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KidsNet: Revamped for the Modern Learner

Asahi Gakken Thinquest, the joint venture of Asahi Shimbun Company and Gakken Holdings, has officially announced the relaunch of its educational content portal, "KidsNet," which has been serving elementary and junior high students, as well as their parents and teachers, since 1996. Starting October 1, the revamped site promises to enhance the learning experience for children with a series of innovative features.

New Features on KidsNet

The new version of KidsNet expands its lineup of educational content considerably, aiming to offer a modern and engaging learning environment. Here are some of the notable features:

1. Dedicated News Section

The new platform includes a news section that presents articles from the Asahi Elementary School Newspaper. This section is designed to simplify news for young readers, helping them engage with domestic and international current events more effectively, fostering interest and curiosity.

2. AI-Driven Site Search

A groundbreaking feature on KidsNet is the implementation of an AI chatbot, referred to as "Otasuke AI." This AI assists children in finding answers to their questions or providing information related to topics they are curious about. This interactive tool not only encourages children to deepen their inquiry-based learning but also makes it easier to use in school settings.

3. Enhanced Educational Resources for Parents and Educators

To support the growth and learning of children, the KidsNet platform is also set to expand its repository of educational resources for parents and teachers. Collaborating with Asahi Shimbun’s EduA and Gakken’s Kosodate Map, KidsNet will provide quick access to reliable educational information tailored to modern needs.

4. Multilingual Functionality

Recognizing the diversity in today’s classrooms, KidsNet has added language translation features for select content, starting with English and paving the way for Vietnamese in the future. This aims to deliver dependable educational resources to children with diverse backgrounds living in Japan, expanding their learning opportunities.

Future Plans

While the initial relaunch is already underway, a full revamp is expected by the spring of 2026. Looking ahead, KidsNet plans to integrate even more engaging features such as child-centric events, experiential tours, and services catered to parents and teachers—all designed to further enhance the learning journey and experiences offered by the site. The ultimate goal is to deliver safe, reliable educational information while promoting inquiry-based learning for children both at home and at school.

About KidsNet

Originally launched in 1996 as a portal for elementary and junior high school students, KidsNet has its roots in Gakken's popular publications, "Kagaku" (Science) and "Gakushuu" (Learning), which once boasted a circulation of 6.7 million copies. The platform is actively used in educational institutions and offers a rich variety of content, including the “Free Research Project,” the problem-solving segment “Science Q&A,” and career exploration resources like “Discover Future Jobs.”

About Asahi Gakken Thinquest

Asahi Gakken Thinquest is an education-focused company backed by a joint investment from Gakken Holdings and Asahi Shimbun Group. With the mission "Every Child's Intellectual Adventure," they are dedicated to creating educational content and services that inspire children to ask questions, think critically, and experience the joy of learning. Their aim is to extend this joy across generations, providing trustworthy educational information for both children and adults.

For more details, visit the KidsNet: KidsNet Website and explore the educational resources available for young learners.