Announcement of New 'After-School Kids Course'

Gakken Study et Co., Ltd. (Saitama, Saitama City / President & CEO: Masahiro Kameya), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara), will launch the 'After-School Kids Course' for elementary school students at Asunaro Gakuin, a comprehensive cram school in Miyagi Prefecture, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Asunaro Gakuin will leverage its accumulated teaching experience to provide a new environment tailored to each child. By taking this course, children will be able to plan their studies, including homework, reading, and speed reading, manage their time, and naturally establish study habits. Furthermore, by expanding their knowledge and culture and enhancing their vocabulary, they will build a stable foundation for global success, while also addressing various family needs such as loneliness and safety concerns in households where children are left alone.

■ After-School Kids Course Overview

1-month 'All-you-can-attend' flat rate system

With a flat monthly fee, no additional charges will be incurred no matter how many times a week your child attends on classroom business days. We provide a safe place where children can be with teachers and friends, and a quiet environment suitable for studying and reading, for parents who feel uneasy about their child being home alone.

Study time tailored to lifestyle rhythms

The daily usage time is up to 6 hours, and can be used at times that suit each family's needs. It is also possible for children to finish their homework at the cram school in 30 minutes and return home. You can utilize it for only the necessary time.

Reading habits utilizing Gakken's Junior Library and Speed Reading Comprehension Course

Children can read as many books as they want from 'Popular Series Useful for Learning' and 'Gakken Manga Well-Understood Series'. There are many exciting books that foster children's curiosity and investigative spirit. In addition, the 'Speed Reading Comprehension Course', which trains the ability to read quickly and accurately, can also be taken by those who wish, without additional fees.

■ Background to the Launch of the New After-School Kids Course

In recent years, with the increase in dual-income households, it is not uncommon for children to be 'latchkey kids' who are home alone after returning from elementary school. When a child is alone at home or acting independently, it is essential to establish rules with the child, such as preventing key loss, measures against suspicious persons, utilizing crime prevention goods, and sharing emergency contact information. For this reason, many families look for after-school clubs also as a safety measure, but the usage conditions are often strict, excluding families with teleworking parents, self-employed parents, or short-time working parents. Even if a club is found, children often graduate from after-school clubs after the 4th grade of elementary school, only to be left alone again soon after.

However, many parents express anxiety about sending their children to cram school from early elementary school, saying, 'I don't know what specifically they should learn.' Furthermore, feelings of loneliness and safety concerns in households where children are left alone are common challenges for many families.

To resolve these issues, Asunaro Gakuin has launched the 'After-School Kids Course'. By taking care of children for longer hours than after-school clubs and incorporating diverse learning elements, it supports parents in dual-income households while providing children with reliable study habits and a safe and secure place.

■ Gakken Study et Co., Ltd.

Gakken Study et aims to contribute to society through its domestic and international cram school businesses, based on the group philosophy of 'wishing for all people to live rich lives, and providing today's inspiration, satisfaction, and security, and tomorrow's dreams and hopes.'

Representative: Masahiro Kameya, President & CEO

Head Office Location: 5-32-10 Higashi-Omiya, Minuma-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 337-0051

Website: https://www.gakken-studyet.com/company/?msclkid=3be6e783ab1b11ec9170e032766be0dd

■ About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

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

A holding company established in 1946, engaged in education, medical, and welfare-related businesses. In the education sector, it operates cram school businesses such as 'Gakken Classroom', publishing content businesses represented by 'Science' and 'Learning' educational materials, and kindergarten/school businesses including textbooks and childcare supplies. In the medical and welfare sector, it operates service-oriented senior housing businesses, dementia group home businesses, and childcare support businesses such as nurseries and after-school care. It conducts education, medical, and welfare-related activities in over 150 countries globally. In November 2023, it set a new aspiration: 'To become a company that relentlessly pursues human potential.' It aims to support the challenges of all people by catering to the curiosity of all generations, from children to students, working adults, and seniors, thereby contributing to the expansion of human and societal potential. As of September 2025, sales are 199.1 billion yen, with 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code: 9470).