SPARKE, an Inquiry-Based Learning Library for Elementary and Junior High Schools, Begins Accepting Applications for the 2026 School Year for its Popular Collaboration Program with Takara Tomy Arts

Shogakukan Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Matsui; hereinafter referred to as ShoPro) is pleased to announce the resumption of its collaborative program with Takara Tomy Arts Co., Ltd., the developer of "Gacha®," for "SPARKE" (Spark), an inquiry-based learning library for elementary and junior high schools jointly developed with COMPASS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Jun Sato; hereinafter referred to as COMPASS).

This program allows students to learn the know-how of creating capsule toys, known as "Gacha," from Takara Tomy Arts. Participants will utilize their knowledge of Japanese culture, geography, and history, learned in social studies, to plan "Gacha" that convey Japan's unique characteristics and culture to the world.

While the program was offered to elementary and junior high schools in the 2025 school year, we have decided to continue offering it through SPARKE in the 2026 school year in response to the positive feedback received from schools and teachers across the country.

Schools and teachers nationwide can access, download, and manage teaching materials free of charge by registering as a member online.

<Voices from Students and Teachers Who Actually Used the Program Last Year>

● Students

"It was interesting to learn how the Gacha I casually see is made." (6th Grade Elementary School Student, Gifu Prefecture)

"I want to let the world know more about the appeal of Gacha, Japan's unique characteristics, and its culture." (5th Grade Elementary School Student, Mito City)

"I was able to learn about the appeal and possibilities of Gacha." (1st Grade Junior High School Student, Osaka Prefecture)

● Teachers

"We gained hints for creating Gacha, and because it was a collaboration with Takara Tomy Arts, the children felt a closer connection and were more motivated. The materials could be used as-is, significantly reducing preparation time." (Elementary School Teacher, Osaka Prefecture)

"It stimulated the children's interest and curiosity, and they approached the learning with a sense of purpose, aiming to commercialize Gacha." (Elementary School Teacher, Chiba Prefecture)

Example teaching materials for the program in collaboration with Takara Tomy Arts Co., Ltd. *Content and design are subject to change.

In recent educational settings, while the importance of "learning open to society" is emphasized, busy teachers face challenges in independently forging corporate partnerships and preparing new teaching materials, leading to an increasing demand for corporate-collaboration-based content.

This service supports students' active, interactive, and deep learning through materials that correspond to "inquiry-based learning/inquiry-oriented learning," which is gaining attention as a new learning methodology. It also encourages students to be aware of their connection to society and to engage in learning proactively.

<For Companies and Organizations> Collaboration on Programs for Learning Open to Society

O Orders and Requests: Accepted at any time

O Material Recipient: Elementary and junior high schools and teachers nationwide

O Grade Levels: 1st Grade Elementary School to 3rd Grade Junior High School

O Fees: Quotations will be provided based on the implementation details. *Introduction for schools is free of charge.

O Contact for Collaboration Inquiries: [email protected]

<For Elementary and Junior High Schools> Application for Participation in This Inquiry-Based Learning Program

◆Application Period: Until February 28, 2027 *However, applications will close once capacity is reached. ◆Target Audience: Teachers at elementary and junior high schools nationwide.

◆Eligible Grade Levels: 1st Grade Elementary School to 3rd Grade Junior High School.

◆Fee: Free of charge.

◆Application: Please apply through the application form on the program details page below. https://sparke.jp/contents/takaratomy-arts

*Membership registration with SPARKE is required to use the service.

ShoPro will continue to collaborate with the Shogakukan Group, including COMPASS, to provide corporate-collaboration-based inquiry learning materials that link the real world with school subjects to schools and teachers, fostering children's "ability to create the future."

◆About SPARKE URL: https://sparke.jp/

◆About Takara Tomy Arts Co., Ltd. URL: https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/

*"Gacha" and "GACHA" are registered trademarks of Takara Tomy Arts Co., Ltd. in Japan.

◆About Shogakukan Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. URL: https://www.shopro.co.jp/

◆About COMPASS Co., Ltd. URL: https://qubena.com/