Cheery Inc. Opens 'Health Mahjong Classroom' in Matsudo City, Pioneering 'Creating Spaces for Dementia Prevention' Through Education Expertise

Cheery Inc. of the NSG Group (Tokyo Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Wada) will open the health mahjong classroom 'Minna no Mahjong Kitakogane Classroom' (Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, leveraging the beginner instruction know-how cultivated through its nationwide educational services such as computer schools.

* The 'Kitakogane Classroom' is the third location following the Adachi Classroom (Adachi-ku, Tokyo) and Makkari Classroom (Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture).

In recent years, Japan's advancing aging population has made dementia prevention, frailty (age-related decline in physical and mental function) countermeasures, and preventing elderly isolation critical social issues. In this context, health mahjong has gained attention as an activity that combines 'using the brain,' 'moving the hands,' and 'interacting with people.'

The newly opened 'Minna no Mahjong Kitakogane Classroom' primarily targets senior women and mahjong beginners, aiming to create a local community space that provides 'health promotion,' 'learning,' and 'human connections.'

* As the new store is under renovation, the photos show the classroom environment and exterior of the Makkari location.

Strength: A Sustainable Learning Environment and System Developed Through Educational Experience

While health mahjong classrooms operate across Japan, many are run by parlors or mahjong facilities and often operate as weekly circles with sessions only once or twice a week.

In contrast, 'Minna no Mahjong' is operated by an educational organization with years of experience in beginner-focused educational services. Like a typical hobby classroom, classes are held daily except on holidays, allowing participants to learn continuously at their own pace. Experienced staff are stationed on-site to provide careful support even to complete beginners unfamiliar with the rules or gameplay. Located in an open space within a commercial facility near a train station, the classroom offers convenient access and a safe, reassuring environment for regular attendance.

Creating an environment where even those who are 'interested in mahjong but find it intimidating' or 'nervous about visiting a parlor alone' can participate with peace of mind is a major feature of our service.

A New Option for Health Promotion in an Aging Society

Health mahjong is a wholesome form of the game based on the core principles of 'no gambling,' 'no drinking,' and 'no smoking.'

During gameplay, players actively use their brains by memorizing tiles, assessing situations, and planning strategies. Handling the tiles stimulates fine motor skills, and natural conversations and interactions among participants foster cognitive maintenance and opportunities for social engagement. In recent years, health mahjong has been adopted by municipalities, welfare facilities, and senior circles, gaining recognition for extending healthy life expectancy and strengthening local communities.

New Store Overview

Facility Name

Minna no Mahjong Kitakogane Classroom

Opening Date

Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 10:00–16:00

Address

AEON Kitakogane 4F, 1 Kogane, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture 270-0014

Phone

03-5368-2411 (Tokyo Headquarters)

Access

[Train] 1-minute walk from JR 'Kitakogane Station'

[Car] Free parking available at AEON Kitakogane

Target Audience

- Beginners in health mahjong - Senior generations - Women - Individuals seeking new hobbies or social spaces

Store Website

https://www.minnano-mahjong.com/classroom/kitakogane/

About the Health Mahjong Classroom 'Minna no Mahjong'

The 'Minna no Mahjong' health mahjong classroom supports health promotion and community building through mahjong, based on the core principles of 'no gambling, no drinking, no smoking.' It offers a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, attracting many senior participants.

[Website] https://www.minnano-mahjong.com/

[Related Article] Applying 25 Years of Educational Insights to Health Mahjong Classrooms

About Cheery Inc.

Cheery Inc. operates educational services nationwide, including computer schools, under the philosophy of 'bringing the joy of learning to everyone.' Leveraging its long-standing educational expertise, the company also promotes lifelong learning and community exchange through health mahjong classrooms.

[Website] https://www.cheery.co.jp/

About the NSG Group

The NSG Group is a corporate group comprising 101 organizations, with core businesses in education, medical care, welfare, and nursing care. It also operates in diverse fields such as health and sports, construction and real estate, food and agriculture, trading, advertising, ICT, hotels, apparel, beauty, human resources services, and entertainment. From a private-sector standpoint, the group aims to create businesses that revitalize local communities, striving to make each region 'the world's richest and happiest town,' using 'people,' 'safety,' 'work,' and 'charm' as key concepts.

[Website] https://www.nsg.gr.jp/