Explore the Wonders of Insects at Fabre Insect School in Futako-Tamagawa

Fabre Insect School Overview

On July 12, 2026, the Plus One Education Group, a subsidiary of Risō Education Group, will host a day trip to the Fabre Insect School in Futako-Tamagawa. This program is carefully designed for children from kindergarten to junior high school, and attracting those with a zest for nature and discovery.

Program Details:

- Trip Type: Organized travel
- Date: July 12, 2026 (Sunday) - Day trip
- Registration Deadline: July 7, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Duration: One day
- Participants: Children aged from kindergarten to junior high (based on their grade as of the trip date)
- Location: Plus One Lab, Futako-Tamagawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, attached to the Thomas Gymnastic School
- Meal: One lunch included
- Transportation: Meet at the venue and conclude there
- Cost: 28,600 JPY for elementary school kids, 34,100 JPY for junior high students
- Included in cost: Meal expenses, event participation fees, and travel insurance
- Capacity: 10 participants (with a minimum requirement of 5, which might lead to cancellation if not met)

Noteworthy Aspects

1. Engaging with Nature in Urban Settings

The Fabre Insect School allows children in Futako-Tamagawa to discover the fascinating world of insects with the guidance of a professional entomologist. This unique setup encourages curiosity and expands children's knowledge through engaging with seasonal insects and exploring the diversity of worldwide beetles. Tailored into a learning program, kids will discover and collect insects, conduct research, create specimens, and learn how to transform discoveries into actions.

2. Become a Disciple of Fabre

At the school, students will have the opportunity to take the STS Insect Certification Test, starting from level 15. By achieving certain levels, they can earn the title of a disciple of Fabre, joining a group of approximately ten children who assist at the insect school and grow their knowledge along the way. Many kids enroll continually, aspiring to attain disciple status.

3. Previous and Upcoming Educational Programs

This insect school has a successful track record, with details shared on its social media pages. Upcoming events include:

- July 5, 2026: Summer Research Project (limited to 15)
- August 12, 2026: Hercules Beetle Workshop
- September 13, 2026: Basic Insect Research Session in Futako-Tamagawa
- August 14, 2026: Summer Insect Camp (2 nights, 3 days) in Gunma
- September 20, 2026: Final Insect Camp of the Summer

Meet the Instructor: Masahiko Hasegawa (Fabre Sensei)

Hailing from Saitama Prefecture and an alumnus of Tokyo University of Agriculture, Fabre Sensei has become a leading figure in children's insect education, having inspired between 10,000 and 15,000 children throughout his career. With a commitment to nurturing kids' curiosity, he has operated the Fabre Insect School since 2003, making it a compelling platform for young learners.

His educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of engaging with children’s inquiries about the world around them. By studying insects—the most diverse group of beings on Earth—children can develop a profound relationship with nature and the environment. Fabre Sensei aims to share the joy of learning through insects, encouraging kids to embrace education positively.

Schedule of Activities

- 8:15 AM: Meet at the venue
- Day Activities:

- Ecological Survey and Insect Collection in Futako-Tamagawa
- STS Insect Certification Examination
- Insect Specimen Creation Workshop ( participants can take their created specimens home)
- Insect Quiz Competition

- 3:15 PM: End of activities and closure of the event

What is STS (School Tour Ship)?

STS provides an experiential education program designed to support children’s character development and moral education through engaging activities. The program aims to help kids discover their passion, encouraging their individuality through experiences that aren’t typically included in traditional textbooks.
The registration for this exciting tour is currently open, but spots can fill quickly! Interested parties should apply soon to avoid missing out. Visit STS Tour Application for more details.