Tangible Cultural Property Becomes a "Safe Haven" for Truant Children in Southern Kumamoto - NIJIN Academy Opens a Real Classroom at the Ruins of a Samurai Residence in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture

NIJIN Academy, an alternative school for truant children operated by NIJIN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tatsuro Hoshino), will open a physical "Kumamoto Yatsushiro Campus" inside the "Lifelong Learning Center/Terakoya 'Nishikoji'," utilizing the Yatsushiro City-designated tangible cultural property "Sawai Family Residence and Nagayamon Gate."

Amid the nationwide concern over the increasing number of truant students, free schools and safe spaces for children in Kumamoto Prefecture have traditionally been concentrated in the north, primarily around Kumamoto City, leaving children in the Uki, Yatsushiro, Ashikita, and Minamata regions with few options. With nuclear families and dual-income households being the norm, when a child refuses to go to school, many families are forced to reluctantly leave them home alone out of anxiety, or spend significant time and money trying to commute to Kumamoto City. Some parents agonize that "there are no free schools in Yatsushiro" and are forced into "truancy-induced job resignation." In such circumstances, children's self-esteem drops, making it even harder for them to return to school or society.

Wakana Mizutani, who has been appointed as the director of the Kumamoto Yatsushiro Campus, is a parent who struggled with this reality herself and sought ways for children to spend their time. Moreover, as a high school teacher for 19 years, she interacted with various students and engaged in career guidance, witnessing firsthand the reality of diverse children who cannot be fully supported by the school system alone. Deeply feeling the importance of fostering self-esteem from early childhood and providing careful career design education, she eagerly awaited the creation of various options like free schools in the Yatsushiro area. However, realizing that simply waiting would not solve the problem, she resigned from her position as a prefectural high school teacher this March to establish the Kumamoto Yatsushiro Campus, aiming to create a safe haven for children in southern Kumamoto.

The main building of the "Sawai Family Residence," a samurai house built at the end of the Edo period near the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The opening location, the "Lifelong Learning Center/Terakoya 'Nishikoji'," utilizes the ruins of a samurai residence, the "Sawai Family Residence and Nagayamon Gate," located in Nishimatsuejo-machi, Yatsushiro City. The main building has been rented out as a venue for local culture and learning for the past five years. Mikiko Hagino, who manages the facility, resonated with the campus director's desire to find a relaxing and safe space for children who need a place to belong, leading to the provision of this location. Preparations are currently underway for the school opening on Friday, May 8.

In a Japanese-style room in Yatsushiro, a major producer of tatami mats, students gaze at the garden, feel the history, and engage in cutting-edge learning using the metaverse.

While children can connect with friends nationwide at the NIJIN Academy metaverse campus, move their bodies in "Home PE," and enjoy self-paced learning, online classes, and clubs, the physical classroom offers unique learning experiences. Students will go out to interview historical sites, cultural facilities, and local industries around the school, exploring the region's history, traditional culture, rich agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as cutting-edge manufacturing. Furthermore, through activities involving taking photos and videos, researching, and disseminating information, they will reflect on their own aptitudes and interests, leading to the development of skills necessary to realize their future paths. Even children who find group life in school difficult due to developmental disorders or specific traits can grow through learning and spending time in a way that suits them in a quiet, small-group environment in a Japanese-style room. By interacting with adults of various ages, not just their peers, they will regain their confidence and help their talents blossom.

At the Kumamoto Yatsushiro Campus, students will explore regional industries and historical culture as themes, challenging themselves in various contests and expanding their fields of activity.

Individual consultations and trial/briefing sessions are currently being held at any time. Applications can be made from the official website.

Kumamoto Yatsushiro Campus Application Guidelines

[Target] Truant elementary, junior high, and high school students
[Opening Days] Every Friday, 9:30 - 14:30
[Location] 6-6 Nishimatsuejo-machi, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture (inside Lifelong Learning Center/Terakoya "Nishikoji")
[Opening Date] Opening from May 8, 2026
[Capacity] 5 students / day
[Application Method] Via official website
[Official Website] https://academy.nijin.co.jp/classroom/nijinacademy-kumamoto-yatsushiro/

NIJIN Academy
An alternative school for truant elementary and junior high school students that opened in September 2023, enrolling over 700 students from more than 30 prefectures nationwide. Centered on a curriculum of "multi-layered psychological safety," "interactive classes by top-tier teachers," and "child-led projects," it aims to create a future where not being able to go to school is no longer a source of inferiority or guilt, and where every child can have hope. As a learning alternative to traditional schooling, over 90%* of wishing students obtain attendance recognition from their registered schools. *As of April 2026
▶ School Website: https://www.nijin.co.jp/academy

NIJIN Co., Ltd.
Under the philosophy of "Illuminating the country through education," JAPAN ED