A Time and Space in the Community to Be 'Yourself'

In this city, the heart of Tokyo,
we want to create a time and space where both adults and children can be 'themselves.'

A world where, amidst the crowd, each individual's 'self' is cherished.

A place within the community where people's 'hearts' can come and go, and gently connect.

Our company supports April Dream, an initiative to make April 1st a day for sharing dreams. This press release is the dream of 'General Incorporated Association be Place'.

Personal School sunow

One initiative to give shape to this dream is 'Personal School sunow,' a free school run by psychologists.

In recent years, the number of students in Japan struggling with school attendance has increased, and the term 'futoko' (school non-attendance) has become widely known.

Of course, school is an important place of learning for many children.
However, at the same time, the same style of learning and way of spending time does not suit every child.

That is why we believe it is important not just to have the two choices of 'going' or 'not going' to school, but to have a time and space within the community where children can feel at ease.

At the free school, children spend their time at their own pace, which includes not only studying but also playing, talking, and sometimes doing nothing at all.

We are not doing anything special.
But when there is a place where someone tries to understand you, people gradually begin to rediscover themselves.

Having a place where you feel 'it's okay to be here.'
Feeling that 'I am not alone.'

Such feelings can lead to the next step.

What we aim for is for children to be able to return to their true selves.

And beyond that, for them to be able to create their own place in the world.

It would be great if free schools were not special places, but became something like a culture that exists naturally within the community.

Not just school.
Not just home.
A society with another place to belong.

A society where everyone can pause for a moment, feel at ease to rediscover themselves, and then move forward at their own pace.

We hope that such time and space will gradually emerge, first in this city, and then in various places across Japan.

Features of sunow

(1) Engagement that Starts with Understanding Each Individual

Psychologists carefully engage with each person, considering what they can do 'now' from a professional perspective. In a small group environment, we explore together how they can spend their time in a way that suits them, including learning, dialogue, and play. Individual counseling is also available as needed.

(2) Time for Connection in Daily Life

Lunch is basically self-catered, and we share meal times with the children. We nurture time for natural interaction with others in daily life, valuing suggestions like 'I want to try making this.' We cherish both the time spent alone and the time spent with others, valuing connections that are not forced.

(3) Support that Includes Families

In supporting children, the peace of mind of their families is also important. We provide parent meetings with psychologists and opportunities for parents to connect informally, valuing a form of involvement that suits each person's pace.

Access

'Personal School sunow'

Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Address: 3-9-5 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ugiuWMosNywWSZTH9

5-minute walk from Midorigaoka Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line /

10-minute walk from O-okayama Station on the Tokyu Oimachi and Tokyu Meguro Lines /

10-minute walk from Okusawa Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line

HP：https://sunow.jp/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sunow_freeschool/

X : https://x.com/sunowfreeschool

Company Profile

Corporate Name: General Incorporated Association be Place

Representative: Representative Director Yusuke Sano

Location: 3-9-5 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0034

Established: November 18, 2024