[For High School Teachers] Explaining Guidance Methods for Essays, Statements of Purpose, and Interviews. University Entrance Exam Preparation On-Demand Training Now Available for a Limited Time!

Gakken Inc. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), is currently distributing an "On-Demand Training Seminar on Practical Guidance Methods for University Entrance Exam Essays, Statements of Purpose, and Interviews" for high school teachers, available for a limited period from March 23 to May 8, 2026.

In an era of diversifying university entrance examinations, high school teachers are likely grappling daily with how to guide students through various selection methods such as essays, statements of purpose, and interviews. To address these challenges faced by teachers, Gakken Educational Research Institute and Gakken Inc. are holding the "On-Demand Training Seminar on Practical Guidance Methods for University Entrance Exam Essays, Statements of Purpose, and Interviews" to support their daily exam preparation guidance.

■ Fostering Students' Thinking and Expressive Abilities Through "Dialogue" - The Core of Essay and Statement of Purpose Guidance

In "Opening Up with Dialogue! Essays," Ayako Fukunaga, an instructor at Gakken Essay Training Seminars, will lecture in four parts, covering everything from the basics of dialogue to the concepts of theme-based, prompt-based, and data-based essays, and methods for increasing knowledge and information. In "Opening Up with Dialogue! Statements of Purpose," the seminar will detail guidance methods that focus on "What is a statement of purpose?", "What aspects of the student should be deepened?", and "What to ask and research," to help students deeply explore what they want to express and connect it to their writing.

■ Cultivating Practical Skills! Key Points for Interview Guidance and Tips for Drawing Out Students' Individuality

In the interview guidance method section, Naoki Tanji, an instructor at Jonan Shinngaku Kenkyusha, will explain key guidance points to help students convey their "enthusiasm" through their answers to questions during an interview, focusing on "what to say" and "how to say it." This section is divided into two parts: "How to Create Answer Content - How to Draw Out Students' Individuality" and "Demeanor and Communication - Steps to Success," allowing participants to practically learn specific interview preparation guidance methods.

【Event Overview】

This training covers all 9 themes.

"Essay, Statement of Purpose, and Interview Guidance Methods"

【Training Themes】

① "Opening Up with Dialogue! Essays" Instructor: Ayako Fukunaga (Gakken Essay Training Seminar Instructor)
1. Basics of Dialogue and Theme-Based Essays 23 min 11 sec
2. Prompt-Based Essays 19 min 35 sec
3. Concepts of Data-Based Essays 20 min 29 sec
4. Increasing Knowledge and Information 20 min 17 sec

② "Opening Up with Dialogue! Statements of Purpose" Instructor: Ayako Fukunaga (Gakken Essay Training Seminar Instructor)
1. What is a Statement of Purpose? 14 min 20 sec
2. What Aspects of the Student Should Be Deepened? 16 min 20 sec
3. What to Ask and Research? 17 min 52 sec

③ "Interview Guidance Methods" Instructor: Naoki Tanji (Jonan Shinngaku Kenkyusha Instructor)
1. How to Create Answer Content - How to Draw Out Students' Individuality 24 min 24 sec
2. Demeanor and Communication - Steps to Success 21 min 38 sec

＜Instructor Profile＞
Ayako Fukunaga
Currently, an instructor in the Essay and Training Seminar Group, University and High School Education Division, Gakken Inc.
Joined Gakken Co., Ltd. in 1990. Became a freelance writer in 1994. Has been extensively involved in interviewing, writing, and editing for "Gakken - Higher Education Information," covering a wide range of topics including university education, employment issues, and essay guidance. Also continuously engaged in researching and analyzing entrance exam essays. Contributed to books such as "A Book to Understand University Selection at a Glance" (Gakken Co., Ltd.) and "How to Choose a University" (Asahi Shimbun Company). Since 1999, she has also served as an instructor for essay guidance and career guidance seminars for high schools nationwide. Her goal is to "acquire a flexible and resilient attitude without being swayed by a changing society, and to cultivate the ability to lead a fulfilling life."

＜Instructor Profile＞
Naoki Tanji
Currently, supervisor and instructor for "Recommendation Lab" at Jonan Shinngaku Kenkyusha Co., Ltd.
Joined Jonan Shinngaku Kenkyusha Co., Ltd. in 1994. Taught modern Japanese and essay writing for many years at Jonan Prep School and served as a school branch manager. Since 2005, he has also been involved in curriculum and material development, and from 2010, he has been fully engaged in guidance for comprehensive and school-recommended selection methods. Currently, he supervises and produces the "Inquiry Course" at Jonan Cobecc and Jonan Recommendation Cram School, as well as the entire "Recommendation Lab." He is highly regarded for his rich general knowledge, including social issues, and his concrete and meticulous guidance style.

【Organizer】Gakken Educational Research Institute
【Operator】Gakken Inc. University and High School Education Division
【Distribution Period】March 23, 2026, 9:00 AM - May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM
【Application Deadline】April 30, 2026
【Participation Fee】Free
【Format】Video distribution (on-demand format) *Viewable anytime during the period
【Contact】Seminar Management Office TEL: 03-6431-1315

▼Please register on the following website:
https://www.gakuryoku.gakken.co.jp/

■ Gakken Inc.
https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/
・Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo
・Date of Establishment: January 13, 2009 (Trade name changed on October 1, 2022)
・Capital: 50 million yen
・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416
・Business Activities: Publishing and content business, global business, medical and nursing publishing content business, kindergarten and school-向け business, classroom-related business, e-commerce and online business, advertising business.

■ GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
https://www.gakken.co.jp/
・Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara
・Date of Establishment: March 31, 1947
・Capital: 19,817 million yen
・Sales: 199.1 billion yen, Consolidated Subsidiaries: 82 companies (as of September 2025)
　　　　　Listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code: 9470)
・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510
・Phone Number: 03-6431-1001 (main)
・Business Activities: A holding company established in 1946, engaged in education and medical welfare-related businesses.
　　　　　　Education Sector: Classroom and cram school businesses, including "Gakken Classrooms,"
　　　　　　　　　　　　　publishing and content businesses for educational materials,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　kindergarten and school businesses for textbooks and childcare products.
　　　　　　Medical Welfare Sector: Service-oriented housing for the elderly,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　dementia group home businesses,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　childcare support businesses such as nurseries and after-school care.
　　　　　　Global: Activities and business development in over 150 countries.