#Japan #Tokyo #Honno-ren #Inquiry Skills #Dialogue Training

Introducing "Honno-ren": A Revolution in Learning

In an age dominated by AI, the ability to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue has become essential. Enter "Honno-ren," a newly launched learning tool aimed at fostering these crucial skills among organizations, municipalities, and schools. Developed through an innovative partnership between the Editorial Engineering Institute and Maruzen & Junkudo, this program aims to reshape learning dynamics through engaging workshops.

A New Way to Learn

Traditionally, "Honno-ren" operated on an annual subscription basis. However, with the shift to an on-demand purchasing model, participants can now acquire the resources they need whenever they need them, beginning in October 2025. This strategic change not only makes the program more affordable but also allows for a more flexible approach to learning, accommodating the varied needs of different groups.

The essence of "Honno-ren" lies in what it symbolizes — a "link of books." By leveraging the power of literature as a communication medium, participants can connect and create new cultural insights, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit present during the Edo period.

Workshops Designed for Engagement

The core offering of the "Honno-ren" program is its unique workshop tool, the "Honno-ren Shunkan Note." This resource includes over 30 themes from which participants can select questions that ignite dialogue. The following scenarios demonstrate how "Honno-ren" can be effectively applied:

In Corporations

• - Enhancing communication and involving employees in productive dialogues.
• - Creating opportunities for interaction within community spaces in office environments.

In Educational Institutions

• - Serving as inquiry-based learning material for middle and high school students.
• - Promoting activities among students in university learning commons.
• - Integrating into general education and career courses at universities.

In Local Communities

• - Supporting revitalization programs in municipalities.
• - Implementing citizen-focused programs in public libraries utilizing books as discussion starters.

For case studies on successful implementations of "Honno-ren," visit our detailed page.

Deepening Thought Through Literature

The "Honno-ren Shunkan Note" includes carefully curated books that facilitate the exploration of questions. Simply reading the provided materials opens up new perspectives and enhances critical thinking. The accompanying worksheets allow participants to engage interactively, enabling them to explore ideas and deepen their understanding throughout the workshops.

Examples of inquiry topics students might explore include:

• - Discovering personal interests and questions: Ideal for high school inquiry-based learning.
• - Preparing for job searches by reflecting on personal identity: Applicable to university students.
• - Fostering communication skills: Perfect for new student orientations or employee onboarding.
• - Reflecting on work culture and practices: Useful in team-building training sessions.
• - Contemplating the power of community and collaborative environments: Important for local community formations.

Comprehensive Learning Packages

"Honno-ren" offers recommended packages that span three thematic areas, encouraging participants to engage from multiple viewpoints. Powerfully integrated themes allow for comprehensive exploration of diverse subjects.

Skills Developed Through "Honno-ren"

• - Curiosity and inquiry generation abilities.
• - Data gathering and organization skills.
• - Critical thinking competencies.
• - Dialogue capabilities, including listening and communication.
• - Understanding and collaborating with others.

Client Feedback

Participants express satisfaction in fostering more face-to-face communication and discovering unexpected dimensions of their colleagues through dialogue. Furthermore, they recognize the importance of posing insightful questions that draw out the fun side of conversations, appreciating the platform not only as a learning system but also as a roadmap towards achieving their collective goals through literature.

Continuing the Conversation on Podcasts

In addition to hands-on workshops, "Honno-ren" features its own podcast series, ranking as the number one in the books category on Apple Podcasts. Listening to the discussions around the workshop content enhances the overall experience and increases engagement.

The Editorial Engineering Institute continues to research the concept of editorality (the ability to define and refine inquiries) as a vital skill for discovering meaningful questions. Director Akiko Ando's work on "Editing Inquiry Skills" has reached the top rank in Amazon's inventions and patents category.

Pricing and Accessibility

As part of this transition, beginning in October 2025, organizations can access the "Honno-ren" workshop package for just 95,000 yen (excluding tax) for a limited first-time trial. Exclusive options such as original bookshelves and exhibition tools are also available, facilitating office space utilization and communication activation.

Experience "Honno-ren" for Yourself

To promote the effective utilization of "Honno-ren" in educational settings, a partnership has been established between the Editorial Engineering Institute and the Kawai Juku Group, also known as KEI Advance. As a first step, free experience sessions for educational institution representatives will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. This is an opportunity for attendees to see firsthand how reading dialogues can spark creativity and connection.

Experience Session Details

• - Tokyo Session: October 25, 2025 (2 PM to 4 PM), Kawai Juku Hongo School.
• - Osaka Session: November 30, 2025 (2 PM to 4 PM), Kawai Juku Osaka School.
• - Fukuoka Session: January 31, 2026 (2 PM to 4 PM), Kawai Juku Fukuoka School.

Participation is free, but spots are limited to 40 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us for further details and registration.

For inquiries, reach out to:
Editorial Engineering Institute
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-5301-2213
Website: Editorial Engineering Institute