Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Hiroaki Miyahara) and its group company, Asahi Gakken Thinquest Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Yo Maruyama), announced on July 1, 2026 (Wed.) the release of the annual "Summer Vacation! Free Research Project 2026" on "Kidsnet," an educational portal site for elementary and junior high school students. This project has been supporting free research for elementary and junior high school students for over 20 years, aiming to foster children's intellectual curiosity and develop their ability to learn independently.

▼ Click here for the "Summer Vacation! Free Research Project 2026" page ▼

https://kids.gakken.co.jp/jiyuu/

"Summer Vacation! Free Research Project 2026" offers not only classic "experiments," "observations," "crafts," and "research learning" but also special themes that meet the needs of the times, such as SDGs, and recommended special themes for this summer developed in collaboration with companies and organizations. We offer a rich collection of content to deepen learning tailored to children's interests and solve the "difficulties" of free research. Please use this to help choose a theme for your free research.

Main Features of "Summer Vacation! Free Research Project 2026"

[1] Release of New Feature "Free Research Support AI Search"

We have equipped the site with a new feature, "Free Research Support AI Search," to address the common concern: "I don't know what to do for my free research." By entering a question or a word of interest, the AI provides hints on the spot and suggests optimal research themes from over 500 themes available on Kidsnet. It supports children from theme selection tailored to each individual to guiding their research methods, starting from their curiosity.

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[2] Over 500 Abundant Themes! Easily Find a Theme That Suits You!

To help children who struggle with choosing a theme, we offer over 500 research themes. In addition to categories like "experiments," "observations," "crafts," and "research learning," you can narrow down your search by "target grade level" and "time required," so you are sure to find the perfect theme for your child.

[3] No More Worries About Report Writing! Thorough Explanation of Summarization Tips

We also address the concern: "I don't know how to summarize my free research." We thoroughly explain effective summarization methods tailored to each research theme with concrete examples, helping to maximize your child's research results.

[4] Special Themes Created in Collaboration with Companies and Organizations

In the limited-time corner "Summer Vacation Support Special," we introduce special free research themes planned jointly with companies and organizations that support children's learning. Content will be added sequentially in preparation for summer vacation.

Free Research to Cultivate the Ability to "Learn Independently"

Summer vacation is an excellent opportunity for children to discover "why?" and "how?" stemming from their own interests, to repeatedly explore to solve their questions, and to learn proactively. "Summer Vacation! Free Research Project 2026" aims to help children develop the ability to "learn and think for themselves" and to support parents who work on free research with their children.

About Kidsnet

"Kidsnet" (https://kids.gakken.co.jp/) is a content portal site for elementary and junior high school students, launched in 1996, evolving from Gakken's "Kagaku" (Science) and "Gakushu" (Study) magazines, which once boasted a peak circulation of 6.7 million copies. It is also used in school education. In addition to the "Free Research Project," its content includes "Science Why-Why 110" which resolves scientific questions, and "Discover Future Jobs" which supports children's future careers.

About Asahi Gakken Thinquest Co., Ltd.

https://thinquest.gakken.co.jp/

An educational company jointly invested in by Gakken Holdings and the Asahi Shimbun Group. Under the slogan "Intellectual adventure for all children," we develop educational content and services that allow children to experience the joy of learning by posing questions, thinking, and discovering on their own. We aim to provide educational information that a wide range of people, from children to adults, can use with peace of mind, and to spread the "joy of learning" across generations.

About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

URL: https://www.gakken.co.jp/ Founded in 1946, this holding company operates in the education and medical/welfare sectors. In the education field, it engages in the classroom/cram school business, including "Gakken Classrooms," the publishing content service business represented by "Kagaku" and "Gakushu" learning materials, and childcare/early childhood services such as nursery schools and after-school care. In the medical/welfare field, it operates services for the elderly, such as assisted living facilities and dementia group homes. The company is engaged in education and medical/welfare activities in over 150 countries worldwide. In November 2023, aiming to realize its newly established Aspiration, "To a company that pursues human potential to the fullest," it contributes to expanding the potential of people and society as a company that supports the challenges of all people, by embracing the curiosity of all generations, from children to students, working adults, and seniors. Sales for the fiscal year ending September 2025 are 199.1 billion yen, with 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities Code: 9470).

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 教育サービス