#Japan #Tokyo #Parental Support #NIJIN Academy #school refusal

NIJIN Academy's In-Person Event for Parents

On January 25th, 2026, NIJIN Academy, an alternative school operating under NIJIN Co., Ltd., will hold an in-person consultation booth at Nakano City Hall in Tokyo. This unique initiative will bring together three classroom directors—each a parent of school-refusing children—to engage directly with visitors, discussing the challenges faced by families dealing with school refusal from both personal and professional perspectives.

Background and Societal Issue

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) survey, there are approximately 350,000 school-refusing children in Japan. School refusal is a challenge that affects not only children but also their families, often leading to a period of internal conflict where parents feel isolated and unsure of how to navigate these tough times. Instead of blaming external factors, it's essential to reexamine the structures of schools and society, paving the way for hope out of school refusal.

Objectives of the Booth

School refusal is not merely a family issue. The aim is to foster a community where not attending school is not equated with inferiority or guilt, and where every child can feel empowered to make their own choices. Inspired by their own experiences, the booth aims to facilitate dialogues that combine parental insights with professional expertise, empowering families to ponder their next steps toward a hopeful future.

Meet the Booth Representatives

1. Junko Ohashi (known as Shimejun): Former kindergarten teacher, active voice actress, and mental care counselor, with personal experience as a parent of two children facing school refusal, as well as a former school refuser herself. She advocates for expression through play-based education. (Setagaya, Tokyo)
2. Hitomi Nakamura (known as Hitomin): A childcare worker specializing in developmental disabilities and HSP. A dedicated mother of a school-refusing child and an expert connecting communities and individuals in the context of developmental challenges. (Koshigaya, Saitama)
3. Kimiko Suzuki (known as Suzuki Mi): A graduate of Joshi Bijutsu University, she holds a teaching license and has completed a course in educational strategy at MoMA. Formerly a school refuser, she collaborates with welfare initiatives to broaden the impact of art on children's lives. (Takenotsuka, Tokyo)

Event Details

• - Date and Time: January 25th, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
• - Location: 1st floor of Nakano City Hall, Nakano-ba (An event focused on discussing ways to support children)
• - Content: In-person consultation booth aimed at families of school refusers
• - Target audience: Parents raising school-refusing children, education, and administrative professionals

About NIJIN Academy

NIJIN Academy opened its doors in September 2023, providing an alternative education platform for school-refusing elementary and junior high school students. With over 600 students enrolled from across 40 different prefectures, the academy emphasizes psychological safety, interactive learning from high-caliber educators, and child-centered project work. The curriculum fosters an environment where not attending school doesn't lead to feelings of inferiority or guilt, but instead enables children to envision a hopeful future. Over 90% of students achieve attendance certification from their respective schools.
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About NIJIN Co., Ltd.

Founded in April 2022 by Tatsuhiro Hoshino, NIJIN aims to revolutionize the educational landscape in Japan under the motto "Illuminate the nation through education." The company addresses critical educational issues such as school refusal, teacher shortages, and the future of schooling through innovative strategies and solutions.

• - Company Name: NIJIN Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 2-5-5 Tokiwadai, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: April 1, 2022
• - Representative: Tatsuhiro Hoshino
• - Business Activities: Addressing educational challenges through various initiatives, including teacher training, support for school refusers, entrepreneurial support, educational events, and after-school programs.

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