Rakuten Books Announces Results of 'Free Research Project Survey' Ahead of Summer Break

Rakuten Books, an online bookstore operated by Rakuten Group, Inc. (hereinafter 'Rakuten'), has conducted a 'Survey on Children's Free Research Projects' targeting 1,556 Rakuten Books users in preparation for the summer vacation. Additionally, the company has released recommended free research themes and comments from 'Su,' an influencer who shares fun at-home activity ideas for families on Instagram.

In recent years, an increasing number of schools are no longer requiring free research projects as mandatory summer assignments. Despite this, the survey results show that 64.6% of parents responded they 'want their children to participate' even if the project is optional at school. On the other hand, 60.1% of parents reported feeling 'burdened' during last year's preparation for free research, revealing a gap between parents' desire for their children to engage in inquiry-based learning and the practical challenges of providing support.

□ Survey Summary □■

- Over 60% of parents want their children to participate in free research even if it's optional, while nearly 60% felt burdened by last year's preparation.

- 'Crafts and making things' accounted for 40% of free research themes. 'Books' ranked second as an information source, following 'internet search'.

- Households using 'books' reported over 70% improvement in children's curiosity—34 percentage points higher than households that used no reference materials. Around 70% of children took a leading role in these households.

- The top support parents desire is 'something that helps children choose their own theme' (56.4%), indicating a strong need for tools that foster independence.

□ Detailed Survey Results □■

Over 60% of parents want their children to participate even if free research is optional; nearly 60% felt burdened by last year's preparation

When asked whether they would like their children to participate in free research this summer—even if it's optional at school—64.6% of parents responded 'definitely want them to participate' (16.5%) or 'would like them to participate if possible' (48.1%). This suggests that even as schools move away from mandatory assignments, parents still value nurturing their children's curiosity.

Meanwhile, among parents whose children participated in free research last year, 60.1% said preparation was 'quite burdensome' (14.3%) or 'somewhat burdensome' (45.8%). This highlights the contrast between parents' desire for 'inquiry-based learning' and the reality of the effort involved.

The most common challenge during preparation was 'the child couldn't decide on a theme' (40.7%), followed by 'lack of time (difficulty for parents to be involved)' (29.0%), and 'not knowing how to summarize the results' (20.4%).

'Crafts and making things' accounts for 40% of themes; 'books' rank second as information source after 'internet search'

'Crafts and making things' was the most popular theme, chosen by 40% of respondents. Regarding information sources used during preparation (multiple responses allowed), 'internet search' (55.5%) ranked first, followed by 'books' (43.8%), indicating that books remain a vital resource even amid the widespread use of digital tools. Use of 'AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.)' remained low at 2.3%. Among households using books, the most referenced types were 'encyclopedias and picture books' (51.2%), followed by 'specialized books with free research methods and themes' (38.4%) and 'books on experiments and observations' (31.4%).

Over 70% of households using 'books' reported increased curiosity—34 points higher than those using no references; around 70% of children took a leading role

When asked whether their children's curiosity increased through free research, 63.6% of parents said 'strongly agree' (15.0%) or 'somewhat agree' (48.6%). Notably, among households using books, 77.3% of parents felt their children's curiosity increased—34 percentage points higher than households that used no reference materials (43.2%). Additionally, in households using books, 72.7% of children took a leading and independent role—the highest rate among all information sources.

Top support parents want: 'something that helps children choose their own theme' (56.4%)

When asked what kind of support would be most helpful for this year's summer free research (multiple responses allowed), 56.4% of parents chose 'something that helps children decide their own theme' as the top need. Other responses included 'materials that teach children how to summarize and write reports' (45.8%), 'easy-to-understand books or learning materials children can read independently' (42.8%), and 'a self-sufficient system that doesn't require parental assistance' (33.7%). This indicates a strong parental demand for environments that enable children to take initiative.

Rakuten Books will continue to enhance its services to improve user convenience through the sale of books, CDs, DVDs, games, and toys.

Recommended Free Research Themes by 'Su'

• Theme: Dilatancy Phenomenon (Cornstarch Slime / Flour Slime) (for lower elementary school students)

An extension of the 'clay play' familiar from early childhood. This experiment is perfect for younger children, allowing them to enjoy a mysterious texture while touching the basics of science.

• Theme: Handmade Clock and Perpetual Calendar (for middle elementary school students)

Try making a handmade clock or perpetual calendar using tools like hammers and nails. This slightly challenging project helps children in middle grades feel a strong sense of achievement from 'I did it myself!'

※ Detailed instructions and explanations are provided in Su's published books.

Comments from 'Su,' Creator of At-Home Family Activities

Here are three pieces of advice from 'Su' for parents on how to approach free research projects:

1. Enjoy 'failure' as the greatest research outcome

Even if an experiment doesn't go as planned or the result isn't perfect, there's no need to feel discouraged. The process of failure is actually the essence of free research. The time spent brainstorming together with your child—'What will happen next?'—is a priceless treasure. Don't aim for perfection; instead, find joy in the unique results only your child can create.

2. Create an environment where children can take initiative

To help children start creating anytime, store craft materials in transparent containers so they're visible, and keep a desk and chair ready. Creating an environment where children can think and act independently—without calling for parents—greatly fosters their autonomy.

3. Don't raise the bar by aiming to create 'impressive' projects

Let go of the idea that free research must result in a grand masterpiece. Even a simple project can boost a child's confidence if parents show interest by asking, 'How did you make this?' or 'I never would have thought of that!' The joyful experience of working together as a family becomes a valuable 'seed planting' for the future.

Profile of 'Su'