Introduction
In a significant move for early childhood education, the new center called
Koguma no Okeiko will open its doors in April 2026 at two locations: Jiyugaoka and Seijo Gakuenmae. Operated by
Jonan Educational Research Institute, this initiative aims to establish a solid foundation for children before they embark on their elementary school journey.
What is Koguma no Okeiko?
Koguma no Okeiko is designed specifically for preschool children, focusing on the
six learning areas: unmeasured concepts, numbers, spatial representation, shapes, language, and daily life skills. This early childhood education program is centered on building essential skills that lay the groundwork for future academic success in subjects such as Japanese and mathematics. By fostering both thinking and expressive capabilities in children, the program aims to serve as a cornerstone for lifelong learning.
A Collaboration of Educational Expertise
The Koguma no Okeiko program originates from a collaboration between Jonan Educational Research Institute and the esteemed Koguma Association, known for its high standards in early childhood education. Their guiding principle is the
KUNO Method, which emphasizes stimulating children’s intellectual curiosity through tangible objects (object education) and fostering thinking skills through dialogue (conversational education). At Koguma no Okeiko, this method will be implemented through a unique curriculum that prioritizes substantial pre-school foundational education, combining play and structured teaching effectively.
A Structured Learning Journey
The curriculum at Koguma no Okeiko is designed in a
spiral format, carefully breaking down the six learning areas into
seven progressive steps. Over the course of a year, students will engage in
42 units of study, ensuring thorough coverage of each area. Classes will be limited to just
four students for personalized attention, with a weekly schedule of
60 minutes per session. The approach starts with fundamental learning, progresses to application, and culminates in comprehensive preparation for elementary school entrance. Through this gradual increase in complexity within the spiral curriculum, children will be able to absorb knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.
Details for Interested Families
The opening months of Koguma no Okeiko are filled with opportunities for families to engage and learn more. Parents and children are welcome to attend
free trial classes with a presentation by Koguma Association representative, Mr. Kuno. The details for the trial classes are as follows:
- - Date: March 8, 2026
- - Jiyugaoka Session: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- - Seijo Gakuenmae Session: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- - Location: Both sessions will be held at the respective classrooms
- - Target Audience: Children born between April 2, 2020, and April 1, 2021
- - Cost: Free of charge
- - Capacity: 6 participants per session
- - Registration Form: Sign Up Here
About Jonan Educational Research Institute
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in
Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Jonan Educational Research Institute is led by CEO Katsuya Chishima. They operate various educational services, including individualized tutoring through their
Jonan Covets program and digital education initiatives like
Dekitas. Their overarching mission revolves around making education accessible to all children across Japan while simultaneously aiming to bridge educational disparities through their
Minna ni Manabi wo Project.
For more information, visit the official website:
Koguma no Okeiko.