Benesse to Participate in 'Diverse Learning Conference 2026' Public-Private Partnership Event for Social Implementation of 'Diverse Learning'

Benesse Corporation (Headquarters: Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, President and Representative Director: Daisuke Iwase, hereinafter: Benesse) will participate in the "Diverse Learning Conference 2026" event to be held on August 30, 2026 (Sun) by the General Incorporated Association ICT CONNECT21.

This event is a public-private partnership event aiming for the social implementation of "diverse learning" to respond to the diversifying individualities and learning needs of children, such as school refusal, cognitive characteristics, and developmental characteristics. Various stakeholders, including educational sites, local governments, companies, and research institutions, will gather to discuss the future of learning through the sharing of practical knowledge and the creation of new collaborations.

Benesse is participating as a steering company in the "Diverse Learning SIG (Special Interest Group)" working group, which is the planning and operating body of this event, and will disseminate its initiatives for the social implementation of diverse learning through panel discussions and booth exhibitions.

*1: General Incorporated Association ICT CONNECT21: A general incorporated association that provides a platform for diverse stakeholders, including educational sites, local governments, companies, and research institutions, to collaborate with the aim of ICT adoption in the education field. URL: https://ictconnect21.jp/

What is "Diverse Learning SIG"

"Diverse Learning SIG (Special Interest Group)" is a working group established in June 2026 by the General Incorporated Association ICT CONNECT21. Its purpose is to promote the sharing of practical knowledge and network formation in response to the diversifying individualities and learning needs of children, such as school refusal, cognitive characteristics, and developmental characteristics. Benesse Corporation, LITALICO Inc., and the Certified NPO Katariba serve as the three steering companies, promoting discussions and initiatives for the realization of diverse learning together with various stakeholders such as educational sites, local governments, companies, and research institutions.

Background of Benesse's Participation in "Diverse Learning SIG"

In recent years, the environment surrounding children and their learning needs have become increasingly diverse, driven by the increase in the number of students experiencing school refusal and the growing understanding of cognitive and developmental characteristics. In this context, there is a demand to redesign learning based on individual differences and to create learning opportunities and environments that cater to each person's individuality.

Benesse has been advancing initiatives related to diverse learning, including support for school refusal. At "Benesse High School," a correspondence high school established last year, and "Benesse High School Junior High Division," a free school, operations are conducted in collaboration with Benesse Educational Research Institute, our in-house think tank. They provide not only a "place" as a third place but also a "grand design" where children can learn with peace of mind and grow in their own way. Operations are practiced based on evidence such as educational theories and quantitative data. To contribute the knowledge gained through these practices to society and to promote the creation of a better learning environment through co-creation with diverse stakeholders, Benesse is participating in the activities of "Diverse Learning SIG."

Benesse's Initiatives at "Diverse Learning Conference 2026"

At this conference, Benesse will implement the following initiatives:

1 Participation in Panel Discussion

Among the theme sessions conducted by the three steering companies, Benesse will be in charge of "Support for School Refusal that Fosters Autonomous Self-Regulation through the Use of Digital Technology." President and Representative Director Daisuke Iwase will serve as facilitator, and together with Takunobu Kamikihara, Principal of Benesse High School, and Takayuki Shioze, Professor at the Kyoto University Museum, they will discuss the nature of autonomous learning through digital utilization. Furthermore, this session will introduce the self-regulated learning utilizing AI, which is being advanced by the "Benesse Educational Research Institute" in collaboration with "Benesse High School" and "Benesse High School Junior High Division," and report on the progress of the research.

2 Exhibition Booth and Poster Session Participation

Initiatives and practical examples related to school refusal support will be introduced in the multipurpose space within the venue.

At the "School Refusal Life Navi" booth, Benesse's educational information site that supports anxieties about school refusal and disseminates diverse learning styles, we will provide information on the new edition of books published in August, and exhibit educational services and materials that support learning tailored to each individual, with plans for opinion exchange with visitors.

Booth Image

"Diverse Learning Conference 2026" Event Overview

Event Name

Diverse Learning Conference 2026

Organizer

General Incorporated Association ICT CONNECT21 Diverse Learning SIG

Sponsorship

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Date and Time

August 30, 2026 (Sun) 13:30 - 17:30

Venue

University of Tokyo Ito Hall (7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) *Online streaming available

Participation Fee

Free (Advance registration required)

Special Website

https://ictconnect21.jp/flourish_conference2026/

Program (Tentative)

The following is planned:

13:30 - 13:40 Opening Remarks

Junichi Yamashiro (Chairman, General Incorporated Association ICT CONNECT21)

13:40 - 14:10 Keynote Speech

"The Next Curriculum Guidelines and Focus on 'Diverse Learning and Cognitive Characteristics'"

Hiroshi Suzuki (Professor, The University of Tokyo; Professor, Keio University)

14:10 - 17:20 Panel Discussion

Theme 1: Social Implementation of School Refusal Support that Leaves No One Behind

Facilitator: Kumi Imamura (Representative Director, Certified NPO Katariba)

Panelists: Ichiro Inagaki (Superintendent of Education, Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Tomotaka Segawa (Katariba Online Child and Family Support

Domain Director)

Theme 2: Initiatives to Guarantee Learning Opportunities for Children with Diverse Needs

Facilitator: Tomoyuki Akimoto

(General Manager, Education Software Department, Public DX Business Division, LITALICO Inc.)

Panelists: Nanako Ishito (Professor, Keio University)

Ken Nagatsuka (LITALICO Supervisor)

Theme 3: Support for School Refusal that Fosters Autonomous Self-Regulation through the Use of Digital Technology

Facilitator: Daisuke Iwase

(President and Representative Director, Benesse Corporation)

Panelists: Takunobu Kamikihara (Principal, Benesse High School)

Takayuki Shioze (Professor, Kyoto University Museum)

*Other panelists for each theme will be announced sequentially on the official website and other platforms as they are decided.

17:20 - 17:30 Closing Remarks and Guest Remarks

18:00 - Reception *Limited to related parties

Application for Participation

General public can also participate in this event. If you wish to participate, please register using the form below.

Application Form URL: https://pro.form-mailer.jp/fms/b0a240dc353283

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026 (Sun) 12:00 (noon)