#Japan #Tokyo #International School #Aoba-BBT #Yusuke Umeda

Seminar Series on the Future of Education

On April 30, 2026, Aoba-BBT will host a free online seminar titled "Why Establish an International School in the Miura Peninsula Now?" The event features Yusuke Umeda, the founder of User Base, and will be moderated by Aoba-BBT's CEO Iwao Shibata. This seminar is part of the "Future Strategy for Education" series, aiming to shed light on the social value of education.

Background of the Seminar

Aoba-BBT, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, is committed to nurturing leaders capable of thriving in a global society through international education initiatives, including the Aoba Japan International School. In January 2025, Aoba-BBT announced its financial support for the establishment of the Akiya-Hayama International Academy, projected to open in September 2027. This school will serve as a significant project by Yusuke Umeda, who, alongside developing next-generation solar roofs through his company Monochrome, is taking on the challenge of creating an international school in the Shonan area, spanning Yokosuka City and Hayama Town.

What Drives an Entrepreneur to Build a School?

The seminar seeks to unveil the motivations behind Umeda's intense passion for education and his vision for the future in the context of the evolving landscape of AI and autonomous learning. By engaging with his own journey as a sequential entrepreneur, he aims to inspire the next generation while addressing critical educational needs.

Expected Discussion Themes

• - Why Create Schools? Exploring the motivations behind Umeda's commitment to education.
• - The Educational Model of Akiya-Hayama International Academy: An overview of the school's vision.
• - From Concept to Reality: Reflecting on the challenges, joys, and excitement in the journey so far.
• - Why Shonan International Village? Rethinking the significance of location in global education standards.
• - The Entrepreneurial Self vs. the Social Entrepreneur: Balancing business with educational aspirations.
• - Commitment to 2027: Umeda's determination and vision for the academy's future.

Seminar Details

• - Title: Why Establish an International School in the Miura Peninsula? Exploring the Need for 'Independence' and 'Inquiry' in Education in the Age of AI.
• - Date: April 30, 2026 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (60 minutes)
• - Format: Online via Zoom Webinar
• - Cost: Free
• - Registration Link: Register Here

Seminar Structure

• - Opening Remarks
• - Presentation (20 minutes)
• - Dialogue (20 minutes)
• - Q&A (15 minutes)

Speaker Profiles

Yusuke Umeda: Founder of Akiya-Hayama International Academy and CEO of Monochrome. After graduating from Yokohama National University, Umeda co-founded User Base in 2008, launching platforms like SPEEDA and NewsPicks, leading to the company's listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Post-User Base, he has embarked on developing innovative solar technology and building an international school, set to launch in 2027.

Iwao Shibata: CEO of Aoba-BBT, holding degrees from Kyoto University and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. With a diverse background in IT and strategy consulting, Shibata has significantly impacted the educational landscape through Aoba Japan International School and various initiatives promoting international and recurrent education.

About Akiya-Hayama International Academy

Akiya-Hayama International Academy aims to provide a comprehensive education from kindergarten through middle school within the Shonan International Village, maximally accommodating 440 students. Set against the backdrop of the rich natural landscape of Hayama, the school will integrate IT into its exploratory learning programs and construct multi-building facilities.

About Aoba-BBT

Founded in April 1998, Aoba-BBT aims to cultivate global leaders. With a wide array of educational programs for all ages, including international schools and business training, Aoba-BBT continuously evolves to meet educational needs while supporting lifelong learning.