【Free Trial Lecture at Coral Juku】Gather, Young Researchers! For Those Considering Enrollment

The Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute, which promotes cutting-edge research and education from Kikai Island under the motto 'Leaving a Legacy for 100 Years,' has opened applications for free trial lectures and consultation sessions for its online educational program 'Coral Juku,' targeting students from 5th grade elementary to 3rd year high school.

〈Experience a Coral Juku Lecture〉

You can experience Coral Juku's online lectures for free! Challenge yourself with research into the mysteries of coral reefs and the ocean through lectures and direct guidance by leading researchers, along with discussions with peers from across Japan.

Coral Juku Trial Session & Consultation

At Coral Juku, we aim to discover new research topics while addressing real coral reefs, the people living around them, and global environmental challenges. By engaging with scientific knowledge and methods, students deepen their understanding of coral reef science and build foundational skills for identifying and solving problems. We aim to cultivate individuals with broad perspectives who can identify issues across disciplines. In the Coral Juku Lecture Course, students attend monthly lectures by mentors (experts), deepening their understanding of coral reef science and building the foundation for discovering and solving problems through exposure to scientific knowledge and methods.

During the Coral Juku Trial Session & Consultation, participants can attend either the first or second lecture of the 2026 academic year for free and experience the pace and content of the lectures. After the lecture, we will introduce Coral Juku and hold an enrollment consultation session, during which our staff will individually answer your questions and concerns. If you're unsure about enrolling or want to try a lecture before committing, please join us.

〈Coral Juku Trial Session & Consultation〉 - Attend a lecture by a mentor - Introduction to Coral Juku - Enrollment consultation

① First Free Trial Session: June 20 (Sat), 15:15–17:00 Lecture: "Evidence of the Oldest El Niño Recorded in 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossil Corals" Speaker: Dr. Takeshi Watanabe (Hokkaido University, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute)

② Second Free Trial Session: July 18 (Sat), 15:15–17:00 Lecture: "People Living on Coral Reef Islands and Climate Change" Speaker: Dr. Atsuko Yamazaki (Nagoya University, Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute)

【How to Participate】 - Please register for a free ticket via Peatix: https://sango-juku-taiken.peatix.com/ After registration, we will send you the Zoom link. * Registration is accepted until 1 hour before each session.

- Delivery Method: Zoom online streaming

- Target Audience: Elementary school 5th graders to high school 3rd graders considering enrollment in Coral Juku, and their guardians * This trial session is intended for those wishing to enroll in the Coral Juku Lecture Course or Research Course. Those outside the target group may not be able to participate even if they register. * For those outside the target age range, an on-demand course is available to view past Coral Juku lectures. Please check this page. * General residents of Kikai Island may attend lectures in person at the Coral Research Institute or local lecture venues. (Online participation is not available.)

'Coral Juku Lecture Course' – Access lectures and practical training by coral reef researchers from Japan and abroad

Coral Juku is a program within KIKAI College, an educational program affiliated with the Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute, targeting elementary to high school students. Based on Kikai Island, which boasts a globally rare uplifted coral reef ecosystem, we conduct lectures and practical training in collaboration with coral reef researchers from Japan and abroad, aiming to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Through hands-on research with active researchers in a real natural environment, students learn about biodiversity, the connection between science and society, and develop sensitivity and communication skills.

In the Coral Juku Lecture Course, students attend monthly lectures by coral reef researchers (mentors) from universities and research institutions. Mentors share their passion for coral reefs and nature, the excitement of research, and the latest scientific findings.

We also host workshops to cultivate the ability to discover mysteries and ask scientific questions. For those who wish, fieldwork opportunities are available during summer and spring breaks. During summer break, students from across Japan gather on Kikai Island to form research teams with mentors and implement their research plans. During spring break, students travel to coral reefs in Japan and abroad to verify the questions they've developed throughout the year with their own eyes.

For those who dream of becoming scientists, want to develop scientific thinking, or wish to explore how humans and nature can coexist harmoniously—we hope what you learn at Coral Juku will support your diverse future paths.

Lecture and Fieldwork Highlights

Recruitment Details

Application Period: Applications accepted anytime ■ Target: Elementary school 5th grade to high school 3rd grade ■ Registration Fee: 35,200 JPY per year (tax included) ■ Participation Requirements: - Ability to attend lectures approximately once a month, either in person or online - Access to online lectures from home using a computer or tablet (a network environment capable of using video conferencing systems such as Zoom with a camera is required. Smartphones are not permitted.)

- It is desirable to participate in either the summer or spring break fieldwork conducted on Kikai Island and the Amami Islands (alternative online programs are available for those unable to attend.)

* Research consultations and experiments can be conducted outside of scheduled class times. * Fieldwork participation fees are additional. * This year, we have established a scholarship program. Scholarship recipients will have their tuition fees waived. Please complete the application form and submit required documents for review. (5 recipients selected)

* A 1,100 JPY (tax included) discount will be applied to both the person who refers a friend and the new participant introduced. Please indicate this in the application form.

* Additionally, the referrer's discount will be added at 1,100 JPY (tax included) per person referred. Please indicate this in the application form.

▼ For details on application and other information, please visit: https://college.kikaireefs.org/sango-juku/

2026 Academic Year Schedule

- June 20 (Sat) Dr. Takeshi Watanabe (Hokkaido University, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute): "Evidence of the Oldest El Niño Recorded in 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossil Corals"

- July 18 (Sat) Dr. Atsuko Yamazaki (Nagoya University, Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute): "People Living on Coral Reef Islands and Climate Change"

- August 4 (Tue) – August 15 (Sat) Coral Reef Science Camp (Aug 4–8: Junior Course | Aug 9–15: Advanced Course | Aug 11–13: Tokunoshima Course)

- September 19 (Sat) Dr. Masanori Nonaka (Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Comprehensive Research Institute): "About Octocorals"

- October 17 (Sat) Dr. Evan James Gowan (Kikai Island Coral Reef Science Institute): "Using geological p