Innovative Entrepreneurial Education in Tokyo: Guiding Students Towards Meaningful Careers

Creating Genuine Entrepreneurial Education

The question of how one lives and what path to follow has become central to the modern educational discourse, especially in schools. In this light, HILLOCK, an alternative school with four campuses across Tokyo, is collaborating with Taktopia, a company dedicated to designing education for glocal leadership. Together, they are presenting a month-long program designed to cultivate authentic entrepreneurial skills. This initiative culminates in a public event titled "Pursuing Genuine Entrepreneurial Education: Taktopia x HILLOCK Practice Presentation" scheduled for April 28, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at HILLOCK's Junior High campus.

Event Overview

The event is aimed at educators, parents, and other interested individuals, showcasing the educational practice that enables students to explore deep questions about their lives rather than rushing to choose a career. It proposes a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship, not merely as a business venture but as a dedication to understanding the wishes of others and delivering value from a personal perspective. By sharing elements of this approach in an open format, the event encourages broader discussion and reflection.

Why This Matters

In recent years, the importance of career education, inquiry-based learning, and entrepreneurship has surged within school curricula. However, the danger lies in these approaches becoming detached from the real experiences and emotions of the students. HILLOCK focuses on the fundamental theme of "How will you live?" urging children to deepen their questions about life while considering the wishes of others. This program encourages students to take small actions that align with their capability and creativity, aiming for a profound narrative around personal growth and responsibility towards society.

Program Details

The program will include 24 students from grades 5 to 7 and will unfold over six sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. It will commence with an introduction to the overarching theme, followed by a collaborative project led by Taktopia's representative, showcasing a practical example centered around the concept of a "chair." Here, students will foster the idea of gifting—pitching ideas while analyzing the needs of those around them. The process also emphasizes designing prototypes over time, culminating in a presentation where students share their own learnings and creations with their peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Highlights of the Event

This event will not simply present finished products but will reveal the learning journey students undertook to comprehend the wishes of others, convert these into their unique ideas, and iterate upon them. This structured but flexible short time frame challenges both educators and parents, offering insights into the intricacies of project-based learning, career education, and inquiry-based strategies in action. Parents can gain valuable perspectives on how alternative education fosters deep learning, allowing them to witness firsthand how children grow in relation to society and others.

Event Logistics

Event Name: Pursuing Genuine Entrepreneurial Education: Taktopia x HILLOCK Practice Presentation
Subtitle: What Does Serious Career Education Look Like?
Date: April 28, 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Venue: HILLOCK Junior High School
Address: 4-1-23 Komazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Park Side Hills Komazawa 2F (next to Seven-Eleven, above HILLOCK Kinder)
Target Audience: Educators, parents, and anyone interested
Content: Public presentation of final outcomes
Admission: Free for parents with children under 10, 3,000 yen for educators
Registration Method: Accepting sign-ups via the registration form here
Related URLs:

About HILLOCK

HILLOCK stands as an alternative school that emphasizes free progress learning and inquiry-based education, aiming to foster students' ability to learn in a way that is true to themselves and helps them carve out their own paths in life.

About Taktopia

Taktopia is an education provider dedicated to producing “launchpads for glocal leaders.” They offer a wide array of global education programs, inquiry-based learning, and leadership development, striving to expand the possibilities for the next generation. Collaborating with domestic and international educational institutions and businesses, Taktopia actively engages in nurturing the qualities and abilities essential for future individuals. As of December 2025, they have had over 35,000 participants and conducted 580 projects.

Future Perspectives

HILLOCK and Taktopia will continue to deepen educational practices that encourage children to contemplate their questions, embrace the wishes of others, and shape their interactions with society. This event serves as a forum for dialogue with educators, parents, and a variety of stakeholders about the essential nature of career and entrepreneurial education in contemporary contexts.