Online Free School 'aini school', Popular on Asahi Shimbun EduA, Releases Real Voices of Students and Parents

aini school (Elementary/Junior High Division), an online alternative school operated by Locotabi, a spin-off and investment target of Gaiax Co., Ltd. (HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuji Ueda; Stock Code: 3775), was featured in an interview article on 'Asahi Shimbun EduA,' an educational media outlet operated by Asahi Shimbun Company, and ranked as one of the top popular articles. To commemorate this, the company has announced the release of a special blog article summarizing the 'real voices' of students, parents, and staff, which could not be fully conveyed in the article.

'Real Voices' That Could Not Fit in the News Article

With the number of school-absentee students reaching a record high, diverse learning places are in demand. What kind of place can an online free school be for children? The recently released blog article addresses the sincere anxieties of parents, such as 'Won't online school promote social withdrawal?' and 'Can they really make friends?', and delivers in-depth real voices from families and staff using aini school.

[Highlights of 'Real Voices']

1. Voice of a Parent (W): Discomfort with 'Uniform Education' Seeking Homogeneity

'My school days were full of unreasonable things, but that was normal. Now that home is gentle, when children go to school, they feel it is incredibly unreasonable. I think that is why many don't go.'

'They participated in daily attendance checks. For us as parents, it was significant that the hassle was reduced and it became easier to access a communication environment.'

2. Voice of a Student (Y, Middle School): A Comfortable Place to Build Flat Relationships

'Real schools have a strong sense of seniority, but aini school is comfortable because you can get along regardless of age or gender. It's fun to talk online, make friends, and do various activities.'

3. Voice of Staff (Ando): First, Provide a 'Place to Be' Without Forcing Discussion of the Past

'If parents ask the reason suddenly, children have to talk about the past. It’s a place that seems fun and educational, and a space where they might want to get closer even online. First, it's a place to stay, then a playground.'

4. Voice of Management (Mori): Online is Not an Enemy of Real, But an 'Entrance'

'Many people worry that if they make online their place to stay, they will withdraw into their homes forever, but the reality is almost the opposite. In most cases, children who have distanced themselves from real schools regain confidence at aini school and return to the real world. Online is not an enemy of the real, but rather an 'entrance' and a 'bridge' to it.'

In March 2026, a 'Graduation & Completion Ceremony Party' was held simultaneously in the metaverse and at a physical venue.