[Japanese Side] A 15-Year-Old High School Senior Entrepreneur Making 300 Million KRW in Annual Sales

Sosora Co., Ltd. SOS CEO
Founded in 9th Grade... 300 Million KRW Sales in One Year

"Oh, this is a pretty good business idea." Everyone probably imagines hitting the jackpot with a business at least once. I’ve realized that many people around me, who seem to be diligently working at their jobs, have not given up on their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs.

In Korea these days, stories of young entrepreneurs who start as startups and eventually elevate their companies to the ranks of large corporations are often introduced like legends. However, it is also true that the older generation’s view of young entrepreneurs is not always positive. In Japan, the story of a high school senior who started a business at 15, went through various ups and downs, and has now become a third-year CEO has become a hot topic. As the eldest daughter taking care of her younger siblings, she came up with a startup idea that turned out to be a big hit. Today, we introduce the story of young entrepreneur Sosora, who started her business at 15 and achieved sales of 300 million won within a year.

Photo of President Sosora. (Photo by SOS Corporation official website)

Sosora founded 'SOS Corporation' at the age of 15. She only disclosed her first name to the media and did not reveal her surname because, as a minor entrepreneur, she felt burdened by exposure. The company, created under the slogan "We want to make children smile," has now entered its third year.

In an interview with Japanese media, Sosora mentioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as the inspiration for her startup. After seeing news that he donated a large sum to a charity for children right after his daughter was born, she thought, "I want to do something for children someday." When she was in the third year of middle school and contemplating her career path, she decided that starting a business was the only answer to achieve this goal.

Why did she dream of a business for children? Sosora said she often felt frustrated that "children’s voices are not conveyed to adults." She experienced situations where children who struggled academically were told "your grades are bad" without considering economic or physical issues, or where conservative school rules excessively oppressed students.

In particular, Japan still has conservative schools where even naturally brown hair students must submit a certificate confirming it is natural. This awareness of problems, combined with her background as the eldest of five siblings who took care of many children, influenced her decision to start a business.

Sosora, the owner, distributing school supplies to children and spending time together. (Photo by SOS Corporation website)

In November of her third year of middle school, Sosora launched a "usage-based distribution advertising" company under the concept of "for all children." The company targets organizations that usually donate toys or stationery to kindergartens and child protection facilities for promotional or social contribution purposes. They print logos, QR codes, URLs, and other promotional materials of companies on stationery and toys that children regularly use and distribute them. Adults get to promote their services, products, and companies, while children receive school supplies and toys for free, making it a win-win business.

Because she has younger siblings, she naturally knows where donations will get good exposure. Above all, since the advertisements are on items children use, the exposure time to children and their guardians is longer than on TV or other media. The company’s website clearly states, "We conduct advertising that helps people."

Initially, she promoted the business through social media and the company website, and soon started transactions with clients who recognized the value of the business. The fact that a student entrepreneur was running a business with good intentions for children spread, and she achieved sales of 300 million won in the first year.

She humbly expressed, "There are many good people among our clients. I was born with good fortune. I wanted to create a profit model within two years, and it has gone smoothly." Currently, 10% of the profits are donated to child care facilities.

School supplies from SOS Co., Ltd. The company logo was printed on a basketball hoop toy and an insect collecting box. (Photo source=Fresh Faces YouTube channel)

Of course, the view of a 15-year-old student entrepreneur was not always favorable. Right after starting the business, she had to compete with university students in startup presentations to receive support funds, which was a heavy burden. Because Japan emphasizes formality in business, she was often criticized initially for lacking manners such as using polite language and writing business emails properly. Sosora considered all of this part of the learning process and said she "received guidance" each time.

Sosora plans to continue managing the company steadily. On weekdays, she lives as an ordinary high school student attending school and participating in clubs, and takes on the role of CEO on weekends and holidays.

She is also currently active as a counselor for teenagers’ worries. In an interview with Japanese media, she concluded, "If you have something you want to do, I hope you definitely try it. And if you have worries, please feel free to send me an email anytime. If I can, I will counsel you." Although she is a high school senior, her mature demeanor made me feel not just admiration but awe.

Perhaps Sosora’s secret to success lies in her consistent care and love for those around her. On the official website, she honestly appeals, "I really want to create a good future. Please help me." While the primary goal of a company is profit, this makes us think about what it means to be a company that thrives together with society.