#Japan #Tokyo #Gakken Group #ISI Career #Language Academy

Empowering Future Leaders: ISI Career Language Academy's Innovative Program

In an initiative aimed at enhancing career prospects for international students in Japan, the ISI Career Language Academy, led by WEWORLD Co., has teamed up with Gakken Group for a unique practical education program dubbed the "Future Classroom". This program, which took place between October and November 2025, comprised five sessions, focusing on business collaboration and Japanese-language education for job hunting.

The "Future Classroom" serves as a cornerstone for connecting students with real-world business practices. Attendees received first-hand insights into Japanese corporate methodologies and were trained in business Japanese—an essential skill for navigating Japan's multifaceted job market. Gakken, leveraging its extensive portfolio in educational content, guided the students through developing strategies for overseas market expansion.

In this program, Gakken's Global Business Division presented lectures on the company's offerings and the realities of international market entries in the publishing sector. Each participating group scrutinized the viability of specific Gakken titles for markets in India, Turkey, and Indonesia, subsequently presenting their comprehensive business plans in Japanese. This authentic experience equipped students with practical knowledge about Japan’s content industries while honing their language and presentation skills.

Background and Objectives

Opened in 2022, the ISI Career Language Academy differentiates itself within the ISI Japanese Language School network as the first institution focused on career support. Its mission revolves around nurturing capable foreign professionals who can excel in Japanese businesses. This goal has seen a growing number of graduates successfully securing roles within Japan's competitive corporate environment.

The collaboration with Gakken aligns perfectly with the strategic need to develop foreign human resources possessing a multicultural perspective and proficient Japanese language skills, reinforcing both institutions' commitment to career-oriented education.

Program Overview

• - Execution Period: October 23 to November 18, 2025
• - Venue: ISI Career Language Academy, Shibuya Harajuku Campus
• - Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced students in the Career Japanese course
• - Partner Companies: Gakken Group and its parent company,

Gakken Holdings

• - Lecturers: Mr. Misumi and Mr. Sanbongi from Gakken's Global Business Division

Assignment Theme

Students selected one of Gakken's popular books—"Shima Shima Guruguru," "Chikyuu no Arukikata," or "Saikyou Ou Zukan"—and proposed plans for international expansion.

Course Structure:

The program consisted of five sessions, integrating lectures in Japanese from Gakken representatives and student-led group projects:

1. Company Research: Students explored the breadth of Gakken Group’s operations.
2. Corporate Lecture: Insights into "Realities of International Business" and "Expanding Book Business Worldwide".
3. Group Work: Market research, target selection, pricing strategies, and crafting presentation materials in Japanese.
4. Class Selection: Groups competed for the best proposals, with seven advancing to the finals.
5. Final Presentation: Groups presented their strategies to Gakken representatives, receiving feedback based on creativity, market understanding, and presentation quality.

Impressively, some students adapted book designs and created draft layouts, garnering high praises for their innovative approaches, deemed suitable for actual corporate planning meetings.

Corporate Feedback

Mr. Misumi from Gakken's Global Business Division praised the teams' unique perspectives that diverged from typical thinking. He noted, "Despite variances in Japanese proficiency, their analytical and planning abilities were impressive. The proposals provided great insights for advancing our overseas endeavors."

Meanwhile, Mr. Sanbongi expressed his admiration for the visual elements incorporated in some presentations, acknowledging the clear understanding of essential business skills among the students. He anticipates their future success in Japan’s job market.

Student Insights

Students shared positive feedback:

• - "It was a challenge linking market analysis with product value, but teamwork enhanced the learning experience."
• - "I gained a solid understanding of Japanese business principles, which boosted my confidence."

Looking Forward

As ISI Career Language Academy continues to develop collaborations with businesses, the focus remains on fostering global talent equipped with language proficiency, practical skills, and cultural understanding. Ongoing opportunities for partnerships are available.

About Gakken Holdings

Founded in 1946, Gakken Holdings is a prominent enterprise engaged in education and healthcare-related sectors. It operates educational initiatives globally, contributing to learning environments in over 150 countries. With a financial report showing nearly 199.1 billion yen in sales and over 80 subsidiaries, Gakken Holdings stands as a robust player in the market.

For further inquiries, please visit the official Gakken website: https://www.gakken.co.jp/

About WEWORLD

WEWORLD has established itself as Japan's largest language school, catering to over 10,000 international students across four major cities. The institution emphasizes practical engagement in Japanese education, ensuring students can successfully integrate into Japanese society.

Visit WEWORLD’s main site for more information: https://www.weworld.co.jp/