#Japan #Ichinoseki #Kawai Juku #Next IWATE #Dalton X School

Next IWATE and Kawai Juku Group Collaborate on Education

In an innovative move towards education, Next IWATE Co. and Kawai Juku Group have signed a collaborative agreement aimed at enhancing inquiry-based learning. This partnership sets the stage for the establishment of the Dalton X School, which is scheduled to open in April 2027 in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture. The signing of this agreement took place on December 1, 2025, marking a significant growth point in educational development in the region.

The forthcoming Dalton X School will serve as a pioneering model, focusing on the integration of education with local community engagement, businesses, and government entities. Plans were publicly announced during a press conference held in Morioka and Marunouchi Tokyo on December 9 and 10, respectively. The conference highlighted the vision for inquiry-based education, collaboration with local communities, and future learning paths.

Background of the Agreement

Next IWATE, led by CEO Yutaro Ueno, aims to play a crucial role in the development of Iwate and Japan as a whole by supporting regional enterprises, nurturing young talent, and bolstering inquiry-based learning initiatives. They emerged from the Ichinoseki National College of Technology, establishing a startup model centered around student autonomy and creativity, fostering a collaborative community environment.

Similarly, the Kawai Juku Group, whose headquarters are based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has long been involved in academic support, offering educational solutions in collaboration with high schools and universities nationwide. The synergy of both organizations will accelerate the practical implementation of education where students actively engage in local challenges and create their own futures.

Key Aspects of the Agreement

1. Implementation of the Dalton X School's Base Stay Program
A practical learning framework where students collaborate with community businesses and government to tackle real-world problems directly.

2. Joint Planning of Inquiry-Based Learning Programs
Creating a model where local business challenges are transformed into engaging learning materials that encourage student initiative.

3. Development and Practice of Learning Materials Based on Community Issues
Systematic extraction of community challenges, encompassing field studies and project learning.

4. Initiatives for Regional Revitalization Based on Education
Promoting regional revitalization through educational programs in areas facing decreasing populations.

Highlights from the Press Conference

During the press conference, key stakeholders shared insights, including:

• - Overview of the new high school concept by Eiichi Kawai, Chairman of Kawai Juku Group.
• - Collaboration remarks from local government partners from Ichinoseki, Kamaishi, Hachimantai, and Iwate Town.
• - Collaboration updates from partners, such as NTT East Japan and Iwate Bank.

CEO Yutaro Ueno emphasized that education has entered an era where schools and local communities break down barriers and engage in mutual growth. Their mission is to create a practical learning ecosystem in Iwate and Ichinoseki, enabling youth to confront real local challenges. This partnership is a fundamental step toward creating a model where education nurtures youth and youth drives regional transformation. They aspire to promote this collaborative educational model across Japan, redefining the intersection of learning and local community.

Dalton X School Overview

• - License Application: In process for establishment in Iwate Prefecture.
• - Operating Organization: Kawai Juku Group.
• - Name: Dalton X School.
• - Program Type: Credit system and correspondence courses (wide area).
• - Department: General Studies.
• - Location: Ichinoseki City, Hanazume-cho Ayushima, 34-1 (Formerly a renovated elementary school building).
• - Capacity: 450 students (150 students per grade for three grades).

As Next IWATE continues to expand its educational initiatives through the Dalton X School, the upcoming partnership with Kawai Juku Group represents a pivotal point in educational innovation, exemplifying the power of collaboration in shaping tomorrow's leaders and thinkers.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Next IWATE Co.
• - Established: July 15, 2025 (Founded: January 6, 2023).
• - Location: 114-4 Takana Minami, Hagi-so, Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture.
• - CEO: Yutaro Ueno.
• - Business Scope: Educational support, talent development, community enterprise support, promotion of co-creation projects, etc.
• - Website: Next IWATE