ATOMica Begins Third Year of Inquiry-Based Learning Support at Miyazaki Nihon University High School

ATOMica Inc. (Headquarters: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture; Co-CEOs: Mizuki Shimada, Kazuki Nanbara; hereinafter referred to as "ATOMica") will hold the kick-off event for this year's inquiry-based learning support program on June 16, 2026 (Tuesday) at "ATOMica Miyazaki," targeting 47 second-year students from the English Department of Miyazaki Nihon University High School, operated by Miyazaki Nihon University Gakuen.

This initiative marks its third year and aims to establish a comprehensive support system for "career education, entrepreneurship, individual inquiry, and career connection" from the first to the third year, serving as an educational model that anticipates the "N-E.X.T. (Next) High School Concept," a fundamental policy for high school education reform towards 2040 promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. On the day of the event, a live online broadcast will be provided for educators and local government officials nationwide interested in the future of education.

■ Background and Objectives of This Initiative: Transforming High Schools into "Starting Points for Societal Innovation"

The "N-E.X.T. High School Concept" formulated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology anticipates dramatic societal changes such as the rapid advancement of AI technology and population decline (the "2040 problem"), strongly calling for a shift from traditional knowledge transmission-based education to inquiry-based and practical education where "students are the protagonists."

ATOMica is preempting this policy by establishing a unique inquiry-based learning methodology where "all students complete and submit individual themes," rather than engaging in group work. By verbalizing each student's "interests" and "strengths" and providing personalized support with AI and community managers nationwide, we aim to maximize the development of the "ability to ask questions independently" and individuality, which cannot be replaced by AI.

■ ATOMica's Support for the N-E.X.T. High School Concept

▼ Implementing the concept's requirements for "appointment of external personnel" and "industry-academia-government collaboration" through "people."
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "N-E.X.T. High School Concept" outlines three pillars: "fostering human resources to support regional industries," "nurturing science and mathematics talent," and "responding to diverse learning needs." It explicitly states that "collaboration with higher education institutions, regions, and industries, as well as the appointment of external personnel," is indispensable for their realization.

While many support initiatives are limited to providing tools or digital learning materials, ATOMica can offer "people and the network itself" as support, leveraging our network of over 60 locations nationwide and more than 250 community managers (professionals who connect people and are experts in relationships).

▼ ATOMica's Support for the Three Categories of the Concept

① Fostering Human Resources to Support Regional Industries (Support for Advanced Essential Worker Development)
Community managers stationed at our nationwide locations act as bridges between local companies, municipalities, and high schools. They provide comprehensive support for internships, workplace experience, and regional issue-solving projects, from finding and coordinating partners to connecting them on-site. Our locations, where local industry professionals gather daily, are also opened as third places.

*Examples of "initiatives connecting students and regions" handled by ATOMica in the past:

・Reference) "Shinshu Mirai Fes" where young people discuss the future of Shinshu: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000141.000045593.html

・Reference) "Coyage" internship program where students tackle challenges from local companies: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000074.000045593.html

② Nurturing Science and Mathematics Talent and Inquiry-Based Learners Who Can Ask Their Own Questions
Through our unique inquiry-based learning methodology where "all students complete and submit individual themes," we connect students with advanced higher education institutions, such as universities with which ATOMica has close ties. We provide integrated support up to the point of admission to universities through comprehensive selection processes, aiming to contribute to the national goal of "halving the number of students undecided about their future careers."

③ Responding to Diverse Learning Needs (Eliminating Remote and Regional Disparities)
Leveraging our nationwide community manager network, we provide consistent levels of support regardless of region. We also connect students from multiple schools in different regions working on similar themes, creating opportunities for exchange and co-creation. Our Miyazaki base offers free access to junior and senior high school students on weekends and holidays as a "place to be" initiative, thereby creating diverse learning opportunities beyond the confines of the school.

■ Establishing a System Where Teachers Can Focus on Their Core Instruction Without Increased Burden

Since a professional team of external specialists provides support for inquiry activities, the preparation burden on teachers is zero. Schools that have introduced our program have reported "over 5 hours of work reduction per week" and "a desire to continue" (100% intention to continue).

■ "Inquiry-Based Learning Kick-off Event" Overview

At this event, 47 second-year students starting their inquiry learning this year will gather to receive explanations of the program and learn some of the know-how for "setting themes (how to formulate questions)," which is the biggest hurdle for students. Additionally, four outstanding third-year students who completed the inquiry learning last year will present their "achievements" and "processes" to their juniors.

Date & Time: June 16, 2026 (Tuesday) 14:30 - 16:30

Venue: ATOMica Miyazaki (Miyazaki Nanairo East Building 8F, 3-10-32 Tachibanadori Nishi 3-chome, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture)

Target Audience: 47 second-year students from the English Department of Miyazaki Nihon University High School

Program Content:

Program Explanation: ATOMica's methodology for achieving "complete individual inquiry" and "submission by all students" through personalized support.

Theme Setting: How to formulate "questions" that enable students to become self-directed.

Achievement Presentation: Presentations by 4 outstanding students from the previous year.

Individual Consultation: Individual hearings regarding implementation considerations and support details for each school and municipality.

▼ Participation and Viewing Methods

In addition to on-site viewing, live online streaming (advance registration required) is planned. Educators in charge of inquiry learning at high schools, municipal officials, and companies interested in this initiative are welcome to apply via the application form.

・Application Form: https://forms.gle/noxcPnZkgPqsTW4L6

■ We Welcome Inquiries About Starting at Your School

We at ATOMica wish to share the methodology and network cultivated through three years of practice at Miyazaki Nihon University High School with high schools and municipalities nationwide.
"We want to start inquiry learning aligned with the N-E.X.T. Concept at our school," or "We'd just like to hear more about it."

We welcome consultations at any stage. Please feel free to discuss your school's or municipality's specific situation with us to collaboratively design a tailored support plan through the contact below or during the "Individual Consultation" session at the kick-off event on June 16.

▼ Online Viewing and Individual Consultation Application
・Application Form: https://forms.gle/noxcPnZkgPqsTW4L6

■ Inquiries Regarding Implementation and Support Content

ATOMica Inc. Inquiry Learning Business Manager: Junji Hiei
E-mail: junji.hiei@atomic