#Japan #Tokyo #AI Education #Atama Plus #Learning Tools

Atama Plus to Launch Innovative AI-Driven Product for Cram Schools

In an exciting development for the education sector, Atama Plus Inc., headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has announced the upcoming release of a new AI-based product specifically designed for cram schools. Starting in March 2026, this innovative solution aims to leverage generative AI technology to address common learning challenges faced by students. The core objective is to improve learning experiences and effectively tackle the issue of students' misunderstandings.

As generative AI continues to permeate various domains, its usage within educational settings, particularly among middle and high school students, has surged. However, concerns regarding the accuracy of AI-generated responses have led many students to express a desire to engage with this technology cautiously, preferring to compare and reconsider before applying the information it provides. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has also released guidelines pertaining to the use of generative AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of AI, verifying the truthfulness of information, and exercising personal judgment.

Atama Plus has already made significant strides in revolutionizing education with its personalized AI textbook, atama+, which has been made accessible in over 4,500 cram schools nationwide. Within learning environments, numerous students face obstacles such as neglecting their questions, encountering summaries in explanations that make self-study challenging, or feeling awkward about continually seeking assistance from teachers or peers. To meet these needs, Atama Plus has optimized the accuracy and content of generative AI explanations for educational purposes, creating a reliable new product that aims to reassure students as they resolve their individual uncertainties.

This latest product supports self-study and question-and-answer sessions outside of regular classes, allowing students to simply take a photo of a problematic question to receive hints and explanations conducive to their understanding.

Basic Information About the New Product

• - Target Grades: From First Year Junior High to Third Year High School and Graduates
• - Subject Coverage: Mathematics, English, Japanese, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Geography, History, Civics, Information Technology
• - Usage Process:

1. Take a picture of the problem sheet.
2. Receive hints to stimulate independent thought.
3. Review explanations and ask clarifying questions through a chat feature until comprehension is achieved.

Key Features of the New Product

1. Enhanced Accuracy of Generative AI Responses:
- To mitigate the risks of AI misinterpretation (hallucination), Atama Plus has implemented a system where a separate AI evaluates the reliability of the explanations produced by another AI (patent pending). Explanations deemed unreliable will not be displayed, minimizing the risks of offering incorrect information.
- Additionally, Atama Plus has refined tasks involved in the explanation generation to utilize various specialized AI models, resulting in high precision and tailored workflows based on the strengths and weaknesses of multiple AI models.

2. Student-Friendly Explanations:
- The hints and explanations are crafted using language that is approachable and relatable for students, facilitating deeper comprehension. For problems requiring visual aids, explanations will incorporate diagrams or graphs.
- The AI even analyzes the student's grade level and educational guidelines to provide ideal solutions using commonly taught methods, rather than advanced techniques.

3. Related Problem Generation and Feedback Mechanism:
- Starting summer 2026, the product will include related problem generation for math questions, utilizing learning data from the atama+ content library to reinforce understanding through practice.
- For English composition and essays, personalized corrections will be provided, highlighting key areas for improvement and advanced perspectives to enhance students' work based on their unique responses.

Feedback from Trial Participants

The product has already undergone preliminary trials with students who provided positive feedback, stating:

• - "The separation of hints and explanations allowed me to check based on my understanding, which was extremely beneficial. The explanations felt like confirmations for the hints, making it easier to comprehend."
• - "Receiving hints helped me learn the steps to solve problems independently, even with challenging questions."
• - "Visual explanations for previously confusing concepts were a game-changer for my understanding."
• - "The ability to ask questions anytime, without worrying about bothering someone, made a significant difference in my learning process."
• - "The chat feature made it easy to delve deeply into areas I didn’t understand, leading to greater comprehension."
• - "Clear and detailed explanations made complex calculations manageable."
• - "The conversational tone used in explanations helped improve my understanding of the material."

Looking ahead, Atama Plus remains committed to understanding the actual needs of students in learning environments and aims to leverage technologies like generative AI to continually enhance educational experiences for learners across Japan.

Reference: MEXT Guidelines on the Utilization of Generative AI in Elementary and Secondary Education
Link to guidelines

About Atama Plus Inc.

With the mission of maximizing potential for education, individuals, and society, Atama Plus aims not only to reduce the time required for acquiring foundational academic skills but also to increase the time dedicated to developing the skills necessary for success in life. Their AI educational material, atama+, is employed in over 4,500 cram schools and preparatory schools nationwide, facilitating various educational programs—including “Shingaku Kobetsu atama+ Juku” and “atama+ Online Juku”—as well as programs for university-level education.

Headquarters: 2-1-2 Korakuen, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Founded: April 2017
CEO: Daisuke Inada
Business: Development and provision of AI-powered educational services and products
Corporate Website: Atama Plus Corporate Site
AI Textbook “atama+”: Atama Plus Product Page
Shingaku Kobetsu atama+ Juku: Juku Website
atama+ Online Juku: Online Juku Site
University Programs: University Service