Realized Through the 'Admiration' of a 2nd Grader Not Attending School: Talk Event Featuring Popular Illustrator Nukoko to be Held in Yamanashi (April 12)

A Real-Life Story Where 'Passion' Becomes the Future, Sparked by a Single Message from a Child Not Attending School

NIJIN Academy, an alternative school for students not attending traditional school, operated by NIJIN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tatsuro Hoshino), will host a live talk event, "Turning What You Love into a Job," in Yamanashi Prefecture on Sunday, April 12, 2026, featuring popular illustrator and social media creator Nukoko as a guest.

This event is a child-led project that came to fruition after a second-grade student attending NIJIN Academy directly emailed Nukoko, whom they admire.

### ■ Background: A Single Student's Desire to 'Meet' Moved Society

The starting point of this project was the pure desire of a single student who loves to draw. Having experienced school non-attendance and feeling disheartened, the student discovered Nukoko's work on social media. Deeply encouraged by the colorful illustrations and positive messages, the student gradually regained their own motivation for creation.

With the dream of "wanting to meet and talk in person someday," the student drafted an appearance request email themselves. Later, they gave a passionate presentation to Nukoko in an online meeting, and the decision was made to hold this event. This is a case where, even in the environment of school non-attendance, a child took initiative, connected with society, and created a new opportunity.

*(Image: The student presenting to Nukoko)*

### ■ Event Content: Learning from a Pro How to Give Form to 'Passion'

On the day of the event, Nukoko will reflect on their journey and discuss the real process of turning a dream into a job.

**【Main Talk Themes】** - How they overcame challenges and obstacles faced while continuing creative activities - The story of how a hobby in illustration led to a 'job' - What they value for sustaining their activities over the long term

**【Interactive Content】** - **Direct Q&A Session:** Ask a professional creator questions directly. - **Illustration Critique Session:** Nukoko will provide advice from a professional perspective on works brought by participants.

### ■ Guest Profile

**Nukoko**

**Illustrator / Social Media Creator** Nukoko shares 'cute lettering' and 'how to draw illustrations' primarily on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, gaining support from a wide audience. In 2024, they published the book "Chimatto Kawaii Irasuto ga Egakeru Hon" (How to Draw Small, Cute Illustrations). Not limited to social media, Nukoko is also actively involved in real-world events, such as portrait events at Hands and exhibiting at the "Stationery Women's Expo." They are active in many areas, including developing original characters and creating merchandise.

◆Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nukoko_neko/ ◆YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@nukoko_neko/shorts ◆TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nukoko_neko

### ■ Event Overview

**Event Name:** Turning What You Love into a Job

- Date and Time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 13:00-15:00 - Format: In-person event - Location: Within Yamanashi Prefecture (Details will be provided to participants) - Capacity: 10 people - Fee: NIJIN Academy Students: ¥2,000; General Participants: ¥2,500 - Target Audience: Elementary and junior high school students interested in illustration and creative activities - Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 23:59 - Apply here: https://nijinyunimarunukokosan.peatix.com/

### ■ Inquiries Regarding This Matter

NIJIN Co., Ltd. NIJIN Academy 2-5-5 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0006 Contact Staff: Juri Kuniyoshi Mail: nijinacademy.jurikuniyoshi@gmail.com

### ■ About NIJIN Academy

An alternative school for elementary through high school students that opened in September 2023, with over 700 students enrolled from more than 42 prefectures across Japan. With pillars of "multi-layered psychological safety," "interactive classes by top-tier teachers," and "child-led projects," it creates a future where all children can have hope, ensuring that not being able to go to school does not become a source of inferiority or guilt. As an alternative learning option, over 90%* of students who wish to do so have their attendance recognized by their enrolled school. *As of March 2026

▶ School HP: https://www.nijin.co.jp/academy ▶ Education Information Media Nijiiro: https://media.nijin.co.jp/

### ■ About NIJIN Co., Ltd.

A "JAPAN EDUCATION COMPANY" that solves educational issues from a systemic level with the philosophy of "illuminating the nation through education." Founded in April 2022 by former elementary school teacher Tatsuro Hoshino, who felt a sense of national crisis about the large number of children unable to be themselves in today's schools. The company operates 13 initiatives (businesses) to solve various educational problems, such as school non-attendance, teacher shortages, teacher working styles, and the role of schools.

▶ Company HP: https://www.nijin.co.jp/

Keywords: School Non-attendance, Elementary School Student, Junior High School Student, Alternative School, Online, Illustration