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The Inspiring Short Drama 'The Tortoise and the Hare' by Terakoya Group

In an impressive feat, Terakoya Group's first short drama, titled 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' surpassed 3 million views within just four days of its release. This tale, which captures the essence of finding one's own path beyond societal expectations, serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of individual choice in education. The drama is produced by the Prep Academy, Terakoya Group's comprehensive educational institution, and is part of their effort to re-emphasize the idea of selecting a personal and fulfilling educational journey.

The short drama is publicly available on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with its first episode released on October 23 and the second one on October 28. Both episodes collectively form a captivating story based on the well-known fable, encouraging viewers to break away from traditional standards like test scores and social pressures when choosing their futures. The project aims to inspire students to embrace their unique aspirations while receiving guidance from educators.

In the drama, a pivotal moment arises through the advice of a Prep Academy teacher, emphasizing the significance of having pride and confidently pursuing one's future. This sentiment resonates throughout the narrative, prompting the characters—and, ideally, the audience—to consider their true desires in education. It also reflects the journey of a mother who realizes that happiness isn't solely linked to prestigious schools but rather through supporting her children's dreams and paths.

Launched as a redesigned brand on September 1, Prep Academy is centered around the concept of being an institution that nurtures pride in its students while gearing them towards the future. The short drama serves as a visual testament to this mission, designed not only to entertain but also to instill courage in young viewers as they step into their future. Filmed in Ehime Prefecture, the cast features local talents, including Ai Hakozaki and Kanon Matsushima, who beautifully portray the twin sisters in the narrative.

Ochi Kiyuki from Terakoya Group's marketing department has expressed the core ethos of this initiative: "Exams are not the end goal but rather a checkpoint that leads to life beyond them. At Prep Academy, we prioritize the individual futures of children and understand that it's not about attending a prestigious school but rather about nurturing their interests and strengths. We hope this video inspires our students, even if in a small way."

The first episode gained over 1 million views on TikTok within just 24 hours of its release, and within four days across all platforms, the drama reached over 3 million views, illustrating the profound resonance it has with audiences. Each episode runs for approximately 60 seconds and chronicles the emotional and motivational trials faced by high school students as they prepare for exams.

Video Details

• - Title: The Tortoise and the Hare
• - Produced by: Terakoya Group / Prep Academy
• - Content: A short drama depicting the experiences of twin sisters as they prepare for high school entrance exams
• - Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
• - Release Dates:

- Episode 1: October 23, 2025
- Episode 2: October 28, 2025

• - Format: Two episodes approximately 60 seconds each
• - Cast:

- Sister Role: Ai Hakozaki
- Sister Role: Kanon Matsushima

About Prep Academy

Prep Academy, previously known as Terakoya, has embarked on a new journey since its rebranding on September 1, 2025, focusing on being an institution that cultivates pride and decision-making skills among its students. The initiative aims to create an educational environment that encourages each child to pursue their unique goals, delivering a sense of belonging and achievement in their learning journey.

About Terakoya Group

Terakoya Group is an educational institution primarily based in Ehime Prefecture, offering various programs including group classes and personalized tutoring aimed at providing comprehensive educational services. Committed to illuminating the future of individuals and communities through education, Terakoya Group seeks to nurture trustworthy, skilled individuals capable of navigating the challenges ahead.

Visit Terakoya Group for more information about their initiatives and educational offerings.