The Matching Sponsors program was created by Kaori Sasaki, the ICWB organizer and chair, immediately after the 2011 earthquake, with the idea of “giving the gift of encounters, learning, and experiences” in addition to funds and supplies to those affected. Individuals who wanted to help invited disaster victims to the ICWB and paid their registration fee, sat next to them, and connected with them. It was such a warm program. We have also seen some wonderful things happen, such as the disaster victims who were supported later return as Sponsors to support others.

The program has evolved and is now a program that supports the participation and future careers of high school and university students from Japan and abroad. Of course, students can participate voluntarily, and there are a variety of students, including those who save their own pocket money to participate and those who raise funds through crowdfunding.
However, participating in this program is not just about paying the Registration Fee. There are also meetings before and after the ICWB in which the Sponsor supports the students’ aspirations for the future, and students share their passions with their Sponsor. These are opportunities to get to know each other.