#Japan #Generative AI #Fukuoka #AI CROSS #Nakamura Gakuen

Introduction

In a significant step towards integrating AI in education, AI CROSS, a leading tech company based in Tokyo, has announced its partnership with Nakamura Gakuen in Fukuoka, effective April 28, 2026. This collaboration focuses on providing consulting support for the safe utilization of generative AI amidst a rise in cyberattacks targeting educational institutions. As the landscape of education evolves with technology, the need for a comprehensive strategy to implement and govern AI use has never been more critical.

The Need for AI Utilization in Education

The increase in cyberattacks on educational institutions has become alarming; in fact, research indicates that by 2024, the education sector is expected to be the most targeted industry (source: Check Point Research). With 65.7% of domestic organizations recognizing that the proliferation of generative AI can heighten the risk of external attacks, it is crucial to establish guidelines for the proper use of AI. Mismanagement in this area, including inputting sensitive information into AI applications, can lead to significant data leaks and unauthorized access. As educational establishments adopt AI, developing robust governance is paramount.

Why AI CROSS?

AI CROSS has a long-standing commitment to promoting collaborative frameworks between industry, academia, and government to solve regional challenges. This partnership was birthed from its continual efforts in Fukuoka and its established rapport with Nakamura Gakuen, perfectly positioning AI CROSS to support both the advancement of AI utilization and the establishment of secure protocols.

Our Support Strategy

The initiative offers a two-pronged approach focusing on:
1. Safety: Ensuring the security of AI applications and establishing governance.
2. Progress: Expanding the implementation and literacy of generative AI.

Phase 1: Safety Measures

Under this phase, workshops and advisory sessions will be tailored for all staff, ensuring a university-wide understanding of the risks associated with AI. Rather than banning AI use, the goal is to cultivate a culture of "using it safely".

Key Activities:

• - AI Safety Literacy Training (Two sessions): This workshop aims to educate staff on security literacy, focusing on understanding risks associated with generative AI services.
• - AI Utilization Rule Advisory Sessions (15 one-hour sessions): Providing consultation on developing and implementing AI guidelines to help Nakamura Gakuen autonomously create a governing system.

Phase 2: AI Expansion

The second phase drives the self-sustainable use and operation of AI at Nakamura Gakuen through ongoing support from AI evangelists. This includes:

• - Generative AI Literacy Workshops: Targeted at top-level management, these seminars will focus on understanding generative AI trends and their integration into organizational practices.
• - Generative AI Consulting Sessions (12 one-hour sessions): Interactive consultations will guide Nakamura Gakuen in defining strategies related to AI implementation across processes, including dropout rate predictions and enhancing support systems for qualifications.

Key Points of the Partnership

1. No Delays: AI CROSS emphasizes concurrently managing security protocols and the advancement of AI technologies. Delaying one for the other could lead to stagnation in institutional growth.
2. Transforming Knowledge into Judgment: The workshops provide foundational knowledge, and follow-up sessions will focus on immediate real-world challenges to transform this knowledge into practical capabilities.
3. Collaborative AI Model from Fukuoka: The overarching goal is to collaborate with Nakamura Gakuen to create a model of educational AI transformation, which will then serve as an exemplary framework across Fukuoka and the broader Kyushu region.

Statements from Leadership

Nakamura Gakuen’s Chairman, Hiroshi Nakamura expresses the importance of digital transformation (DX) in educational institutions: "In a time where students utilize generative AI daily, balancing the advancement of operational transformation with information security is essential."

AI CROSS Evangelist, Yuji Kikukawa, emphasizes the urgency of proactive AI use: "Many organizations hesitate to embrace AI for fear of risk. However, the shift towards 'safe usage' initiated by Nakamura Gakuen will serve as a catalyst for transformation."

Future Prospects

This collaboration serves as a model for expanding AX support across educational institutions and private enterprises nationwide. AI CROSS aims to secure safe AI utilization for diverse organizations, including education, healthcare, and administrative bodies, galvanizing safer AI practices throughout Japan.

Company Overview

AI CROSS, Inc.

• - Company Name: AI CROSS, Inc. (Stock Code: 4476)
• - CEO: Noriko Harada
• - Location: 20th Floor, Shiroyama Trust Tower, 4-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Founded: March 2015
• - Overview: AI CROSS utilizes technology to enhance businesses' efficiency through services like SMS delivery and generative AI implementation.

Nakamura Gakuen Overview

• - Institution Name: Nakamura Gakuen
• - Chairman: Hiroshi Nakamura
• - Location: 5-7-1 Beppu, Jonan, Fukuoka
• - Founded: 1954
• - Overview: A comprehensive educational institution operating various educational entities from kindergartens to graduate schools, focusing on character education and practical curricula.