Kawaijuku Educational Foundation will host a 'learning festival' on August 23 (Sunday) for junior and senior high school students nationwide, using a metaverse platform as the venue. The event will feature lectures by Japan's only professor from the Dinosaur Department at Fukui Prefectural University, as well as experts involved in cutting-edge space development. A career consultation booth will offer advice on studying abroad and comprehensive/school-recommended admissions. Students can participate easily via avatars, discovering and deepening their interests and passions.

An Online Event Where Students Can Enjoyably Explore Their Future

With half of university admissions now conducted through comprehensive and school-recommended selection systems, junior and senior high school students are increasingly required to identify and explore their interests early on and express them effectively in exams. In response to these evolving admission trends, Kawaijuku’s 'Future Inquiry Program K-SHIP' will host an online event this summer, modeled after a 'festival' where participants can freely navigate the venue. The metaverse format allows students to enter and exit freely using avatars, helping them discover and deepen their latent interests.

▲ Venue concept: Immersive scientific world reflecting the lecture themes. Participants can enter and exit freely.

The event will offer a wide range of content distinct from regular academic studies. Special lectures will be delivered by Professor Soichiro Kawabe from the Dinosaur Department at Fukui Prefectural University, a leading researcher in dinosaur science, and by Mr. Katsumi Tanaka, Director of amulapo Inc., a company dedicated to cultivating space talent through virtual space experiences. Additional offerings include a career consultation booth led by Mr. Tadashi Yokoyama, Director and Founder of Agos Japan Inc., which provides study abroad support and English test preparation; one-point video tutorials on information studies, short essays, and mathematics; and a fun mystery-solving challenge.

This event not only provides an enjoyable opportunity for students to broaden their horizons but can also serve as a venue to discover themes for 'Integrated Studies,' which begins in the second semester. We would be grateful if you could introduce this event through your media as a valuable opportunity for students to gain inspiration for their new semester at the end of summer break.

Highlights of the Event

【Special Lecture】Exploring Earth’s Past and Future Through Dinosaur Research — Scientific Perspectives from Fossils, Digital Technology, and Extinction

● Time: 10:00–11:00

● Speaker: Soichiro Kawabe (Professor, Dinosaur Department, Fukui Prefectural University)

● Content: This lecture will introduce the latest research using X-ray CT and 3D modeling based on dinosaur fossils. It will convey the essence of science by tracing changes in Earth’s environment and demonstrating how understanding the past provides insights into the present and future.

Soichiro Kawabe

【Special Lecture】What’s Next After Space? — An Engineer-Entrepreneur’s Vision for Future Markets

● Time: 11:30–12:30

● Speaker: Katsumi Tanaka (CEO and Representative Director, amulapo Inc.)

● Content: Space development is expected to become a major growth industry in the next generation. A space industry expert who has worked on space robot development as an engineer and now leads the creation of space experience content will share the latest trends in domestic and international space development and cutting-edge research.

Katsumi Tanaka

【Career Consultation Room】From Overseas Study to Comprehensive Admissions

● Time: 9:30–11:15

● Speaker: Tadashi Yokoyama (Director and Founder, Agos Japan Inc.)

● Content: Whether you're considering studying abroad or want to gain experiences useful for comprehensive and school-recommended admissions but don’t know where to start, this consultation room welcomes all inquiries. It’s a space to expand your academic and career options. No prior reservation is required, and students from anywhere in Japan can participate.

【Learning Plaza】

A content corner centered on popular videos for junior and senior high school students. Accessible anytime for easy learning.

● One-point videos: Explaining everyday topics through three subjects!

● Shimomachi High School math one-point videos by the 'Enjoy Math Together' concierge

● Learning how to learn: Defeating the 'Exam Monster' — How to handle mistakes

● Information Lounge: Packed with resources to expand interests and support career planning, including 'Mirai Book' and 'Exam Quest'

● K-SHIP Original! Challenge the mystery-solving game!

＼You can participate this way too! Join at your own pace and freely!／

“I missed my desired lecture—might as well check out another corner!”

“I have club activities in the afternoon, so I’ll listen to the special lecture while eating lunch.”

Overview of 'K-SHIP Festival: Future Inquiry Day'

● Date and Time

August 23 (Sunday), 9:30–13:00

※ Free entry and exit during the event

● Format

Held on the metaverse platform 'ovice'

※ Internet access required (PC use recommended)

● Program

Special lectures, career consultation, information booths for academic advancement, etc. (see attached)

● Target Audience

Grade 9, 10, and 11 students

● Capacity

200 participants

※ Registration closes once capacity is reached

● Participation Fee

Free

● Registration Deadline

August 13 (Thursday), 23:59

● Details and Registration

Please visit the 'Future Inquiry Program K-SHIP' website:

https://www.kawai-juku.ac.jp/event/spc/k-ship/metaverse/

※ Prior registration is required

Participant Feedback (from the March 2026 'Future Inquiry Day: Interests Create the Future')

“I found it easier to participate than in-person events since I didn’t have to worry about time or location.”

“I felt the excitement of research, which boosted my motivation.”

“I haven’t decided on my future path yet, but I’d like to follow the advice given and explore various interests to deepen my understanding.”

【Attachment】2026 Summer 'Future Inquiry Program K-SHIP' Flyer

https://www.kawaijuku.jp/news/newsrelease/assets/upload/26021-flyer.pdf

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event