#Japan #Tokyo #Zenkyo Kyosai #Masato Hasegawa #福祉型大学

Lifelong Learning Beyond Graduation: Creating a Society Where Young People with Disabilities Can Live Authentically

The impact of educational systems on the lives of individuals with disabilities is profound, yet often overlooked. Zenkyo Kyosai Co., Ltd., a prominent insurance company that focuses on insurance for disabled individuals, is stepping up to bring attention to this pressing issue. On October 4, 2025, they will host an online seminar titled 'Lifelong Learning Beyond Graduation: Creating a Society Where Young People with Disabilities Can Live Authentically.' This event will shine a light on the critical need to offer continued educational opportunities for graduates from special support schools.

Background of the Seminar

The necessity of this seminar is underscored by alarming statistics. As per a report from the Ministry of Education, only 0.7% of individuals with intellectual disabilities transition to universities or vocational schools upon graduation from special support schools. This statistic reveals a significant gap in educational opportunities for young adults with disabilities, highlighting a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.

This seminar has been spearheaded by Masato Hasegawa, a passionate advocate for the education and welfare of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hasegawa's philosophy emphasizes that the developmental pace of individuals with disabilities is often slower, suggesting that their educational duration should extend beyond the traditional timeline that applies to those without disabilities. Hasegawa is pioneering efforts towards the establishment of welfare-type universities, which offer comprehensive support and development for young people beyond the conventional schooling system.

In his view, ending formal education at the age of 18 represents a significant 'social loss.' Therefore, Hasegawa argues for an additional four years post-graduation to enhance social skills, communication, and resilience. By doing so, he believes many individuals can secure employment and contribute as taxpayers to society, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. His extensive experience in establishing 14 welfare-type universities across Japan forms the basis of this seminar's valuable discussions on the merging of social welfare and education.

Seminar Overview

Title:

Lifelong Learning Beyond Graduation: Creating a Society Where Young People with Disabilities Can Live Authentically

Date and Time:

October 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM

Participation Fee:

Free of charge

Viewing Method:

Online (YouTube Live) – Registration required to receive URL access.

Registration Method:

Interested participants can register at the following link:
Registration Link

Speaker Profile

Masato Hasegawa

• - Born: 1960, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
• - Education: Graduated from the Faculty of Social Work, Nihon Fukushi University in 1983.
• - Career Milestones:

- 1991: Established Kurate Yutaka Welfare Association.
- 2009: Became Chairman of Kurate Yutaka Welfare Association.
- 2012: Completed a Master's program in Social Welfare at Nihon Fukushi University.
- 2012: Opened College Fukuoka, a welfare-type university for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- 2024: Appointed as the representative director of the Bridge to the Future organization.

Learn More and Join Us!

To learn more about the seminar, click here:
Seek Lifelong Learning

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Zenkyo Kyosai Co., Ltd.
• - Head Office: 325 Kudan Kita Building, 3-2-5 Kudan Kita, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - CEO: Shigeaki Enomoto
• - Business: Short-term insurance business (Kanto Finance Bureau No. 14)
• - Website: Zenkyo Kyosai

Organization Overview

• - Organization Name: General Incorporated Association, Bridge to the Future
• - Location: 1-1-1 Kamimura, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture
• - Representative: Chairman Masato Hasegawa
• - Business: Welfare service business
• - Website: Bridge to the Future