#Japan #Tokyo #education partnership #Kanda Institute #Sekine Gakuen

Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages and Sekine Gakuen High School Join Forces for Innovative Learning

On December 19, 2025, Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and Sekine Gakuen High School, based in Joetsu, Niigata, will formally establish a collaborative agreement aimed at creating new educational synergies beyond school types and regional boundaries. This initiative highlights the importance of cross-border and interactive learning between students, faculty, and the community.

Background and Objectives

Kanda Institute operates under the philosophy that “language is the cornerstone of peace that connects the world.” With a focus on global communication, it prepares individuals to thrive in an international society. In an era characterized by multicultural coexistence and widespread use of generative AI, the ability to understand others and collaborate effectively is more crucial than ever.

In contrast, Sekine Gakuen High School boasts over a century of history and has continuously nurtured future leaders for Joetsu through education deeply rooted in the local community. The current collaboration aims to transform previous separate initiatives like “career guest lectures” for high school students and local revitalization projects into a sustained, systematic educational partnership. By breaking down barriers related to school types and regions, the institutions envision a mutually beneficial learning environment that contributes to students' future careers.

Planned Initiatives Following the Agreement

The schools have outlined several collaborative programs that will be implemented progressively:

• - Cross-Border Career and Language Education

Utilizing each other’s educational resources, both institutions will expand opportunities for career-oriented guest lectures, English and career studies, summer and winter intensive courses, and much more.

• - Two-Way Exchange for Students and Faculty

In addition to staff exchanges through class visits and training, both students and faculty members will have opportunities to engage in each other's educational environments, promoting intergenerational learning.

• - Domestic and International Training Programs

The collaborative efforts will include joint participation in both domestic and international training sessions, as well as the introduction of new programs that offer global learning experiences.

• - Collaboration with the Local Community

By engaging in projects with regional businesses and organizations, the schools aim to create learning opportunities that connect students with society, fostering a growth-oriented educational approach alongside the community.

Through these initiatives, the partnership between the two schools will not only enhance learning experiences but also cultivate future generations of leaders equipped for a rapidly evolving world.

Previous Collaboration Achievements

Both schools have a history of collaboration focused on regional revitalization and have completed several initiatives:

• - 2018 Cross-Border Career Workshop inaugural activities

Link to Activity

• - 2022 Dual-Track Collaboration: Advanced Learning in Joetsu

Link to Event

• - Promotion Video Created by IBC Students for Sekine Gakuen High School's Special Advancement Course in 2021

Link to Video

• - Joetsu Regional Revitalization Program Proposal Presentation

Link to Event

• - 2025 'Welcome Back by Yukiguni Store' Project

Link to Project

Signing Ceremony Summary

• - Date: December 19 (Friday), 16:00
• - Location: Sumitomo Corporation MIRAI LAB PALETTE (2nd Floor, Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo)
• - Signatories:

- Imai Minoru, Principal of Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages
- Suzuki Shigeyuki, Principal of Sekine Gakuen High School

Ceremony Schedule:

• - 15:45: Media Registration
• - 16:00: Opening Remarks
• - 16:05: Introduction of Both Schools and Principal Remarks
• - 16:10: Explanation of the Agreement Content
• - 16:15: Significance of Collaborative Education (Student Speech)
• - 16:25: Signing of the Agreement
• - 16:30: Q&A Session
• - 16:45: Photo Session

Additional Information

Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages (Chiyoda, Tokyo)

As a vocational school dedicated to delivering practical education anchored in language, international understanding, and business, Kanda Institute aims to produce graduates who can thrive in a multicultural society.
Website: Kanda Institute

Sekine Gakuen High School (Joetsu, Niigata)

With over 100 years of history, this private high school focuses on fostering individualism while preparing students for community leadership roles.
Website: Sekine Gakuen