NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch Celebrates 1st Anniversary, Sees Cases of School Reintegration and Double Schooling

NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch (Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Classroom Manager Ayako Kaneda), the physical campus of the alternative school "NIJIN Academy" operated by NIJIN Inc., celebrated its first anniversary in June 2026.

Over the past year, among children who became truant due to incompatibility with the public school environment, there have been cases of successful reintegration into their enrolled schools, as well as cases of choosing a new learning style called "double school," which combines school and free school attendance.

What truant children need is not just "returning to school." They need a safe place to be, an environment where they can learn authentically, encounters with diverse peers, and connections with society.

At NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch, throughout this past year, we have seen many instances of children regaining confidence, learning independently, and taking on challenges.

■ An Alternative School for Children Who Don't Fit into Public Schools

NIJIN Academy is an alternative school for children who cannot adapt to the public school environment, including those experiencing truancy, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and giftedness.

At the Aomori Namieoka Branch, we combine online learning that connects with peers nationwide with real-world, community-based learning.

Children spend four days a week learning with peers nationwide in a metaverse school building, and one day a week gathering at the physical campus for hands-on activities such as crafting, inquiry-based learning, and dialogue.

It is neither online-only nor real-world-only. This learning environment, which leverages the strengths of both, supports growth at each individual's pace.

■ "Reintegration" is Not the Goal; Choosing the Learning Style That Suits You is Important

Currently, seven elementary and junior high school students attend from within and outside the prefecture, including Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Kuroishi City, Goshogawara City, and Odate City in Akita Prefecture. Among the children who have been attending since the school opened, some have successfully reintegrated into their enrolled schools. However, a distinctive feature is that some children are choosing to continue their studies at NIJIN Academy even after reintegration, opting for a "double school" approach that combines school and free school.

What many families are seeking is not support solely aimed at returning to school.

They seek a safe place to learn, an environment where they can challenge themselves authentically, and connections with peers who have similar experiences.

At NIJIN Academy, through interactions with diverse peers and specialized staff from across the country, children gradually regain their confidence. As a result, this leads to cases of reintegration or the choice of double schooling.

■ Community Connections Support Children's Challenges

In January 2026, a student from the Aomori Namieoka Branch presented at the "Aomori My Project Fest," an inquiry-based learning presentation event held in Aomori City. In front of an audience of over 100 people, they presented their inquiry activities, which they had pursued with interest and passion, receiving much empathy and encouragement.

Additionally, a student aspiring to become an origami creator held their first solo exhibition in June 2026 at the Aomori City Namieoka Exchange Center "Apines."

Learning is not confined to the classroom; children are expanding their own spheres of activity while maintaining connections with the local community. Such changes are emerging among the children.

Students exercising outdoors, elementary school students preparing for a children's cafeteria event, a student taking on an inquiry presentation in front of a large audience.

【Classroom Manager Comment】

Ayako Kaneda, Classroom Manager, NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch

"Over this past year, I have been able to see many instances of children gradually regaining their confidence and taking on challenges on their own. Some children have reintegrated into school, and others have chosen both school and free school. I believe what is important is not where a child learns, but that the child can learn in a way that is authentic and safe for them. We aim to continue providing diverse learning options within the community."

■ NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch Overview

NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch is a physical campus of "NIJIN Academy," an alternative school where truant children from across the country study.

Classroom Manager Ayako Kaneda has 13 years of experience as a special needs school teacher and currently also works as a school counselor in school settings.

Based on an understanding of truancy support and developmental characteristics, she provides support tailored to each individual's traits and psychological state, while also focusing on parent support.

Furthermore, by combining an environment where children learn with peers nationwide in a metaverse school building with real-world, community-based experiential activities, we are creating an environment where children can safely cultivate connections with society and envision a future that is true to themselves.

School Name: NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch
Location: 43-16, Kawai, Namieoka, Namieoka, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Target: Elementary and Junior High School Students
School Days: Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ou Main Line Namieoka Station

NIJIN Academy Aomori Namieoka Branch
https://academy.nijin.co.jp/classroom/nijinacademy-aomori/

■ What is NIJIN Academy?

An alternative school for truant children, opened in September 2023, with over 700 students enrolled nationwide. Since September 2024, it has also been providing physical learning spaces, and currently has 34 locations including those planned. With "multi-layered psychological safety," "dialogic lessons by top-tier teachers," and "child-led projects" as the pillars of its curriculum, it creates a future where not being able to go to school does not lead to feelings of inferiority or guilt, and where all children can have hope. As a learning alternative to school, over 90% of students who wish to do so receive attendance certification from their enrolled school. *As of June 2026

School Website: https://academy.nijin.co.jp/

Educational Information Media "Nijiiro": https://media.nijin.co.jp/

■ NIJIN Inc.

With the philosophy of "Illuminating the country through education," it is a "JAPAN EDUCATION COMPANY" that solves educational issues from a structural perspective. Sensing a national crisis in the fact that too many children cannot express themselves in today's schools, former elementary school teacher Tatsuro Hoshino founded the company in April 2022 to create a country where everyone can have "hope" in education. It develops 13 mechanisms (businesses) to solve various educational problems, including truancy, teacher shortages, teachers' work styles, and the nature of schools.

Company Name: NIJIN Inc.

Location: 2-5-5 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Established: April 1, 2022

Representative: Tatsuro Hoshino

Business Description: Educational business that solves educational issues from a structural perspective (teacher training, truancy support, entrepreneurship support, educational events, after-school programs)

URL: https://www.nijin.co.jp/