiser: Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation
The 2027 Theme: "Youth Innovation for a World Without Limits"
With the 2027 theme, "Youth Innovation for a World Without Limits," JYS continues its mission of nurturing young changemakers, celebrating diversity and building global networks that transcend borders. Two subthemes are published for 2027:
📚 SDG 4 (Quality Education): Bridging the Education Gap: Innovation and Accessibility for Lifelong Learning
🏭 SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Ethical Tech for Global Good: Advancing Responsible Innovation for a Better World
The Innovation and Technology Project Competition
At the heart of the summit lies the Innovation and Technology Project Competition, where participants design and present innovative projects that aim to create real innovative impact. These projects are directly connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on five goals:
📚 SDG 4: Quality of Education
🏭 SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
🏘️ SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
♻️ SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
🌡️ SDG 13: Climate Action
Delegates are placed into multicultural teams based on their chosen SDG, so every group reflects the richness of international perspectives. The summit also provides recognition and visibility to outstanding ideas, with awards granted to the best projects that demonstrate innovation, feasibility and impact.
Skills You Build as a Delegate
Through teamwork across differences, delegates strengthen essential leadership qualities:
🧠 Critical thinking
🧩 Problem-solving
🗣️ Communication
🤝 Teamwork
More than just a competition, JYS serves as a transformative journey where youth gain the confidence and capacity to #LeadTheFuture in their communities and beyond.
Delegate Benefits
🎤 Exclusive Forum: gain insights from international figures in youth and innovation
💬 Peer Support: engage in group discussions with accomplished individuals
🌐 Collaboration Opportunities: collaborate with participants from diverse backgrounds to generate new ideas
🔗 Valuable Networking: build lifelong connections with fellow participants
🎓 Scholarship Opportunities: explore potential scholarships during the program
🏅 Certificates and Awards: receive exclusive certificates and stand a chance to win awards for your contributions
Who Can Apply to Japan Youth Summit 2027?
🎂 Age: between 15 and 40 years old
🌐 Nationalities and backgrounds: open to all nationalities and academic backgrounds
⚖️ Conduct: applicants must never have been convicted of any criminal offense
🚫 Affiliation: applicants must not be affiliated with any extremist or violent group
Fees: What You Pay to Take Part
The summit charges a registration fee, and Self Funded delegates also pay a programme fee:
🧾 Registration fee, Self Funded: USD 15
🪪 Registration fee, Fully Funded: USD 10
🏨 Programme fee, Self Funded: USD 910 in total, paid in two instalments: USD 510 (payment window until 10 January 2027) and USD 400 (until 10 February 2027)
🎓 Programme fee, Fully Funded: none; Fully Funded delegates are only required to pay the registration fee
Payments made to the organiser are non-refundable. If a Self Funded application is rejected, the official refund policy provides a full refund. The official fee details are published on the summit's fees page, listed in the Links section below.
Fully Funded vs Self Funded: Which Track Fits You?
Fully Funded places are limited and competitive, and depend on essays and an interview. Delegates who are not selected for Fully Funded can still take part as Self Funded participants. The two tracks have different registration windows:
⏳ Fully Funded: registration 5 October 2026 to 20 December 2026
🗓️ Self Funded: registration 5 October 2026 to 10 April 2027
Fully Funded: Benefits and Requirements
If selected, Fully Funded delegates receive:
🎓 Full program fee coverage
🎟️ Access to exclusive fully funded activities
🎙️ The opportunity to be a moderator in the panel discussion
🧭 Additional mentorship opportunities
Requirements for this track:
📝 Complete the registration form and documentation
✍️ Submit detailed essays and applications
🗣️ Participate in interviews and evaluations
Fully Funded registrants can postpone the programme fee instalments until after the interview, but the first instalment is required for visa support documents.
Self Funded: Benefits and Requirements
Self Funded delegates receive:
✅ Guaranteed program participation
⚡ Faster application processing
🚪 No competitive selection required
🧭 Mentorship opportunities
Requirements for this track:
📝 Complete the registration form and documentation
📤 Submit the required documents on time (no essay needed)
💳 Pay fees according to the scheduled payment batches
What the Fully Funded Seat Does Not Cover
According to the official FAQ, the Fully Funded seat does not include the cost of your visa, international flight ticket or any personal expenses during the programme. The funding strictly covers the programme fee, which consists of accommodation, meals, venue access, summit kits, tours and all facilities provided by the organiser throughout the summit.
How to Apply
🖥️ Create an account on the official summit website
📝 Complete the application form from your dashboard
💳 Pay the registration fee for the track you choose
📤 Submit the application
Why Apply
For young people who want to build and present an innovation project with a multicultural team, JYS offers four days in Osaka built around the SDGs. Because the cost depends on the track, compare the Fully Funded and Self Funded options carefully before you pay, and remember that the Fully Funded track still leaves flights, visa and personal expenses with you. If you are comparing this kind of paid summit with fully funded European options, our guide on the hidden costs of fully funded projects shows what to budget for. Find more events like this in the Others category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Japan Youth Summit 2027 part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps?
No. The summit is organised by YBB Foundation and is not an Erasmus+ or ESC activity. Participants pay a registration fee, and Self Funded participants also pay a programme fee.
When and where does the Japan Youth Summit 2027 take place?
It takes place in Osaka, Japan, from 10 to 13 May 2027, over four days in person.
How much does it cost to take part?
The registration fee is USD 15 for Self Funded and USD 10 for Fully Funded delegates. Self Funded delegates also pay a programme fee of USD 910 in total: USD 510 until 10 January 2027 and USD 400 until 10 February 2027. Fully Funded delegates pay no programme fee.
Does Fully Funded cover flights and visas?
No. According to the official FAQ, flights, visa and personal expenses are not included. The funding covers the programme fee: accommodation, meals, venue access, summit kits, tours and facilities.
How are Fully Funded places chosen?
Fully Funded places are limited and competitive and are awarded on the basis of essays and an interview. If you are not selected, you can still join as a Self Funded participant.
What is the age limit?
Participants must be between 15 and 40 years old.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. The summit is open to all nationalities and academic backgrounds.
What is the deadline?
Fully Funded registration closes on 20 December 2026. Self Funded registration is open until 10 April 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 20 December 2026
Links
🔗 Official website and application: https://japanyouthsummit.com/apply
🆕 Account sign-up: https://japanyouthsummit.com/login?mode=signup&programSlug=japan-youth-summit-5th
📋 Programs: https://japanyouthsummit.com/programs
