NIJIN, Challenging the Era of 350,000 Truant Children, Wins Kyocera Award at KID2026: Heading Towards "Next-Generation Educational Co-creation" with Over 50 Companies and Local Governments from Kanagawa

The "NIJIN Academy," one of Japan's largest combined elementary and junior high alternative schools operated by NIJIN Co., Ltd., announces that Takashi Isa, in charge of Corporate and Local Government Co-creation, took the stage at the pitch contest of "Kanagawa Innovators Day 2026 (KID2026)," one of the largest innovation summits in Kanagawa Prefecture, held on March 24, 2026, and won the "Kyocera Award." Taking this award as an opportunity, we have started specific discussions for collaboration with more than 50 companies, local governments, and educational institutions that have already shown interest. By alleviating the concerns of major companies regarding future talent shortages and opening "in-company classrooms" and "in-university classrooms" that create touchpoints with companies from the elementary and junior high school years, as well as through business tie-ups with local governments, we will expand new educational options nationwide where children can connect directly with society. ■ Pitch Content ■ A Record High of 350,000 School Non-attendants. What Needs to Change is Not the Children, but the "Educational Model" Currently, the number of truant school children in Japan has reached a record high of 350,000. Many children who worry that "school doesn't fit them" tend to have low self-esteem and lose hope for living. We believe that to solve this issue, it is not the "children who must change," but the "educational model." As a hybrid school combining online (metaverse) and offline experiences, NIJIN Academy offers a next-generation learning space that makes public education "portable," based on diversity, autonomy, and selectivity. ■ The Deciding Factor for the Kyocera Award: Passion for Solving Social Issues and Creating "Win-Win" Value with Companies What was highly evaluated in this award is our overwhelming passion for solving social issues and our business model that simultaneously solves the future concerns (such as talent shortages) faced by major companies. Having touchpoints with companies from the elementary and junior high school years is not only an opportunity for children to learn about "living society," but also an investment for companies to nurture future innovators. This mechanism of creating win-win value through "Education × Corporate" was a major deciding factor for this award. ■ Collaboration Concept with Over 50 Institutions: Opening In-Company/In-University Classrooms and Local Government Tie-ups Through this pitch presentation, we have received inquiries for collaboration from over 50 companies, universities, and local governments, primarily in Kanagawa Prefecture. Specifically, we are progressing with and conceptualizing the following projects.