Obunsha Partners with Comprehensive Selection Prep School AOI to Address Widening 'Information Gap' in Admissions, Jointly Developing Content for Students on 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi'

Obunsha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Hideki Kumekawa, hereinafter 'Obunsha') and the comprehensive selection specialized prep school AOI (hereinafter 'AOI'), operated by Hanagata Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City; Representative: Tadashi Kozawa), have begun joint development of content for students on Obunsha's 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi' and have launched a special page to address the information gap in comprehensive selection (formerly AO entrance exams).

Currently, while over 90% of universities have introduced comprehensive selection (*), understanding of its mechanism has not yet sufficiently penetrated among students and parents, and the access gap to exam information and preparation know-how has become an issue.

Through this partnership, Obunsha will disseminate the practical knowledge and preparation know-how of comprehensive selection that AOI has accumulated at its 13 campuses nationwide through 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi'. By broadly delivering practical exam information that has tended to be biased towards a subset of students, we aim to resolve the 'admissions structure where only those with information are at an advantage'.

*Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi × Comprehensive Selection Specialized Prep School AOI 'Comprehensive Selection Special Page' https://passnavi.obunsha.co.jp/sp/aoi/2605/

1. Background and Purpose of the Initiative

In recent years, with reforms in the university entrance examination system, the introduction of 'comprehensive selection (formerly AO entrance exams),' which comprehensively evaluates not only academic ability but also the diverse abilities and motivation of students, has expanded. It is becoming a standard for admissions, with over 90% of universities now adopting this selection method (*).

On the other hand, the understanding of students and parents has not sufficiently kept pace with its rapid spread, and a lack of information and preparation know-how is currently a barrier to choosing a desired school and preparing for exams.

Unlike general entrance exams, comprehensive selection has vastly different evaluation criteria and selection content for each university. This has created an 'admissions structure where those with more information are at an advantage,' where the amount of information and preparation opportunities regarding 'what kind of preparation to do and when' differs depending on the high school's guidance system, residential area, and access to specialized prep schools.

To resolve this situation, Obunsha, which has provided admissions information to students nationwide through 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi,' and AOI, which has abundant knowledge and a track record of success, will collaborate. By combining Obunsha's 'foundation for delivering information on a national scale' and AOI's 'practical knowledge of comprehensive selection,' we aim to create an environment where more students can access preparation know-how that was previously biased towards a subset of students.

*Reference: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology 'Overview of the Implementation Status of the 2025 National, Public, and Private University and Junior College Entrance Selection,' etc.

2. Main Contents of this Partnership

Based on this partnership, both companies will promote the following initiatives on the educational platform to strengthen information provision and learning support regarding comprehensive selection.

*Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi × Comprehensive Selection Specialized Prep School AOI 'Comprehensive Selection Special Page' https://passnavi.obunsha.co.jp/sp/aoi/2605/

Establishment of a New Collaboration Page We will establish a new collaboration page by both companies within 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi'. On this page, utilizing the knowledge of Hanagata, which operates the comprehensive selection specialized prep school AOI, we will sequentially roll out information tailored to points where students tend to stumble, from a basic understanding of comprehensive selection to a seasonal preparation schedule and specific measures for major universities (statement of purpose, essays, etc.). Additionally, a document request form will be set up on the page to create a smooth path from information acquisition to concrete learning actions.

Provision of Case Study Content Based on Successful Applicants' Real Experiences In the 'Success Stories' section of each university's basic information page on 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi,' we will post testimonials from graduates of the comprehensive selection specialized prep school AOI. Through the stories of actual successful applicants, including the background of their school choice, the reality of their exam preparation, and the challenges they overcame, we will provide opportunities for students to specifically imagine their own admission process.

Implementation of Information Distribution Tailored to Students' Concerns and Interests Based on the member information of 'Manabi ID' provided by Obunsha and the usage status of 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi,' we will deliver preparation content reflecting AOI's knowledge to users interested in comprehensive selection via email DM at the optimal timing. This will realize the provision of practical information tailored to each student's situation and establish an environment where they can access appropriate preparation without hesitation.

3. Representative's Comment

Ryuhei Tsuyama, Director and Executive Officer, Obunsha Co., Ltd.

For many years, Obunsha has continued to seek and provide new forms of learning that are optimal for learners through publications such as study reference books and digital services including 'Daigaku Juken Pass-Navi'.

As university admission methods diversify and the ratio of entrants through comprehensive selection increases, it is important that students, regardless of their residential area or economic situation...