Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Hiroaki Miyahara) announces that, as part of its "Brand Icon Development Project" commemorating its 80th anniversary, a final round of voting will be held on the web starting today, July 6, 2026, targeting both internal and external participants.

In this project, three proposals were selected after rigorous screening from a total of 354 ideas submitted by all Gakken Group employees and their families. From these three proposals, you will choose the character you feel is "most suitable" as the symbol of the Gakken Group. We sincerely look forward to your votes from the many stakeholders who support the Gakken Group on a daily basis.

Original Concepts and Rough Sketches of the Characters Advancing to the Final Vote

Based on the following three proposals, Mr. Keiro Goda of Dwarf Studio (hereinafter referred to as Dwarf) created rough sketches of the characters.

【Original Concept 1】Tree Fairy

Comment from Original Proposer: The Gakken Group is a company that supports customers of all ages, so I thought of a "tree" character as a place where people can gather under its shade. The "tree" is also the material for books and represents the growth of education. The apple on its chest symbolizes "thinking ability" and "health." It is a lively and mischievous character that is always ready to rush to the aid of customers, no matter the time or situation.

【Original Concept 2】Green Owl

Comment from Original Proposer: I expressed Gakken's "Gaku" (学) with the hair, unified it with the corporate color green, and created "Gakuhou," the Gakken owl. Owls can turn their heads widely, giving them a broad perspective, and they have excellent hearing, allowing them to listen to various things. The Gakken Group wants to be a heroic presence that helps customers when they need it, and I want this character to embody that.

【Original Concept 3】Bird with Colorful Feathers

Comment from Original Proposer: The colorful feathers express how various Gakken Group businesses are intertwined and united. As the Gakken Group continues to expand into new businesses, I believe the touchpoints with customers will also increase. I drew this with the hope that people will come to like the Gakken Group even more.

Voting Overview

A "Digital Ballot Box" will be set up on the special Gakken Group 80th Anniversary website. This vote is also a special content of the "Gakken Group THANKS FES 2026," which has been held since July 1, 2026. Gakken Group THANKS FES is an annual event primarily held for employees, their families, and residents around the company's headquarters building in Gotanda. This year, we have enhanced the event by setting up a web venue, allowing employees working at branches nationwide, their supportive families, and many stakeholders to participate.

【Voting Period】

July 6, 2026 (Mon) - July 20, 2026 (Mon, Holiday)

【Eligibility】

Anyone can vote (one vote per person).

【Selection Criteria】

Please select the character you feel is "most suitable" as the face of the Gakken Group. Please also add a brief "reason" for your choice when voting.

【How to Vote】

Please access the "Digital Ballot Box" on the Gakken Group 80th Anniversary Special Site via the URL or QR code below and cast your vote.

【URL】https://80th.gakken.jp/thanks-fes-2026/vote/

【QR Code】

Message from the Gakken Group

This character will serve as a link between the Gakken Group's past journey and its future. We aim to develop a character that embodies the shared sentiment across all our businesses, including publishing, education, and medical welfare, of "staying close to our customers' lives," and that will be loved by everyone for a long time. Furthermore, this project values the process of creating a character through the "collective strength of everyone" involved with the Gakken Group. We would be grateful if you would cast your vote.

Future Plans

Voting results and other information will be announced periodically on the Gakken Group 80th Anniversary Special Site and via press releases.

About Dwarf Studio

https://dw-f.jp/

Since its establishment in September 2003, Dwarf Studio has produced numerous characters and content, including NHK's "Domo-kun," and is an animation studio highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally for its stop-motion video works with outstanding technical skill. In addition to original works such as "Komaneko," which has had a long run in France, they actively collaborate with various popular characters and famous content.

In recent years, they have produced and produced the Netflix series "Rilakkuma and Kaoru," the same series "Pokémon Concierge," and the short animated film "Bottle George" in collaboration with Akihiro Nishino and Daisuke Tsutsumi.

About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

URL: https://www.gakken.co.jp/ Founded in 1946, this holding company operates businesses related to education and medical welfare. In the education sector, it engages in the classroom/cram school business, including "Gakken Classrooms," the publishing content service business represented by "Kagaku" and "Gakujutsu," and the childcare/early childhood business such as nursery schools and after-school care. In the medical welfare sector, it operates serviced residences for the elderly and dementia group homes. The company is active in education and medical welfare in over 150 countries worldwide. In November 2023, aiming to realize its newly declared aspiration, "To become a company that pursues human potential to the fullest," it contributes to the expansion of human and societal potential as a company that supports the curiosity of all generations, from children to students, working adults, and seniors, and encourages everyone's challenges. Sales for the fiscal year ending September 2025 are 199.1 billion yen, with 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities Code: 9470).

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event