#Japan #Shinjuku #Obirin University #Aoi #Inquiry Camp

Unleashing Potential Through Inquiry at Obirin University

In response to a shifting educational landscape, where standardized tests increasingly favor critical thinking over rote memorization, Obirin University and the AOI (a specialized cram school for comprehensive selection exams) are launching a transformative program aimed at high school students. Scheduled from April 2 to 5, 2026, this educational initiative, known as "Inquiry Camp 2026@Obirin University", is a four-day residential program held at the university's Shinjuku campus, capitalizing on the urban environment as a dynamic classroom.

The Context Behind the Program

As Japan embraces a future where education and university admissions focus on analytical and judgment skills, students are being encouraged to confront ambiguous challenges and cultivate their independent thinking abilities. Many universities across Japan are now adopting the Comprehensive Selection method for entrance examinations, which emphasizes evaluating students on their critical thinking and personal initiative apart from just knowledge acquisition.

This program is a collaboration between the AOI and Obirin University's ongoing U17 project "Discover!" that has been operational since 2019. It represents a pioneering effort to redefine urban identities through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Participants will engage in fieldwork, discussions, and output creation, all centered around understanding and interpreting the vibrant urban landscape of Shinjuku.

Why Address Uncertainty in Learning?

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has urged a shift toward nurturing individuals who can independently identify problems and act on them. In light of growing generative AI capabilities, critical thinking rooted in first-hand data will be vital for creating new values in society. Research by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology shows that over 80% of colleges are transitioning towards comprehensive evaluations, signaling a paradigm shift in the educational assessment landscape.

Structure of Inquiry Camp 2026

Throughout the camp, high school students will be divided into small groups to explore Shinjuku, with no specific themes or answers provided to them. Instead, the emphasis will be on observing the urban space, engaging with locals, and gathering primary information to formulate their questions. By interpreting their collected data, they will present their findings at the end of the program and receive feedback from professionals associated with Obirin University.

Daily Breakdown:

1. Day One: Relationship Building and Question Formulation
Participants will meet at the Obirin University Shinjuku campus for ice-breaker activities designed to share values and interests. They'll begin formulating hypotheses about what aspects of Shinjuku they will investigate, sharpening their questioning skills.

2. Day Two: Fieldwork in Shinjuku
Participants will spend the day exploring specific areas of Shinjuku, observing, and conducting interviews with locals. They will seek to understand why particular locations attract crowds and how the dynamics between tourists and residents differ.

3. Day Three: Interpreting Data into Outputs
Discussions will allow teams to explore their interpretations of Shinjuku, leading them to create outputs from the information gathered. These might include a narrative depicting local culture or proposals for new souvenirs.

4. Day Four: Presentations and Feedback
Finally, students will present their findings, with professional critique focusing on their questioning approaches and handling of information. This reflective process is meant to enhance critical thought and articulation.

Personal Growth Through Inquiry

This four-day program serves as both training in analytical thought and a journey of self-discovery. Participants will enhance their abilities to think critically from multiple perspectives, foster collaboration and communication skills, and engage in self-reflection to identify their personal values and interests.

Program Basics

• - Dates: April 2-5, 2026
• - Venue: Obirin University Shinjuku Campus and National Olympic Memorial Youth Center
• - Target Audience: High school students (1st to 3rd year) and graduates
• - Cost: 55,000 yen for graduating students; 49,500 yen for younger students (excluding travel and meal costs)
• - Application Deadline: March 22, 2026

For more information or to apply, visit here.

Conclusion

As Japan’s educational landscape continues to evolve, the Inquiry Camp represents a crucial step towards readying students for the complexities of modern society. Through interaction with the urban fabric of Shinjuku, participants will not only cultivate their intellectual abilities but also discover new dimensions of themselves.