Gakken Group Launches Brand Icon Development Project to Commemorate 80th Anniversary

Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara) marks its 80th anniversary on April 1, 2026. To commemorate this milestone, the company announces the launch of a project to develop a corporate character that will serve as the 'face of the Gakken Group'.

This project will collect original character concepts from all Gakken Group employees and their families. After internal and external voting, the selected design will be brought to life by Dwarf Studio (hereinafter 'Dwarf'), a globally renowned stop-motion animation studio, to create a character that will be widely loved both domestically and internationally.

Background of Brand Icon Development

Since its founding in 1946, the Gakken Group has expanded its business from education and publishing to healthcare, welfare, and global operations, always wishing for a fulfilling life for everyone. As it celebrates its 80th anniversary in April 2026, the group believes that 'in today’s diverse business landscape, a unifying symbol—a character that embodies the group’s mission and serves as its brand face—is essential'.

Project Features: A Character Created and Nurtured by Everyone

This project values the collective power of all those connected to the Gakken Group in creating the character.

[Concept Submission] Gathering Ideas from Employees and Their Families

Original character concepts (designs and ideas) were solicited from Gakken Group employees and their families—those who support and sustain the group’s diverse operations. Between April 15 and May 22, 2026, a total of 354 submissions were received.

[Final Voting] Voting by Internal and External Stakeholders

From the submitted concepts, finalists will be selected, and a final decision will be made through voting not only by employees but also by stakeholders who regularly support the Gakken Group.

[Professional Finishing] Dwarf Studio Brings the Character to Life

Based on the winning concept, Dwarf Studio—renowned for creating popular characters and possessing exceptional character development expertise—will handle the final character design and 3D modeling, crafting a high-quality character meant to be loved for generations.

Message from Gakken Group

This character will bridge the Gakken Group’s past achievements and future aspirations. It will embody the shared mission across publishing, education, and healthcare: 'to walk alongside our customers’ lives'. The group aims to develop a character that will be widely and enduringly loved. We hope you will look forward to and support the upcoming developments.

Upcoming Schedule

Voting is scheduled from July 6 (Mon) to July 20 (Mon, national holiday), 2026.

Details on voting methods and other information will be announced in due course.

About Dwarf Studio

https://dw-f.jp/

Founded in September 2003, Dwarf Studio is a highly acclaimed animation studio known for its exceptional stop-motion techniques. It has created iconic characters such as NHK’s 'Domo-kun' and original works like 'Komane-ko', which has enjoyed long-term theatrical runs in France. The studio actively collaborates with popular characters and renowned content brands.

In recent years, it has produced and directed Netflix series including 'Rilakkuma and Kaoru' and 'Pokémon Concierge', as well as the collaborative short animation 'Bottle George' with Ryohei Nishino and Daisuke Tsutsumi.

About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

URL: https://www.gakken.co.jp/ Founded in 1946, Gakken Holdings is a holding company operating in education and healthcare-related fields. In education, it runs classroom and tutoring businesses such as 'Gakken Classroom', publishes educational content like 'Science' and 'Learning', and operates childcare and kindergarten services. In healthcare and welfare, it manages service-oriented housing for the elderly and dementia group homes. The group operates in over 150 countries globally. In November 2023, it set a new aspiration: 'To become a company that endlessly pursues human potential'. Committed to supporting curiosity and challenges across all generations—from children to seniors—it aims to expand the possibilities for individuals and society. For the fiscal year ending September 2025, it reported sales of 199.1 billion yen and has 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470).