#Japan #Tokyo #Young Entrepreneurs #Loohcs Academy #KODONA

Cultivating Life Skills Through Real Business Experience

In today's fast-paced world, students are often required to develop skills that go beyond traditional classroom learning. Loohcs Academy, a unique support school for communication students, is pioneering such an approach by allowing high school students to manage a non-alcoholic bar named KODONA. This venture not only provides hands-on experience in a real business environment but also fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, responsibility, and teamwork.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

Operating KODONA requires students to engage in various tasks including customer service, menu planning, sales management, and team coordination. This comprehensive experience is not only practical but is directly linked to their future opportunities for higher education and employment. The bar is designed to be a safe space for all, making it accessible for minors who wish to enjoy the atmosphere of a bar without the presence of alcohol. Students themselves developed the concept, allowing them to take ownership of every aspect from design to daily operations.

A Supportive Environment

Located in a quiet residential area of Jiyugaoka, KODONA operates out of YOTSUBA TEA, a specialized tea café. The shop's owner, Naoki Yoshida, generously provides the space during the café's off days. He stated, "I believe there should be more learning opportunities outside of school. I hope this space serves as a stepping stone for students." Yoshida has been deeply impressed by the students' innovative ideas and their sincere passion as they collaborated to create the bar. He expressed his excitement regarding their growth and hopes they realize the extensive possibilities that exist beyond school.

Facing Challenges:

One student shared, "At first, I thought it would be all fun, but it turned out to be more challenging than expected. We faced various hurdles such as deciding on drink varieties and prices, making calculation errors, and initially drawing a small crowd. However, as we began to see the bar take shape, our desire for more people to visit grew stronger. When we promoted outside and real customers started coming in, the positive feedback was truly rewarding." Through this experience, they encountered moments of anxiety, especially when standing before customers, but gradually built confidence and even began to enjoy the interaction.

Transitioning Leadership and Overcoming Obstacles

Recently, KODONA underwent a transition as new students were ushered in to take the baton. With this change, they confronted new operational challenges, including a lack of experience and difficulties in sharing information. Yet, the students faced these challenges head-on, learning to navigate differences and collaborate to move forward. Their determination and resourcefulness have become a testament to their growth, demonstrating the critical ‘life skills’ they are cultivating through this unique experience.

New Initiatives and Collaborations

This season marks an exciting evolution for KODONA as they introduce special dinner plates in collaboration with Cherbourg, a well-known bakery in Oita. By expanding their educational experiences into the realm of food, they are continuously enhancing their offerings and creating a dynamic environment for learning.

Reaching a Milestone

As this month draws to a close, KODONA will conclude its first phase after just two more service days. The students stand at a significant crossroads, eager to embrace new ideas, meet new faces, and step into their next chapter over the summer. Through this venture, they have gained exposure to the realities that come with taking initiative and embracing responsibility, marking a true ‘real-life education.’ Visitors are invited to witness first-hand the impact of this initiative and the students' incredible journey during their final operational days.

About Loohcs Academy

Loohcs Academy operates under the concept of 'a school that continually questions schools' and is dedicated to creativity and experiential learning. Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, we encourage our students to share their ideas freely and promote personal growth.

Address: 16-12 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
Website: Loohcs Academy

About Loohcs Inc.

Loohcs Inc. aims to empower every individual as a protagonist in their narrative, offering liberal arts learning at a college level and practical project-based learning. Our mission is to create a platform where children can seize opportunities for change and share their lives as 'beautiful stories.' Loohcs is a play on the word 'school,' read backward as a metaphor for radical rethinking of education.

CEO: Yuki Minei
Address: 16-12 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
Website: Loohcs Shijuku