Strong Support for High School Study Abroad in the Era of a Weak Yen! Manabi-Aid Partners with NOVA Group's Last Resort

Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shuichi Hiromasa), which provides various online learning infrastructure and video lessons for the education industry, has entered into a business partnership with Last Resort Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yuta Horiuchi; hereinafter referred to as "Last Resort"), which supports study abroad programs worldwide as part of the NOVA Holdings Group.

Based on this partnership, Manabi-Aid will begin offering "University Entrance Exam Support During Study Abroad" services to students participating in Last Resort's newly launched "Fiji High School Study Abroad Program." This service will be based on Manabi-Aid's video viewing accounts and advanced university entrance exam preparation solutions, with a focus on preparing students for university entrance exams in Japan.

Background and Objectives of This Partnership

Currently, due to historically weak yen and soaring inflation, the cost of high school study abroad in Western countries has surged to an annual scale of 5 to 10 million yen, making overseas challenges accessible only to a select few wealthy individuals. In response to this social issue, Last Resort has welcomed "Free Bird Institute Limited," a publicly traded education company in the Republic of Fiji, into the NOVA Group. They have launched a new study abroad model that allows students to aim for a regular high school diploma at an annual total cost of approximately 2 million yen (including tuition and accommodation), which is about 1/4 of the cost in Western countries. However, a common concern for many parents and students in high school study abroad is "balancing preparation for Japanese university entrance exams while living abroad." Therefore, our company has connected our video lesson platform, featuring top-tier instructors, and our expertise in entrance exam preparation with Last Resort's overseas students. We have established an environment that enables top-class entrance exam preparation in Japan, even from the distant land of Fiji, covering entrance exams for returning students, comprehensive selection, and even general entrance exams.

Overview of "Entrance Exam Support Solution for Overseas Students" Provided by Manabi-Aid

By integrating Manabi-Aid's online learning infrastructure into Last Resort's Fiji High School Study Abroad Program, students can receive the following support while in Fiji:

[1] Manabi-Aid's Video Lessons Available Anytime in Fiji

We provide Manabi-Aid's video lessons, which efficiently cover key points of major subjects in approximately 5-minute segments. This allows students to keep up with the Japanese academic schedule without falling behind, even while managing their local high school curriculum, enabling efficient and continuous learning during their free time.

[2] Entrance Exam Preparation and Interviews Focused on Comprehensive Selection and Returning Student Entrance Exams

With the goal of advancing to Japanese universities, we offer not only video lesson learning but also online individual study interviews and online LIVE classes. We provide comprehensive support, from essay writing and statement of purpose preparation tailored to individual career paths to interview practice.

[3] Hybrid Formation of "Non-Cognitive Skills Abroad" x "Solid Academic Ability in Japan"

By combining "proactiveness and problem-solving skills" fostered in Fiji's unique multinational environment and communication culture with "solid academic ability for entrance exams" through Manabi-Aid's instruction, we aim to cultivate individuals who will have a significant advantage in university entrance exams.

Future Outlook

Manabi-Aid has so far provided its online learning platform and video lessons to over 4,000 cram schools nationwide. With the partnership with Last Resort as a starting point, we will expand our target audience from "domestic" to "supporting the academic needs of Japanese students challenging themselves globally." We will break down economic and geographical barriers through technology and instruction, and establish a standard of educational infrastructure that allows everyone to confidently spread their wings globally and secure their ideal next path.

Joint Seminar! July 13, 2026 (Monday) 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Co-hosted by Last Resort x Free Bird x Manabi-Aid "The Option of Fiji High School Study Abroad"

For cram school operators, "Why not make study abroad a new weapon for your school?"

We will hold a free online seminar for people involved in cram schools, introducing new proposal methods and case studies utilizing Fiji study abroad, which has high parental demand.

Speakers:

Last Resort Inc.

President and CEO, Yuta Horiuchi

South Pacific Free Bird Inc.

President and CEO, Hiroshi Taniguchi

Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd.

President and CEO, Shuichi Hiromasa

July 13, 2026 (Monday) 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

▼ Click here to apply https://manabi-aid.hp.peraichi.com/StudyabroadinFiji

Comment from Shuichi Hiromasa, President and CEO of Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd.

Study abroad is not just about going overseas to learn English. It's about diving into a world you don't know, facing challenges, thinking, and returning stronger. I believe that this experience broadens each student's perspective and provides great strength for their future lives.

On the other hand, due to the weak yen and rising prices, high school study abroad has become an increasingly significant hurdle for many families. Furthermore, many parents and students are concerned about "whether they will fall behind in preparing for Japanese university entrance exams while studying abroad."

Through this partnership, we will deliver Manabi-Aid's video lessons and career guidance to students challenging themselves with high school life in Fiji. Our role is to create an environment that supports the balance between the unique experiences and language skills gained abroad and solid preparation for Japanese university entrance exams.

As a member of the NOVA Group, Manabi-Aid will support students challenging themselves globally to continue learning with peace of mind and forge their own paths. We will connect "those who want to teach" with "those who want to learn," delivering education to all students who take on challenges, regardless of location.

Comment from Yuta Horiuchi, President and CEO of Last Resort Inc.

The most frequent consultations we receive from families considering study abroad for junior high and high school students concern "post-study abroad career paths" and "preparation for Japanese university entrance exams." By incorporating Manabi-Aid's video lessons and entrance exam preparation know-how into our Fiji High School program, we can now offer a new option: "the ability to study abroad while aiming for admission to Japanese universities." Moving forward, we will not limit ourselves to high school study abroad but will collaborate to create new educational models that maximize the effects of study abroad by leveraging Manabi-Aid's expertise and technology in the EdTech domain.

【Company Overview】

About Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd. Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd., a member of the NOVA Holdings Group, provides various online learning infrastructure and video lessons for the education industry. Company Name: Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd. Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Representative: President and CEO, Shuichi Hiromasa Business Activities: Production of educational video lessons and development and provision of learning systems.

About Last Resort Inc. Last Resort Inc., a member of the NOVA Holdings Group, operates overseas study abroad agency services and overseas life support services. We offer study abroad programs tailored to various purposes and ages, including language study abroad, working holidays, high school study abroad, and short-term study abroad, providing comprehensive support from before departure through the stay abroad and after returning home. Company Name: Last Resort Inc. Location: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Representative: President and CEO, Yuta Horiuchi Business Activities: Overseas study abroad agency services, overseas life support services URL: https://www.lastresort.co.jp/

About NOVA Holdings Group NOVA Holdings Group is a comprehensive education group engaged in English conversation schools, cram schools, study abroad support, and other education-related services. Through its nationwide educational network and diverse educational services, it supports learning for a wide range of individuals, from children to working adults. URL: https://nova-holdings.jp/

【Contact Information】

Manabi-Aid Co., Ltd. Customer Service Email: support@manabi-aid.jp Phone: 03-6801-8521

Last Resort Inc. Public Relations: Yanagida Email: hello@lastresort.co.jp Phone: 03-5715-7740

*This program does not guarantee university admission or admission to specific institutions. *The information contained herein is current as of the date of announcement and is subject to change without notice. Please be forewarned. *Company names, service names, and product names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.