Introducing the UTokyo CoD Course for Aspiring Students at Rizapro

Launch of the UTokyo CoD Course at Rizapro

Rizapro Inc., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of the "UTokyo CoD Course" on June 6th, designed specifically for the new UTokyo College of Design—an academic establishment garnering attention as the first new faculty in nearly 70 years. This course will offer both in-person and online learning options, aiming to foster combined skills in critical thinking about social issues, writing personal statements, and interview techniques.

The UTokyo College of Design's educational curriculum is structured to merge design methodologies with specialized knowledge from various disciplines at the University of Tokyo. The focus is to cultivate the ability to creatively understand and solve complex social challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary viewpoints, the formulation of questions, and the ability to conceive ideas based on diverse values—moving beyond traditional knowledge acquisition for entrance exams.

Background of the Course

In recent years, entrance examinations have begun to prioritize not only academic skills but also the ability to articulate personal experiences, express concerns about societal issues, and develop individual questioning approaches through dialogue. Today's education emphasizes the necessity of constructing one's own viewpoint across multiple disciplines, rather than merely memorizing facts.

Rizapro has consistently supported students in developing their capacity to express themselves through personal statement guidance and career support. The design of this course is aligned with the profile and learning directions emphasized by the UTokyo College of Design, based on our extensive experience.

Features of the Course

1. Development of Thinking Processes Addressing Social Issues
Participants will start by setting themes relevant to their interests, which allows for a learning experience that goes beyond superficial test preparation. Insights gained from English discussions will be connected to formulating solutions for real-world problems.

2. Personal Statement Tailored Preparation
Rather than merely listing experiences, students will be guided to articulate their personal experiences while connecting them to significant social issues. This will clarify why attending the University of Tokyo is essential for their learning journey. Over 10,000 personal statement samples will inform the materials developed for this course.

3. Comprehensive Interview Preparation
The course includes preparations for not only the second round interviews but also English interviews and group discussions. Participants will develop the ability to respond to questions from multiple perspectives about their personal statements and overarching learning plans leading up to their entrance into the university.

4. Hybrid Learning Format
This course will primarily be conducted in-person at the Sundai Preparatory School in Ikebukuro, with parts available online. During in-person sessions, students will have access to study spaces for two hours after class, where they can receive assistance from current successful candidates to the university in preparing application documents for other schools.

Course Details

- Course Name: UTokyo CoD Course
- Subtitle: Social Issue Discussion Design Project
- Course Duration: June 2026 - October 2026
- Structure: Phase 1 (June - August, 10 sessions), Phase 2 (August - October, 10 sessions)
- Format: In-person at Sundai Preparatory School Ikebukuro + some online sessions

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Rizapro is committed to developing courses that adapt to the evolving landscape of entrance exams and university education, empowering students not only in what they learn but also in how they articulate their inquiries and engage with society. Through this course, we aspire to provide aspiring students with opportunities that foster practical and deeper learning experiences to help them take on new challenges.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Rizapro Inc.
- Representative: CEO Son Tatsuhiro
- Founded: June 2020
- Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Business Focus: Educational services, online preparatory school operations, educational media initiatives.
- URL: https://rizapuro.co.jp/