Sunow: A Unique Free School by Psychologists Opening in Meguro in June 2025

Introducing Sunow: A New Free School in Meguro

On June 17, 2025, a ground-breaking free school called Sunow will open in Meguro, Tokyo, managed by the be Place foundation led by Yuusuke Sano. This innovative institution aims to cater specifically to students who struggle with traditional schooling, offering tailored psychological support to help them navigate their unique educational journeys.

Mission and Philosophy

Sunow operates under the guiding principle of "Embracing the Time Away from School." The school recognizes that students often feel pressured by societal norms surrounding education, focusing on enabling them to explore their interests and passions without the constraints of whether they attend traditional school or not. The aim is to build a solid foundation for each student to live their life genuinely.

In response to the rising number of students not attending school, there is an increasing need for alternative educational environments. Sunow is designed not just as a physical space, but as a supportive community where each student's individuality is appreciated and nurtured. With various student backgrounds, the school emphasizes understanding and finding personal solutions to the challenges they face.

Features of Sunow

1. Customized Support and Care
The heart of Sunow lies in its personalized approach to education. Psychologists engage intimately with each student, creating a supportive environment tailored to their individual needs. Each session is conducted in small groups of fewer than ten students to ensure focused attention. Activities include learning sessions, exploration times, and club activities, with flexible options based on each child’s preferences. One-on-one counseling is also available for those who seek it.

2. Meal Provision and Interaction
Sunow promotes community through shared meals. Lunch will generally be self-catered, where students can collaborate in the spacious kitchen to prepare meals or bring their own. The school encourages students to share their culinary ideas and cook together. Morning sessions cater to elementary school children while afternoon activities are for middle school students and older youths. This scheduling fosters interaction among kids of varying ages, promoting connections in a relaxed environment.

3. Ongoing Family Support
Recognizing that families may also experience anxiety about their children’s educational journey, Sunow prioritizes constant support for parents. Psychologists will hold regular meetings with families, with the frequency adjustable according to individual needs, alongside periodic parent community gatherings.

At Sunow, measurable short-term achievements are not the primary focus. Instead, it seeks to be more than just an alternative space; it is about helping students confront their true selves—acknowledged as ‘-su-’ for their innate qualities and ‘-now-’ for their current state. The aim is to walk alongside them as they discover the value of their true selves and navigate their own unique relationships with society without undue pressure.

Location & Access

Personal School Sunow

- Address: 3-9-5 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Access: 5-minute walk from Midorigaoka Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line; 10-minute walks from both Ookayama Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line and Okusawa Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line
- Contact: Website

Sunow is currently accepting new enrollments and welcomes inquiries about tours and consultations. Interested families are encouraged to reach out for a welcoming conversation.

A Word from Yuusuke Sano, Founder of Sunow

"You don’t have to conform to the world's expectations. The real question is: how can you remain true to yourself in this world? This inquiry was something I couldn’t explore fully during my teaching years. With Sunow, I am dedicated to addressing this challenge head-on as a psychologist. I aim to create a nurturing space for individuals to cultivate the power to forge their unique places in the world."