Tatsuro Hoshino to Represent NIJIN Academy at JCI Japan TOYP 2025
In an exciting announcement, Tatsuro Hoshino, the principal of NIJIN Academy, will be participating in the prestigious "JCI Japan TOYP 2025" awards ceremony, also known as the 39th Young People’s National Honor Award, scheduled for June 29. This event is organized by the Japan Junior Chamber (JCI Japan) and aims to recognize young individuals under 40 who significantly contribute to society in various fields.
Understanding the JCI Japan TOYP Award
The JCI Japan TOYP award, titled "The Outstanding Young Persons," celebrates the hard work and achievements of young leaders who offer positive change in society. From education and healthcare to environmental initiatives, the award highlights individuals making a difference both domestically and internationally. It is a prime platform for bringing attention to these young trailblazers, showcasing their efforts not just in Japan but worldwide.
NIJIN Academy’s Vision and Operation
NIJIN, under Hoshino’s leadership, operates the alternative school NIJIN Academy, designed for students unable to attend traditional schooling due to various challenges. The academy offers a hybrid education model that combines metaverse learning with physical campuses across 13 regions in Japan, currently nurturing approximately 400 students from 40 prefectures. NIJIN is committed to transforming the educational landscape by tackling pressing issues like school refusal, teacher shortages, and work conditions in education.
Hoshino’s initiatives include a collaboration with 53 corporate and governmental organizations to develop an innovative educational co-creation model. With a vision to evolve the perception of education from compulsory school attendance to tailored learning experiences, NYIJN seeks to eliminate the stigma attached to school refusal, ensuring every child can pursue education that fits their needs. The goal is ambitious, aiming to establish 2,000 classrooms and educate 30,000 students by 2033, projecting an annual revenue of 15 billion yen.
Recognizing a Dedicated Education Leader
Tatsuro Hoshino, born in 1990 and a native of Yokohama, graduated from Chiba University’s Faculty of Education. His journey in education began with a role in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a primary school education volunteer in Guatemala. Following his return, he worked as an elementary school teacher in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, for seven years. His experiences led him to found NIJIN Academy as a means to tackle educational challenges head-on. Hoshino is also the head of a teacher organization that supports educational initiatives – "Jugyou Terasu."
His achievements include being recognized with top awards at Tokyo's ASAC and NEXs acceleration programs. Additionally, he authored a forthcoming book on psychological safety in classrooms, set to be published in 2024.
Event Details for the JCI Japan TOYP 2025 Awards Ceremony
The ceremony will take place on June 29, 2025, from 16:00 to 19:30 at the Akihabara UDX Theater, located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward. The event schedule includes:
- - First Part: Award Ceremony (16:00 - 17:30)
- - Second Part: Open Talk Session (17:50 - 18:20)
- - Third Part: Networking Session (18:30 - 19:30)
Fifteen winners of the JCI Japan TOYP 2025 and three recipients from the TOYP Seed category (under 20 years) will participate in the ceremony, celebrating significant contributions to society.
NIJIN Academy: A Beacon of Hope
NIJIN Academy, which opened its doors in September 2023, serves as a vital alternative for students who cannot attend traditional schools, currently enrolling over 450 students from more than 38 prefectures. Its curriculum emphasizes multi-layered psychological safety, interactive lessons from top educators, and student-driven projects, aiming to create a future where every student can cultivate hope and aspiration. As a testament to its success, over 90% of enrolled students have received attendance recognition from their respective schools as of June 2025.
For more information about NIJIN Academy, visit
NIJIN's website.
About NIJIN Inc.
Founded on the belief that education can illuminate the nation, NIJIN Inc. is dedicated to addressing educational challenges through innovative solutions. Recognizing the crisis faced by children unable to express themselves within traditional school systems, Hoshino established the company in April 2022, driven by the vision of a nation where everyone holds hope for their educational journey. NIJIN places an emphasis on solving various educational issues through 13 initiatives, including teacher training, assistance for school refusal students, entrepreneurial support, educational events, and after-school programs.
- - Company Name: NIJIN Inc.
- - Location: Koto-ku, Tokyo
- - Established: April 1, 2022
- - CEO: Tatsuro Hoshino
- - Business Focus: Solutions for educational challenges (teacher training, school refusal support, entrepreneurial support, educational events, after-school programs)
- - Website: NIJIN Official Site