About
Greetings from the Director
"Per aspera ad astra –
Through hardships to the stars."
This is the motto I hold dear.
Life is not always easy. You may find relationships becoming more complex, information overwhelming, or the future uncertain and filled with anxiety. In an era of rapid technological innovation, you may also wonder what skills will be essential for the years ahead.
However, challenges and struggles can serve as a springboard for growth. What matters most is facing those challenges head-on and forging your own path.
The world is vast, and there is no single correct answer as endless possibilities await us. How you carve out your own path is up to you.
When you feel lost, take a moment to listen to those around you—mentors, peers, and guides. You may find unexpected insights and new perspectives that help you move forward.
This summer course offers a unique opportunity to meet people who have taken different paths in life—those working in international organisations to support the vulnerable, entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo with bold ideas, and business leaders creating a meaningful impact on society. Each of them has found their own way and turned it into reality.
As high school students, you are standing at an important crossroads in your lives. This summer, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, is a chance to reflect on your future and learn together.
I look forward to sharing this special summer with you.
Let’s open the doors to the future together!
Yoshinobu Nagamine (Director)
Mission
To cultivate future leaders who will drive social change and empower them to realize their full potential.
“Four Goods” is a literal translation of “四方良し” , while also sounding like “For Good,” evoking a sense of public benefit and positive impact.
Philosophy
This initiative is founded on the principle of “Sanpō Yoshi” (Three-Way Benefit)—a concept where all three key stakeholders benefit: those providing the project, the beneficiaries in the target communities (participants and their local societies), and the broader global community.
Building on this philosophy, we introduce an expanded concept: “Shihō Yoshi” (Four-Way Benefit). This framework emphasizes that our actions today should also create long-term value for future generations, fostering a sustainable future.
To achieve this, we actively integrate business models and technological innovation from the private sector, promoting solutions that address social challenges while ensuring financial sustainability.
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to advancing both societal well-being and long-term sustainability.
Team Members
Founder & Director Yoshinobu Nagamine
Senior Manager for Resource Mobilization and Public-Private Partnerships at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, responsible for projects with Japanese companies, the World Economic Forum, and the G20. Previously, served as an international relief delegate for the ICRC in DR Congo and Afghanistan, and established the ICRC office in Japan in 2009.
Holds an MBA from IMD, a PhD in Human Security Studies from the University of Tokyo, and master’s degrees from the Graduate Institute in Geneva and Waseda University. Author of “The Essentials of Work We Learned on the Frontlines of the World” (CCC Media House). Fluent in German and French. Father of two.
Co-Founder Yutaka Tatewaki
Senior Officer at UNHCR, with experience in India, Sudan (Darfur), Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Thai-Myanmar border. After joining Tokyo Bank, he was seconded to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Cooperation Bureau and later attended the IDE Advanced School on Development. Holds an LL.M. from the University of Edinburgh and a Master’s in Forced Migration from the University of Oxford. Previously worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Graduated from Hitotsubashi University’s Faculty of Law. Co-author of “Working at the United Nations” (Iwanami Junior Library).
Akiko Perona
Chief of the Public Relations and IT Section at UNITAR. Earned a bachelor’s degree in international law from Rikkyo University and a master’s degree in international policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. After working in marketing and web development in Silicon Valley, she joined the UN as a volunteer, supporting an internet integration project for Ethiopian high schools. Since 2004, she has been involved in training program design and implementation at UNITAR, transitioning to public relations and IT in 2010. Earned a master’s degree from IE Business School in 2019.
Shira Damia Putrinda
International trade and development expert with over 10 years of experience in B2B and G2G project management, specializing in public-private partnerships and startup ecosystem collaboration between Asia and Europe. Formerly a Program Manager at Enpact, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Joined Mitsubishi Motors in 2013, supporting investment projects for a new plant in Indonesia and strengthening relations between the Indonesian government and Mitsubishi. Holds a master’s in international relations from Hertie School and a bachelor’s in social sciences (international relations) from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
Kazuaki Tsujii
Supports HIV programs in Nigeria at the Global Fund. Worked at UNICEF on eliminating violence against women and girls and at UN Women on the Women, Peace, and Security program. Holds a master’s degree in development administration and planning from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Bristol.
