In Japan, the growing number of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity is driving an increase in youth-onset type 2 diabetes; the figures for type 1 diabetes remain constant among young people. In response, a number of initiatives have been developed and implemented in order to address diabetes-related issues and promote healthy living for young people affected by the condition. Many of these activities are supported and/or organized by the Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care (JADEC), a nationwide organization of people with diabetes and healthcare professionals engaged in awareness-raising campaigns and the society-wide dissemination of diabetes knowledge. In this report, Yasuko Uchigata describes the aims and achievements of the recent collaboration between JADEC and DAWN Youth Japan.