[Shimotsuke City, Tochigi] Art x School Refusal: NIJIN Academy Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus, Run by an Art Therapy Instructor, Opens June 23

NIJIN Academy, an alternative school for children who are not attending school operated by NIJIN Inc. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tatsuro Hoshino), will open a new physical classroom, 'NIJIN Academy Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus,' in the southern Tochigi Prefecture area on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

This classroom will be managed by a clinical art therapist who is a former special needs school teacher. It is a new educational space that creates learning based on each child's 'wants to do' through art activities. It supports children who cannot go to school but can challenge themselves with things they love, helping them take their first step to go out safely and connect with society.

■ About NIJIN Academy

The number of elementary and junior high school students refusing to attend school is increasing year by year, reaching a record high of 346,482 in a 2025 survey. This represents approximately 1 in 27 elementary and junior high school students. Creating a place where children can learn safely and choose diverse learning methods is a major challenge that society as a whole must address.

The alternative school for school refusers, 'NIJIN Academy,' is gaining attention as a 'new learning option' that allows children to receive high-quality education from home using online resources.

Since its opening in September 2023, a cumulative total of over 700 students have enrolled, and more than 150 students have successfully returned to their regular schools. Collaboration with local governments dealing with school refusal is deepening year by year, expanding into initiatives that support children's learning together with various organizations.

Furthermore, children who regained their energy in the metaverse campus have expressed a desire to 'continue learning at NIJIN Academy rather than returning to regular school.' Currently, the academy is developing a 'Hybrid Commuting' system nationwide, combining 'Online Commuting' (learning from home) with 'Real Classrooms' (learning by attending actual classrooms) to meet the diverse needs of children.

■ Message from the Classroom Director / Thoughts on the Opening

From 'School Refusal' to 'Selective Attendance' where children choose their own learning.
The difficulty of not going to school may stem from the fixed idea that 'attending school is necessary for happy social participation.'
However, learning environments are no longer limited to schools.
If you look outside, society is full of 'interesting social resources and people' from which children can learn. Children can grow by utilizing these resources.
This time, the alternative school 'NIJIN Academy' and the painting class 'Art Playspol' in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, have collaborated to open a new free school.
It is a warm place where children can be themselves and take a step into the future with a smile.
If you think, 'This might suit my child' or 'I want to see what it's like,' please feel free to join a free trial session. We will support children's 'I want to try that' using art and social resources to the fullest.
We look forward to meeting you!

■ A Day at NIJIN Academy Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus

■ Classroom Overview

[Name] NIJIN Academy Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus

[Target] 1st grade elementary school students to 3rd grade high school students

[School Days] Once a week (Tuesdays) *Subject to change due to events, etc.

[Location] 〒329-0502 3342-7 Shimogoyama, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture

[Opening Date] Tuesday, June 23, 2026

[Capacity] 4 students

[Features]

A free school specializing in art activities. Main activities include implementing the art therapy 'Clinical Art' program and creating works using techniques that students want to try. Off-campus activities such as participating in local events and visiting art museums and museums are also planned.

[Tuition Fees]

Entrance fee: ¥33,000 (tax included) Separate art material fee: ¥8,000

Hybrid Commuting Plan: ¥41,943 (tax included)/month Separate activity fee collected

▶ Classroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nijinacademy_tochigishimotuke/?hl=ja

■ Admission Information

Please first participate in a trial session. Admission guidance will be provided during the session.

[Free Trial Session Information]
Dates: June 9, June 16 (both Tuesdays)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 3342-7 Shimogoyama, Shimotsuke City (NIJIN Academy Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus / Art Playspol)
Cost: First session free (*For second and subsequent trial sessions, a material fee of ¥500 for artwork will be charged)

[Trial Session Application Forms]

Online Commuting Trial Information Session: https://www.jicoo.com/t/nijin/e/academy

Tochigi Shimotsuke Campus Trial Information Session: https://academy.nijin.co.jp/classroom/nijinnacademy-tochigishimotuke/

■ NIJIN Academy Overview

An alternative school for elementary and junior high school students refusing to attend school, opened in September 2023. Over 500 students from more than 36 prefectures nationwide have enrolled. Since September 2024, it has also provided physical learning spaces, with 30 campuses including those planned to open. The curriculum is based on 'multi-layered psychological safety,' 'dialogic lessons by top teachers,' and 'child-led projects,' aiming to create a future where not being able to go to school does not lead to feelings of inferiority or guilt, and all children can have hope. As a learning alternative to school, over 90% of students who wish to do so obtain attendance certification from their enrolled school.

*As of August 2025

NIJIN Inc.

With the philosophy of 'Illuminating the country through education,'

NIJIN is a 'JAPAN EDUCATION COMPANY' that solves educational challenges 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. The company operates 13 mechanisms (businesses) to solve various educational problems, including school refusal, teacher shortages, teachers' working 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 challenges from a structural perspective (teacher training, school refusal support, entrepreneurship support, educational events, after-school programs)

▶ NIJIN Academy HP: https://www.nijin.co.jp/academy

■ Inquiries

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact us at the email address below.

[Contact] nijinacademy.tochigishimotuke@gmail.com Contact Person: Aiko Shigeyama