#Japan #Koto #NIJIN Academy #school refusal #Metaverse Education

Exploring the Metaverse for Supporting School Refusers

On February 18, 2026, NIJIN Academy, an alternative school based in Koto, Tokyo, organized a Metaverse Educational Tour aimed at addressing the alarming rise in school refusal among children in Japan. According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, there are now approximately 350,000 students in compulsory education who are unable to attend school, which is the highest number ever recorded. Despite existing support systems such as adapted instruction and free schools, around 30% of these students still do not receive proper assistance due to various physical and psychological barriers.

Background of the Event

The purpose of the tour was to present innovative educational methods that transcend traditional frameworks. Participants included local government officials, educators, and corporate representatives who were keen to find solutions to the escalating crisis of school refusal.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour featured several key programs that showcased a new approach to education:

Metaverse Schoolhouse Experience

Attendees experienced how avatars allow students who find physical attendance difficult to engage with their peers. This immersive experience demonstrated that communication through chat and reaction buttons is not only simple but also effective, reinforcing the idea that 'school' can be redefined in the digital age.

Homeroom Presentations

One of the standout moments of the event was a presentation by NIJIN Academy students, where they delivered their research on potential destinations for a school trip. They presented to an audience of about 100 people, showcasing their enthusiasm and ownership of the learning process. This impressive display proved to the visiting adults that profound collective learning is achievable even in an online environment.

Collaboration with Corporations

Participants learned about projects that connect students with real-world corporate resources. This collaboration showcased how companies can directly contribute to social innovation and talent development for school-refusing students, highlighting the concept of 'living learning' that ties education to practical experiences.

Government Collaboration

Furthermore, examples from cities like Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture and Mutsu City in Aomori Prefecture illustrated how local governments have integrated NIJIN Academy as a critical public learning space outside of traditional school settings, thus helping to bridge educational gaps resulting from school refusal.

Responses from Participants

Feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive:

• - "I gained a clearer idea of how the metaverse can be utilized in education" (Education Board representative).
• - "I realized the metaverse can be one of the safe spaces for children" (Education Research Institute representative).
• - "I'm excited to see more collaborations with companies and local governments, especially with events like EDIX and the Expo coming up" (Media company representative).

Future Prospects

NIJIN Academy aims to extend educational opportunities beyond conventional boundaries. Together with local governments and partner organizations, they strive to create a society where the highest quality education is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or circumstances.

About NIJIN Academy

Founded in September 2023, NIJIN Academy caters to students who are unable to attend school, with over 600 students enrolled from more than 40 prefectures across Japan. The academy focuses on creating an environment where issues like lack of attendance do not lead to feelings of inferiority or guilt. Their curriculum emphasizes psychological safety, engaging lessons from top educators, and student-driven projects, ensuring that every child can envision a hopeful future. As of February 2026, over 90% of enrolled students have received attendance certification from their respective schools, pioneering a transformative approach to education.

About NIJIN Inc.

Established in April 2022 by former elementary school teacher Tatsuhiro Hoshino, NIJIN Inc. aims to illuminate education in Japan. They tackle various educational challenges, including school refusal, teacher shortages, and the evolving role of schools by implementing 13 comprehensive solutions designed to foster hope in the educational landscape for all children.

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Contact Information for Media Inquiries:
Address: 2-5-5 Tokiwadai, Koto, Tokyo, 135-0006
NIJIN Inc.
NIJIN Academy
Public Relations Contact: Mami Matsumoto
Tel: 090-8631-4859
Email: [email protected]
Collaboration Contact for Local Governments and Corporations: Haruka Kobayashi
Email: [email protected]