Creator Connect: A Gathering of 60 Top English Creators in Tokyo

Creator Connect: Tokyo - A New Hub for English Learning Creators

On November 8, 2025, in the heart of Minato, Tokyo, the inaugural event titled "Creator Connect: Tokyo 2025 Winter" took place. Organized by TORICO, the company behind the English learning app DRAWER, this exclusive invitation-only gathering brought together over 60 prominent English learning creators and educational entrepreneurs who collectively boast more than 5.17 million followers. The primary aim of this event was to establish a new hub in the English education sector, fostering collaboration and the continuous emergence of innovative projects.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Japan's language business market, encompassing language schools, educational materials, and online services, is valued at an impressive 790.6 billion yen, according to a study by Yano Economic Research Institute. With a growing demand for English education and an increasing number of creators active on social media, this vibrant landscape still faces a significant challenge: the lack of cross-sector connections.

Despite the substantial investments in English education through school systems, certification exams, and various online services, there has been a notable absence of an industry-wide "hub". This gap results in several critical issues:

- Similar initiatives and educational materials proliferate independently.
- Valuable insights and success stories from the field are not widely shared within the industry.
- The absence of horizontal connections hinders the creation and discovery of higher-quality content and services by learners.

Such circumstances have led to a considerable "loss of opportunity" within the English learning sphere in Japan. Creator Connect was established with the mission to change this narrative, enabling creators and businesses passionate about English education to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on new initiatives.

Notable Participants

The event featured various influential creators and educational entrepreneurs, including:

- Hina - A reputable YouTuber with approximately 420,000 subscribers, known for sharing self-study tips and leading an English coaching company called LinkUp.
- Miyu - With a total following of about 400,000, she focuses on sharing real experiences of studying abroad and efficient English learning methods, also managing ÖSH and Clacel 2.0.
- Boo - With around 2 million Instagram followers, she captivates audiences with her 3D animated content designed to teach English vocabulary intuitively.
- Masa English - An English coach with 77,000 Instagram followers, known for guiding learners to speak English fluently within six months.
- Judie - With her 35 years of teaching experience, she has garnered a loyal following on YouTube for her clear and engaging English lessons.

Event Highlights

The event included several engaging segments:
1. Panel Discussions - Topics such as "SNS Growth Strategies" and "The Future of Communication and Education" sparked lively debates among creators.
2. Open Mic Sessions - Participants had the opportunity to pitch their projects in one-minute slots, facilitating connections and collaborations.
3. Networking Opportunities - Creators and educational businesses mingled, discussing innovative ideas for new projects, resources, and events.

The informal setup of Creator Connect allowed participants to forge connections without barriers, with discussions about future projects taking place spontaneously across the venue. Speakers shared their experiences regarding audience engagement and business development in the dynamic world of English learning.

Generating Value: Seeds of Collaboration

During the event, several collaborative projects were initiated, including:

- Social media collaborations.
- Joint ventures in developing English learning content.
- Campaign ideas involving both creators and corporations.

Seems like Creator Connect is not just an exchange gathering; it has begun carving its role as a catalyst for shaping the future of English education.

Looking Forward: Biannual Events and Innovation in English Education

The Creator Connect team has plans to host this event biannually in March and November. Future sessions aim to expand further by:

- Introducing co-creation programs between creators and companies.
- Launching educational DX projects.
- Hosting events in various locations, including inviting creators from abroad.

By striving to become a central hub in the landscape of English learning, the initiative aims to transform Japan's English education culture. The next gathering is scheduled for March 2026, with further details about participation expected to be announced through DRAWER's official website and various social media channels.

About TORICO and DRAWER

TORICO is the company behind the AI-driven English learning app DRAWER, which enhances learning by allowing users to compile and visualize their unique English experiences through diary writing. With 40,000 downloads and an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars, DRAWER aims to redefine the landscape of English education in Japan by integrating technology and creative content into its learning solutions. The company's vision is to foster a new standard in language learning, emphasizing collaboration among learners, educators, and technology.

For more information about DRAWER, visit: Official Site | iOS App | Android App