#Japan #Tokyo #English Learning #Tokyo Station #NIJIN Academy

Breaking Barriers: Creating English Opportunities for Students

In a creative response to the lack of practical English speaking opportunities in Japan, a group of fifth-grade students from NIJIN Academy has launched a groundbreaking project. This initiative emerged after one student's thought-provoking question: "If there's no place to use English, why don't we create one ourselves?" What began as a single student’s idea has evolved into a collaborative project that aims to connect students with the international community through direct engagement.

Starting from 1:30 PM on April 13, 2026, in Marunouchi Plaza at Tokyo Station, these innovative students will conduct English interviews with visiting tourists. This unique event, titled 'World Talks in Front of the Station in Tokyo,' has been developed as an integral part of their educational strategy, which encourages active and engaged learning.

Supporting Purposeful Learning Through Social Interaction

The motivation behind this project is rooted in the students’ shared belief that English is more than just a subject—it’s a vital tool for communication and connection with the world. To prepare for the event, participating students, who are currently enrolled at the alternative school NIJIN Academy, will undergo several preparatory activities. These include:

• - Developing presentations in English showcasing NIJIN Academy
• - Creating informative materials about recommended spots in Tokyo, presented in English
• - Practicing essential phrases for engaging with foreign tourists
• - Designing personal English business cards

On the event day, students will step out of the classroom and utilize the language they have learned in real-world scenarios. This immersive experience allows them to transform from passive learners to active global citizens, eager to interact and communicate.

A Vision for Collaborative Learning

This initiative also emphasizes the importance of teamwork. As one of the participating students shared, “I want to try this together with my friends rather than alone.” Currently, six students make up the core team of this project, collaborating to ensure the event's success while advocating for a new approach to education, especially for children who are not traditionally attending school.

During a recent home room session, the students passionately presented this event to their peers to raise awareness and encourage more participation.

Event Details

• - Event Name: World Talks in Front of the Station in Tokyo
• - Date & Time: April 13, 2026, from 1:30 PM to approximately 3:00 PM
• - Gathering Time: 1:20 PM
• - Location: Marunouchi Plaza, Tokyo Station
• - Key Activities: Conducting English interviews with foreign tourists, presenting NIJIN Academy in English, and showcasing recommended spots in Tokyo

About NIJIN Academy

Established in September 2023, NIJIN Academy serves as an alternative school for elementary and middle school students who are not attending conventional schools. With over 650 students registered from across the nation, the academy is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment. Beginning September 2024, NIJIN Academy will further expand its offerings with brick-and-mortar locations, aiming to establish a total of 34 campuses.

The curriculum emphasizes psychological safety, interactive education led by top-tier educators, and student-driven projects. This allows students who struggle with conventional schooling to pursue their education and build a hopeful future without feelings of inferiority or guilt. Impressively, over 90% of students are recognized for their academic attendance—an encouraging statistic for both parents and educators alike.

For more information about NIJIN Academy, visit their official website at NIJIN Academy.

Media Inquiries

Members of the press are welcome to cover the event and witness firsthand how these students are transforming their learning journeys through active engagement with the global community. Their initiative represents a novel form of educational expression, especially for those who are not attending traditional schools.

For media inquiries, please contact:
NIJIN Academy, Attention: Minako Kubota
135-0006, 2-5-5 Tokiwadai, Koto City, Tokyo
Email: [email protected]

Corporate Overview of NIJIN Co., Ltd

• - Company Name: NIJIN Co., Ltd
• - Location: 2-5-5 Tokiwadai, Koto City, Tokyo
• - Established: April 1, 2022
• - Representative: Tatsuya Hoshino
• - Business Description: An educational company focused on resolving educational challenges through structured solutions
• - Website: NIJIN