Activating English Learning: The Launch of ActiMethod Shibuya Lab in June 2026

A New Era of English Education

In June 2026, a new ActiMethod Shibuya Lab school will open its doors, aiming to revolutionize English education for children in Japan. The ActiMethod, developed by i GO Inc., offers an innovative approach that combines typing skills with English language learning. With over 100 existing schools across the nation by December 2025, the expansion continues as they plan to open more locations across Japan.

Transforming English Learning in Schools

It has been over three years since English became a formal subject in Japanese elementary schools. The curriculum for English education underwent significant changes starting from the 2020 academic year for elementary schools and 2021 for junior high schools. Today, fifth and sixth graders receive two lessons per week, summing up to 70 hours of English instruction annually. This new curriculum focuses on developing the four essential skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, ensuring a balanced approach to learning. Grading is now implemented, which adds an essential aspect of accountability and progress measurement.

Notably, the transition to English language education has made the learning content more aligned with junior high school standards. As a result, students encounter a more rigorous curriculum earlier, which poses the challenge of significantly increasing the difficulty level of English learning during their elementary years. Moreover, foreign language activities have commenced even earlier, beginning in the third and fourth grades.

Compounding this change, junior high school students are expected to learn between 1,600 to 1,800 English words, a significant increase from the previous 1,200. The objective is to provide all-English instruction where possible, leading to a much broader exposure to the language.

In addition, programming classes are being introduced as compulsory subjects, dramatically shifting the educational landscape for young learners. Starting with the 2024 university entrance examination, the new guidelines will be in effect for students commencing their studies in January 2025.

The Innovative Approach of ActiMethod

At the forefront of this educational revolution is ActiMethod's unique focus on typing combined with English learning. This method emphasizes fast and massive input of vocabulary through typing, as opposed to traditional writing. Students engage in typing exercises where they hear English words and simultaneously practice spelling them. This technique enables a dual-focus on proper pronunciation and spelling.

As students become more comfortable with typing in English, they can dramatically increase their speed—typing can be accomplished five to ten times faster than writing with a pencil. This efficiency helps young learners grasp vocabulary quickly and retain it effectively.

Free Trial Orientation Sessions

To celebrate the opening of the ActiMethod Shibuya Lab, free trial orientation sessions will be conducted. Parents and children are invited to experience this innovative educational approach firsthand. The schedule includes sessions on May 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 15th, and 16th in various time slots. With limited space available, early registration is highly recommended.

How to Register for the Free Trial

Interested participants can sign up through the link provided: ActiMethod Shibuya Lab Registration

Location and Access

The ActiMethod Shibuya Lab is conveniently located in Shibuya, Tokyo, just a three-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Though there is no dedicated parking lot, nearby paid parking facilities are available for those driving.

A Message from the School Director

Greetings! My name is Komiyama Yoshimi, and I am the director of the ActiMethod Shibuya Lab. I understand many parents wish to introduce their children to English early but may not know where to start. ActiMethod addresses these concerns by efficiently combining English learning with typing skills necessary for the future. Our goal is to nurture abilities that directly impact the students’ futures by providing skills they can rely on for life.

Voices from Students and Parents

[Student, 6th grade]: "I can now understand the meaning of English words in movies! Learning new vocabulary has been so much fun. I can translate Japanese into English naturally and even comprehend the dialogues in films."

[Parents of children in kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grades]: "Our children’s English ability has improved so much that they placed in the national competition! After being introduced to this program by a friend, we tried a trial lesson, and our kids loved it immediately. The atmosphere in class is motivating, which helped them enjoy learning English immensely. My son placed second nationally, and my daughter third in an English vocabulary contest, showcasing the remarkable progress they’ve made."