Gakken Creative Gateway (GCG) Opens at Ariake Garden

Gakken Link Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; President: Atsushi Kawabata), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), will open "Gakken Creative Gateway (GCG)," a new concept classroom for children aged 0 to elementary school students, at "Ariake Garden" in Koto-ku, Tokyo, on April 1, 2026. Instead of instructors simply imparting knowledge, they will act as companions, supporting children without rushing them to think, valuing the "discoveries" made before understanding, and fostering their ability to create new value.

■ Classroom Vision

In an era where AI provides answers, it is said that what children need is not the "ability to choose the correct answer," but the "ability to generate questions." GCG will foster 0→1 creativity and 1→100 thinking skills from early childhood, by circulating intellectual development (thinking skills at the elementary school entrance exam level), creativity, nature, and technology without separating them.

We provide a learning environment where children encounter diverse perspectives and deepen their thinking and creativity.

■ From Education that Teaches "Correct Answers" to Education that Generates "Questions"

In an age where AI can instantly derive answers, the value of knowledge itself is changing. Looking ahead 20 years, our top priority is to nurture the "ability to ask questions," starting from children's own sense of wonder and interest, rather than fitting them into existing frameworks.

■ The "5 Powers" Fostered by GCG

At GCG, we cultivate "5 core skills" to navigate an unpredictable future, rather than simply acquiring knowledge.

1. Ability to generate numerous insights: The power to freely conceive one's own ideas in response to questions without a single correct answer.

2. Ability to ask questions: The power to possess a sensibility that questions the obvious and to create one's own starting point for inquiry.

3. Ability to communicate logically and verbally: The power to verbalize what is perceived intuitively and express it with logic that resonates with others.

4. Ability to collaborate with peers: The power to incorporate others' opinions and achieve creations that cannot be reached alone.

5. Attitude of continuous learning: The power to pursue one's intellectual curiosity as a driving force, rather than relying on external evaluations.

■ Class Flow

We deepen learning three-dimensionally by circulating "thinking" and "expressing."

・[First Half] Intellectual Development Time (Preparing the Senses for Thinking) Children explore numbers, shapes, and sequences, deepening their thoughts by valuing "discoveries before understanding" without rushing for answers.

・[Second Half] Creative Time (Expressing what was felt) Children express what they thought about in the first half by drawing, creating, and combining. "Their own way of choosing" is respected more than skillfulness. *For elementary school students, this is conducted as "Reading Comprehension and Essay Time."

■ Course Introduction (Available for children from 0 years 5 months to upper elementary school grades)

0, 1, 2 Year Old Course: Parents and children refine their sensibilities and build a foundation for thinking through intellectual development and play.

Creative Thinking Course (Preschoolers - Kindergarteners): Deepens thinking skills at the elementary school entrance exam level by connecting them to creativity.

Reading & Inquiry Course (Elementary School Students): Refines reading comprehension and inquiry skills, fostering the ability to ask questions and express oneself.

Official Website

https://gakken-link-classroom.com/gcg_lp/03/

Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/gakken_creative_gateway?igsh=amZ1dGJxbnpsYWY4

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■ About Gakken Link Co., Ltd.

https://gakken-link.co.jp/

"Connecting children to a better future with quality content and reliable human resources"

Established in October 2024. Our mission at Gakken Link is to support the future of the next generation of children through education.

Modern society faces significant changes such as a declining birthrate, nuclear families, and the advancement of digitalization, and children's educational environments are evolving daily. In this situation, we are committed to providing educational services with the vision of "connecting children to a better future with quality content and reliable human resources."

■ About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/

A holding company founded in 1946, engaged in education, medical, and welfare-related businesses. In the education sector, it operates classroom and cram school businesses, including "Gakken Classrooms," publishing content businesses represented by "Science" and "Learning" educational materials, and school/kindergarten businesses such as textbooks and childcare supplies. In the medical and welfare sector, it operates assisted living facilities for seniors, dementia group homes, and childcare support businesses such as nurseries and after-school care. It conducts activities related to education, medical care, and welfare in over 150 countries globally. In November 2023, Gakken Holdings set a new aspiration: "A company that pursues human potential to the fullest." Aiming to achieve this, it supports the challenges of all people by catering to the curiosity of every generation, from children to students, working adults, and seniors, and contributes to expanding the possibilities of individuals and society. As of September 2025, sales are projected to be 199.1 billion yen, with 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code: 9470).