Background of Ambassador Appointment In recent years, "school non-attendance" has become a common issue that can happen to anyone, rather than something special. According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of non-attending students has been breaking records every year and continues to increase. There are various reasons behind the choice to not attend school or the inability to do so, including academic difficulties, interpersonal relationship problems, and health issues. To support the learning of such children, the government and local authorities are promoting the development of diverse learning environments and enhancing consultation systems, but the current situation is still not sufficient. Meiko Mirai was established with the aim of building a new educational infrastructure to respond to the diversification of learning, in response to the increase in non-attending students. Leveraging "Meiko Gijuku, No. 1 in individual tutoring*", which has supported many children for many years, and Kazuki Obata, an expert in school non-attendance who himself experienced non-attendance and has supported numerous students, Meiko Mirai will create new learning spaces and foster more "you can do it" success experiences through personalized support. *According to a survey by Japan Management Association Research Institute Inc. (number of classrooms and students) as of October 2025. To make this initiative widely known, Shoko Nakagawa, who has experienced school non-attendance and is a mother of twins, has been appointed as an ambassador to jointly create a place for children. Shoko Nakagawa published her book "Don't Die!! You Who Are Being Bullied Are Absolutely Not Wrong" in 2019, and in 2025, she launched the "Shoko Nakagawa and Graduation Ceremony Once More Project," opening "Sorairo School," a free school for just three days, continuously engaging in activities that encourage many children.

Comment from Shoko Nakagawa I want children to experience as many smiling moments as possible. Adults who have accumulated various experiences and thoughts are genuinely facing children and creating environments for them. I thought it was wonderful that the options are increasing. I hope Meiko Mirai becomes a place for children where they can find joy, passion, and things they can be absorbed in! I will also be cheering them on.

Shoko Nakagawa Profile Born in Tokyo. Active in various fields as a singer, TV personality, voice actress, actress, and illustrator. In 2019, she published her book "Don't Die!! You Who Are Being Bullied Are Absolutely Not Wrong," and a passage "Kokoro no Antenna" (Antenna of the Heart) from the book will be included in junior high school ethics textbooks (FY2025 edition), drawing attention for her impactful messages. Gave birth to twin boys in September 2025.

Commemorative Appointment Event to Be Held in Tokyo! 10 People to Be Invited by Lottery Date: May 16, 2026, from 2:00 PM Content: Introduction to Meiko Mirai, talk session (Shoko Nakagawa x Kazuki Obata), Q&A from attendees, etc. Venue: A certain location in Tokyo (only winners will be notified)

How to Participate in the Lottery: 10 people will be invited by lottery from those who request materials for each business operated by Meiko Mirai. We will contact those who have requested materials by April 20 with details on how to participate in the lottery, so those who have requested materials by then will be eligible. If you have already requested materials, please await our contact. Material requests and event participation are free.

All current students are welcome to participate! Also, all current students of Meiko Mirai's various businesses will be invited, so please await contact from the administration.

Target Businesses: Meiko Gijuku High School (Correspondence High School) https://gakuin.meikogijuku.jp/ Meiko Free School (Free school using existing Meiko Gijuku classrooms) https://freeschool.meikogijuku.jp/ Class Japan Junior High School (Online Free School) https://www.cjgakuen.com/

Regarding On-site Coverage: Media coverage will also be accepted separately. Media outlets wishing to cover the event should contact us below. YouTubers and influencers who disseminate information related to education or for mothers are also welcome to attend as media. (Seats are limited, so please apply early) Inquiries and applications for coverage: info@meikomirai.jp

Regarding Recruitment Activities: Meiko Mirai is looking for colleagues to jointly create a place for children. We are looking for colleagues to build a correspondence high school from scratch with Meiko Gijuku's know-how and your enthusiasm! (Work location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) https://note.com/meikomirai/n/na66bbe49950d "School non-attendance" as a new option. Meiko Free School is recruiting founding members [full-time employees] nationwide! (Work location: Nationwide) https://note.com/meikomirai/n/n8482513ff2c3

Representative's Speaking Event: An online event will be held on April 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM. *Please note that Shoko Nakagawa will not be speaking at this event. We welcome a wide range of participants, including those directly affected and those interested in Meiko Mirai. Application and details → https://www.obatakazuki.com/412

Kazuki Obata Profile, Representative Director and President, Meiko Mirai Co., Ltd. Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1994. Experienced about 10 years of school non-attendance. During his non-attendance, he studied at a free school, then started his own business at age 18. Specializes in marketing utilizing SNS, and managed official SNS accounts with over 10 million total followers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Works to dispel prejudice against school non-attendance and aims for a society where non-attending students are not left behind. As the representative of the online free school "Class Japan Junior High School," he has supported over 1,500 non-attending students to date. Appears in media as an expert on school non-attendance and has authored numerous books. Belongs to the cultural figures division of Watanabe Entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4h64vz2XEA

Introduction to each business operated by Meiko Mirai ↓ Meiko Gijuku High School (Correspondence High School) https://gakuin.meikogijuku.jp/ This academy was born from "Meiko Gijuku, No. 1 in individual tutoring." Located in Takadanobaba, known as a cultural and educational hub, it boasts an excellent urban location. Beyond acquiring graduation qualifications, it offers remedial learning for junior high school subjects, university entrance exam preparation, and even human resource development to succeed in society. Students can spend their three years of high school meaningfully. As a cooperative facility (branch school) for correspondence high schools, there is no need to travel far for schooling or exams. All three years of learning can be completed here in Takadanobaba.

Meiko Free School (for elementary and junior high school students) https://freeschool.meikogijuku.jp/ A free school created by Meiko Gijuku, offering personalized support. Meiko Group, which has operated Meiko Gijuku for many years, provides personalized support. We emphasize individual support that nurtures children's strengths and overcomes their weaknesses. It's a place where children can not only catch up on their studies but also discover new learning experiences like programming and e-sports, and meet new friends.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News