Which organizations partnered to develop the after-school karate education program?

The Japan Karate Federation and MIRAI MINDS Inc. partnered to develop this program.

Where is the three-month trial operation of the program being conducted?

It is being conducted at Kohana International School Tsurumi Campus in Yokohama.

When did the Japan Karate Federation and MIRAI MINDS sign their partnership agreement?

They signed their partnership agreement in March 2026 to begin joint development.

Who is scheduled to provide the instruction in this karate education program?

Only qualified instructors certified by the Japan Karate Federation will teach the classes.

Japan Karate Federation Develops Karate Education Program for International Schools – In Collaboration with MIRAI MINDS Inc.

Q: What qualities does the karate-do program aim to foster in participating children?

It aims to foster etiquette, concentration, self-reliance, responsibility, and perseverance.

Published Apr 9, 2026 9:21 PM ・ Updated Jun 17, 2026 8:38 AM ・ 9 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

The Japan Karate Federation (JKF) has partnered with MIRAI MINDS Inc. to develop an after-school karate education program for children attending international schools. This program aims to teach Japanese culture through karate and will undergo a three-month trial run at Kohana International School in Yokohama from April to June 2026. The initial class, open to the media, is scheduled for April 16th.

Scene from a JKF-sponsored training session

The Japan Karate Federation (hereinafter, JKF), a public interest incorporated foundation, has partnered with MIRAI MINDS Inc., which develops after-school educational programs for children attending international schools, to develop an after-school education program through karate. A three-month trial operation will be conducted from April to June 2026 at Kohana International School Tsurumi Campus in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. The first class will be held on April 16 (Thursday) and will be open to the media.

Background to Program Development

Signing ceremony between MIRAI MINDS Inc. (Representative: Ms. Tanya Malik) and JKF (President: Yoshihiro Sasakawa)

According to MIRAI MINDS Inc., the company has received numerous requests from international schools to develop educational programs that convey Japanese culture. In response to these needs, the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) signed a partnership agreement with MIRAI MINDS in March 2026. Focusing on the educational value of Karate-do, a martial art originating in Japan, they began joint development of a new educational program that transcends the boundaries of competition.

Karate-do is a martial art that emphasizes "discipline," "self-confidence," and "character building." This program aims to provide children with the opportunity to grow while experiencing the essence of Japanese culture through practical learning that fosters etiquette, concentration, self-reliance, responsibility, and perseverance.

*Full-scale program operation is scheduled to begin in September 2026.

Significance of JKF Developing the Program

In this program, only qualified instructors certified by the JKF will provide instruction, ensuring a safe and highly reliable teaching system. Furthermore, the program design is based on the JKF's competitive rules, which primarily involve "sun-dome" (controlled contact), achieving high safety even in children's classes. The aim is also for this program to encourage more children to continue practicing Karate-do in the future, leading to the widespread adoption of Karate-do as a lifelong martial art and sport.

Program Outline (Trial Period)

・ Objective:

To provide children who will interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the future with an opportunity to learn about their home country's (Japan) culture. Additionally, through this cultural experience, to help them acquire social skills.

・ Period:

April to June 2026

・ Class Schedule:

Twice a week: Thursdays and Fridays

・ Number of Students per Class:

8-12 children

・ Target Age:

6-11 years old

・ Location:

Kohana International School Tsurumi Campus

・ Instructors:

Emiri Iwamoto (JKF Certified 6th Dan, former Japan Karate National Team member, Karate Instructor)

Noboru Takahashi (JKF Certified 7th Dan, Japan Sport Association Certified Coach 4)

During the trial period, the curriculum will be finalized, and preparations will be made for full-scale operation as a program that parents can confidently enroll their children in.

Public Class for Media Overview

Program Name

Karate-do Pilot Program for International Schools

Location

Kohana International School Tsurumi Campus 1-33-6 Higashi-Terao, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0077

Date April 16, 2026 (Thursday)

Media Reception Time

14:15～

Time 14:45～15:45

Instructor April 16 (Thursday): Noboru Takahashi

Expected Participants 1st to 6th graders

Approximately 10 students

Other

Regarding the portrait rights of the children participating in the class, prior consent has been obtained from their parents.

For media inquiries, please fill out the form at the URL below.

https://forms.gle/Jwqhxhwy6C8Db2p79

About MIRAI MINDS Inc.

MIRAI MINDS Inc. is an educational company that provides educational programs fostering children's global mindset, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They offer high-quality yet affordable learning by integrating English education with talent education. Through active learning that emphasizes initiative and cooperation, they aim to cultivate the next generation of talent.

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: News