"How to Choose a Path" Is a Lifelong Skill: Women Legislators' Network Gathers for Decision-Making Workshop Using the Acclaimed Book "How to Choose Your Path"

A workshop utilizing the book "How to Choose Your Path," published by Gakken Inc., a subsidiary of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Miyahara), was held on May 29, 2026, as part of an online study session hosted by the nonprofit organization WOMAN SHIFT.

The Art of Choosing a Path Is a Lifelong Skill, Regardless of Life Stage

"How to Choose Your Path" clearly explains practical methods for making personal, meaningful decisions in various situations—such as choosing between science and humanities, selecting a major, or picking a university.

Although this event specifically targeted a network of women legislators, it went far beyond simple career guidance, becoming a space to learn "the methodology of decision-making" applicable to all life choices—from guiding children's paths to making personal career decisions.

What became evident through this workshop is that the skill of "making satisfying decisions" is urgently needed not only by high school students but also by adults.

"How to Decide" Is Something No One Teaches

"Should I continue with my current job?" "Would it be better to switch careers?" "What do I truly want to do?"

When reflecting on their careers, many people have asked themselves these questions. But how many can clearly answer them? Probably not many.

And that's understandable.

Most people have never systematically learned concrete methods for "how to choose an academic or career path" or "how to make major life decisions."

In fact, a survey of university students revealed that only one in eight said they had ever been taught how to make decisions※.

※Survey results from Kawaijuku.

From a manga inside "How to Choose Your Path."

Learn Decision-Making Skills at Moments of Life Choice

In this book, author Naoki Yamamoto—who has delivered lessons to over 10,000 high school students—explains the logic of decision-making in a way that is easy for middle and high school students to understand.

Yamamoto explains that by organizing vague, uncertain feelings into a table, one's values become clearer, and one can properly and thoroughly navigate uncertainty.

Organizing "vague worries" into a table enables systematic deliberation.

At the same time, when facing real-life decisions, logic alone often isn't enough. Future dreams, strengths and weaknesses, tuition costs, and the opinions of parents and teachers—faced with multiple shifting criteria, people inevitably struggle and waver. This "messy inner conflict" is the true essence of choosing a path.

The book includes numerous real-life stories and honest accounts of how past students wrestled with decisions and ultimately made their choices—from selecting between science and humanities to choosing a university.

Numerous case studies of past students' path choices are included.

Choosing a path is not merely about selecting a school. It is an opportunity to develop a lifelong skill: deciding "how you want to live" and cultivating the power to shape your future.

"I Wish I'd Read This in High School!"—Praise Continues to Pour In

Since its release, the book has received widespread acclaim from educators across Japan.

● "The 'Decision Sheet' (comprehensive evaluation table) proposed in this book clearly defines the criteria for making choices. It also opens up possibilities by encouraging readers to reconsider options beyond the table. This will be useful not only for choosing academic paths but for all kinds of life decisions."

―――Kaname E. Nishioka, Professor, Kyoto University

● "It's absolutely true that while career choice is a crucial life decision, there's a lack of information on how to make such decisions. This book made me wish it had existed when I was a high school student, struggling with uncertainty."

―――Hironori Iwasaki, Professor, Musashino Art University

● "There are countless moments in life when we face dilemmas. Yet we rarely have the chance to think about 'how to worry well.' This book approaches 'how to worry' in a constructive, logical, and candid way—turning a typically negative act into a positive process. It's highly accessible for middle and high school students and is a recommended read for deepening self-understanding and learning how to live."

―――Kenji Maeda, Representative, Second Consultant for Fun Schools

● "I wanted to share this with children," so I bought a copy each for my eldest son, a second-year high school student passionate about soccer, and my eldest daughter, a second-year university student working as a tutor at a prep school. The content resonates with both, despite their different circumstances. This is a practical book that nurtures the ability to 'think about one's path.'"

―――Seizo Nishii, Assistant Professor, Yokohama City University

[Product Details]

"How to Choose Your Path"

Authors: Naoki Yamamoto, Daisuke Yamaguchi

Price: 1,650 JPY (tax included)

Release Date: March 23, 2026

Format: A5 / 192 pages

E-book available

ISBN: 978-4-05-306261-1

Publisher: Gakken Inc.

Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130626100

[Where to Purchase]

・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4053062616/

・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18494861/

Naoki Yamamoto

Affiliation: Creative Strategy Center, Japan Research Institute, Limited

Graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University. Currently in his fourth company, fourth occupation, and fourth role. Drawing from his own failed path choice in high school and complex decision-making during a family member's medical treatment, he developed "Mirai no Sentaku (Choosing the Future)" while at Kawaijuku—a program teaching decision-making in career selection. He has since delivered lessons to over 10,000 students on navigating career doubts and dilemmas. Co-author of "Everything You Need to Know About Decision-Making in Life You Can Learn from 'Choosing Your Path'" (Toyo Keizai Inc.).

Daisuke Yamaguchi

Affiliation: Head of School Business Promotion Division, School Education Support Headquarters, Kawaijuku Educational Foundation

Graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences, Nihon University. Joined Kawaijuku in 1996, serving as a sales representative responsible for high schools in Tokyo. Since 2002, participated in joint research with Nagoya University, studying test theory and contributing to new product development. After working on mock exam projects, he moved to new business planning in 2009. Involved in developing "Mirai no Sentaku" and assessment tools such as "Manabimira PASS," which measures non-cognitive abilities and vocational aptitude. Co-author of "Everything You Need to Know About Decision-Making in Life You Can Learn from 'Choosing Your Path'" (Toyo Keizai Inc.).

Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami ・Incorporation Date: January 13, 2009 (Company name changed October 1, 2022) ・Capital: 50 million JPY ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・Business: Publishing and content, global operations, medical and nursing publishing, products for schools and kindergartens, classroom-related services, e-commerce and online services, advertising

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara ・Incorporation Date: March 31, 1947 ・Capital: 19,817 million JPY ・Sales: 199.1 billion JPY, 82 consolidated subsidiaries (as of fiscal year ending September 2025) ・Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470) ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・Phone: 03-6431-1001 (main) ・Business: Holding company established in 1946, operating in education and healthcare/welfare Education: Classroom and tutoring services including "Gakken Classroom," publishing and content such as learning materials, kindergarten and school supplies including textbooks Healthcare/Welfare: Senior housing with services, dementia group homes, childcare and after-school programs Global: Operations and business in over 150 countries