#Japan #Tokyo #Free School #Kousotsu Support #Shibuya Campus

New Shibuya Campus Opens: A Safe Space for Students

On June 1, 2026, the Kousotsu Support Association, a certified non-profit organization, opened the doors to its latest initiative, the Shibuya Campus. Located just a three-minute walk from Shibuya Station, this campus aims to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for students struggling with school refusal and social withdrawal, from elementary and middle school through early twenties.

Meeting the Needs of School Refusers

The opening of the Shibuya Campus comes in response to the growing need for alternative educational spaces. Many young individuals experience anxiety about attending conventional schools and wish for a more personalized learning approach based on their interests. In this context, the Shibuya Campus stands out by harnessing its vibrant location to create a "fun and welcoming space" that encourages students to engage with society and rekindle their social connections through positive experiences.

Unique Programs Tailored for Young Women

At the Shibuya Campus, one of the standout offerings is a specialized program for young women focused on building self-confidence through makeup lessons. The program runs intermittently on Mondays and Fridays at 1:30 PM, featuring professional instructor Y. Ivy. Participants can attend these sessions for a fee of 1,000 yen, with the opportunity to simply observe the lessons if they feel unsure about actively participating. This supportive atmosphere helps students take their first steps outside their comfort zones, utilizing the art of makeup as a confidence booster.

Alongside the makeup lessons, the Shibuya Campus offers personalized overseas study support aimed primarily at students wishing to study abroad. Collaborating with institutions in Cebu, Philippines, and Vancouver, Canada, the campus provides tailored language and cultural exchange programs. These experiences are designed to match each student's individual needs, fostering a global perspective and increased self-assuredness.

Student-Centric Events and Workshops

Adding to the campus's diverse offerings are bi-monthly events organized by the students themselves. These events utilize the Shibuya area for shopping excursions and self-improvement activities, further empowering students to engage actively with their surroundings and cultivate their interests in a fun and relaxed environment.

Comprehensive Support System

To make the transition to the Shibuya Campus as smooth as possible, a range of financial assistance programs is in place. Thanks to subsidies from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, students can attend once a week for free, while twice-weekly attendance is set at a manageable monthly fee of 7,000 yen (additional registration and insurance fees apply). Crucially, this structure alleviates financial burdens on families, ensuring that more students can access the support they need.

The Kousotsu Support Association has developed strong relationships with local elementary and middle schools to facilitate the attendance process. Confirming attendance records and negotiating transportation passes are part of the support services provided, ensuring that school attendance can still be counted as legitimate days, which is essential for students' educational standing.

Additionally, the Kousotsu Support Association reaches out to families struggling with extreme school refusal. Through a unique outreach program, experienced counselors visit students in their homes, building trust and easing them into the idea of attending the Shibuya Campus, no matter where they are at in their journey.

Campus Overview

Opening Date: June 1, 2026
Operating Hours: Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (small group settings)
Location: 9th Floor, Shibuya Cinema Tower, 2-6-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: An 8-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, or a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station, directly connected to the "A1" exit via the Chikachika Passage
Eligibility: Targeted towards middle school to early twenties individuals dealing with school refusal or social withdrawal
Costs: Attendance once a week is free with government support; twice a week costs 7,000 yen. (Additional fees for registration and insurance apply.) Please note, those wanting to register at a correspondence high school during 2026 will need to be registered at existing campuses (Suidobashi, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro) until the support school at Shibuya opens in 2027.

For those seeking more information or wishing to enroll, please contact:
Organization: Kousotsu Support Association, Free School Shibuya Campus
Office Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone Number: 03-5937-0513
Email: [email protected] (Please include "Makeup Lesson Reservation" or "Shibuya Campus Inquiry" in your subject line)
Official Website: Kousotsu Support