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NIJIN Academy Celebrates Second Graduation Ceremony

On March 23, 2025, NIJIN Academy, an alternative school for elementary and middle school students, conducted its second graduation ceremony, aptly named "Celebration of New Beginnings." The event marked a significant milestone for 40 students—comprising 35 sixth graders and 5 third-year middle schoolers—who were celebrated by a total of 150 attendees, both in-person and online.

Voices from the Graduating Students

Graduates shared their heartfelt reflections on their journey at NIJIN Academy. One middle school student remarked, "Before joining NIJIN Academy, I struggled with the term 'school refusal.' I felt constrained by the idea that I couldn't pursue certain things because of my situation. However, being a part of NIJIN helped me realize that I could live authentically and pursue my interests without hesitation."

A sixth grader reflected, "Looking back over the past six years, I no longer view school refusal as a negative aspect of my life. The time I spent pursuing my passions was invaluable, and I want to carry that confidence into my middle school years."

Another student, who loves drawing, shared, "I was once too afraid to show my artwork due to the opinions of others, but NIJIN Academy empowered me to express myself through illustration."

In addition to their emotional speeches, online participants also contributed to the celebration with performances, including songs, videos, and heartfelt messages.

Insights from Current Students and Parents

Current students expressed their thoughts on the significance of community, saying, "NIJIN Academy has shown us the importance of camaraderie. The graduates have built this space from scratch, and we hope to transform the narrative around school refusal into one filled with hope through our collaboration."

Parents cheered on their children’s transformations, with feedback like, "I’ve always been uncomfortable in large gatherings, but the desire to connect with friends motivated me to participate, and I'm proud to announce that my child successfully presented a video as part of the ceremony." (Parent of a 4th grader)

Behind the Scenes of the Ceremony

The success of the event can be attributed to the efforts of current students, who took on the roles of the organizing committee. They crafted the opening video, managed the ceremony proceedings, organized games, and designed graduation certificates and memorabilia, all while utilizing their unique skills.

A graduate beautifully summarized their time at NIJIN: "The moments spent at NIJIN Academy were vibrant and colorful, leaving a lasting impression on my heart." The school prioritizes the individual aspirations of its students, creating an environment where each child can shine brightly.

About NIJIN Academy

Founded in September 2023, NIJIN Academy serves as an alternative school for elementary and middle school students facing school refusal. With over 400 enrollments from more than 36 prefectures across Japan, NIJIN Academy is set to offer real-world learning opportunities starting in September 2024. The core curriculum emphasizes multi-layered psychological safety, interactive classes taught by top educators, and projects led by students to ensure that experiencing school refusal does not translate into feelings of inferiority or guilt. This approach aims to foster hope for a bright future for every child. Over 90% of those who wish to earn school attendance recognition successfully do so.

Visit our website for more information.

About NIJIN Corporation

NIJIN Corporation, founded in April 2022 by former elementary school teacher Tatsuya Hoshino, stands by the principle of "Illuminating the Nation through Education". The company aims to address educational challenges through innovative systems such as support for school refusal, training for educators, entrepreneurship support, educational events, and after-school programs. With an awareness of the pressing issues concerning school refusal and teaching methodologies, NIJIN Corporation aspires to foster a nation where everyone can find hope in education.

Company Name: NIJIN Corporation
Headquarters: 2-5-5 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Established: April 1, 2022
CEO: Tatsuya Hoshino
Business Scope: Education initiatives aimed at solving educational challenges, including teacher training and support for school refusal.