Asuka (Christina) Scaduto
Senior Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Strategy Team, Gavi. Previously, she worked as a strategy and project management consultant in the Life Sciences and Healthcare division at EY-Parthenon (Japan and the U.S.). She was also affiliated with the Genetic Epidemiology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI, NIH). She holds an MSc from Harvard University.
Advisory Board
Genki Oda
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo. Founded a company while still a student and later sold the business. Subsequently engaged in social entrepreneurship support, venture investment, and corporate restructuring. As part of a corporate turnaround project, he joined Remixpoint Inc., increasing its market capitalization from 400 million JPY to 100 billion JPY. Awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon in 2018.
Mihoko Kashiwakura
Japan Country Representative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Built a career in investment banking and responsible investment before becoming the first staff member at the World Economic Forum Japan Office in 2013, leading regional strategy. Since July 2017, she has served as the first Japan-based representative of the Gates Foundation, working to maximize Japan’s contributions to global development challenges. Graduated from Keio University (B.A. in Policy Management) and holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge.
Kathrin Knott
Served as Director of Administration at Tokyo Yokohama German School (2014–2023), promoting educational and cultural exchange between Japan and Germany. Previously worked for a German industrial vehicle parts manufacturer, managing Japanese clients. From 2004 to 2007, worked at a joint venture between Sumitomo Chemical and Bayer in Kansai. Studied languages in China and Taiwan. Earned a Master’s in International Relations from Waseda University. Mother of one.
Ko Nakagawa
General Manager, Mobility Planning Division, Toyota Tsusho International Cooperation Group. A leader in global health, providing technical solutions for public health challenges in vulnerable regions. Notably involved in the “Vaccine Land Cruiser” project, ensuring efficient and effective last-mile vaccine delivery. Collaborates with Japan’s ODA, UN aid programs, Gavi, and the Global Fund.
Tomoo Nakayama
Chief Global Partnership Officer, Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN (Ministry of Education, Japan). Formerly a Group Manager at Shonan Seminar, leading international education initiatives across 40 countries with over 500 participants in the Global Leadership Training Program. Contributed to Japan-Brunei diplomatic exchanges and played a key role in the Tourism Agency’s pilot project on high-value international education travel.
Kumi Fujisawa
Graduated from Osaka City University and worked for domestic and international investment firms before founding Japan’s first investment trust rating company in 1995. Sold the company to Standard & Poor’s in 1999, then co-founded the Sofia Bank think tank in 2000. Served as President of NEC-affiliated International Social and Economic Research Institute from 2022.
Michiyo Fuchs Shimizu
Co-founded Switzerland’s first heritage Japanese language school in 1985, where she continues to teach. Leads the Swiss Heritage Japanese Network (SKN) and has been dedicated to youth exchange programs between Japan and Switzerland for 35 years, facilitating annual student exchange visits. Recognized for her contributions with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2018.
Shokei Matsumoto
Industrial Monk / Ancestorist, CEO of Interbeing Inc., Visiting Professor at Musashino University, and Director of Future Buddhist Academy. Graduated from the University of Tokyo (Philosophy) and earned an MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB). Author of “A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind”, translated into over 17 languages, and translator of “The Good Ancestor”.
Toshiaki Mochizuki
Specialist in stakeholder communication, lifelong learning, regional collaboration, and fundraising at Meiji University. Expert in leveraging university resources for value creation, promoting student-led community projects, and advising student entrepreneur groups. Certified Fundraiser®, holds an MBA.
Organization Overview
Four Goods
his organization is regulated under the Swiss Civil Code and holds legal status as a nonprofit association (Fr: Association / De: Verband).
Address：14 Chemin des Fins, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland