Same Sky. Shared Future.
Together, We Rise.
Under one sky to build a better world.
About us
Youth Across One Sky (YAOS) is a student-led organization working to address child poverty by challenging the stigma surrounding support and changing the way society understands and approaches it.
We believe that every child should have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive—regardless of their socioeconomic background. Yet, stigma surrounding poverty and receiving assistance can create invisible barriers, discouraging children and families from seeking the support they need and shaping how society views those who receive it.
We recognize that meaningful support goes beyond simply providing resources. The way support is delivered, perceived, and experienced matters. Support should never be something people feel ashamed to receive.
Rather than simply speaking for children experiencing poverty, we aim to create spaces where people can learn with one another and build more respectful, accessible forms of support. Through community engagement, educational initiatives, research, advocacy, and collaboration, YAOS works to challenge stigma and rethink what meaningful support can look like.
We envision a society where seeking support is not a source of shame, but a natural part of being part of a community.
A passion for creating change
Through workshops, international exchange, and donation initiatives, we aim to deepen understanding of child poverty and inspire young people to take action together.
International Exchange program
We organize international exchange events and workshops between schools and students worldwide for the purpose of deepening understanding of child poverty in Japan, exploring different cultural perspectives, and creating a space for students to share ideas and rethink how we approach poverty and support.
Events
We believe awareness should lead somewhere, too! So, we stay engaged through hands-on events and turn awareness into tangible action.
Donation ＆ Volunteering
We believe action can extend beyond ourselves, too. Through donation initiatives, we contribute to organizations and communities already working to support children and create opportunities for their futures.
Impact
We were able to reach…
120＋
children in the year 2025!
- Understanding how poverty is perceived across borders
- Spreading English Education in Japan
- Holiday Donation Drives
Our Members
30＋
International Members
8＋
Countries
From different corners of the world, high school students unite with one shared drive: to take action.
Member
Lemi Okada
Founder / President
She is a senior at International Christian University High School in Japan. Having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, she moved to Japan for high school, shaping her cross-cultural perspective. With a strong interest in child poverty, social welfare, and the ways stigma shapes how people perceive and access support, she is conducting a research on child poverty and the accessibility of support, with a particular focus on the dignity of children and families receiving assistance. In 2025, she co-founded Youth Across One Sky (YAOS), a student-led organization dedicated to challenging the stigma surrounding support and rethinking how society approaches child poverty.
Tomoharu Katayama
Founder / President
Born in 2008, he is a senior at International Christian University High School in Japan. Interested in business, sustainability, and social issues, he is currently conducting research in behavioral economics. In 2025, he co-founded Youth Across One Sky (YAOS), a student-led organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding and youth engagement in social issues. He has received awards in multiple business competitions, leads several student organizations, and participates in internships related to business and social impact. Through his research and leadership experiences, he aims to create positive social change through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Recruiting new member!
