Tokitsukaze Spearheads Child Safety in Cram Schools with New 'Safe Educator Code of Conduct' Ahead of 'Japan-Version DBS'

Tokitsukaze Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Riyu Yatsu), an education startup promoting business succession and sequential M&A for cram schools and prep schools, has signed a partnership with Everybeing (Headquarters: Setagaya, Tokyo; Co-representatives: Ibuki Ozawa and Moe Nishizaki), an organization specializing in child rights protection. Together, they have formulated the 'Safe Educator Code of Conduct,' pioneering the integration of 'Safeguarding' principles into the cram school industry.

The enforcement of the 'Child Sex Offense Prevention Act' (Japan-version DBS), designed to protect children's hearts and bodies in educational settings, is scheduled for December this year. In preparation, Tokitsukaze has begun a phased rollout of measures linked to child rights and safeguarding across all its group schools starting this April, and will proceed with applications for certification by the Children and Families Agency. By working consistently from policy design to on-site implementation support based on Everybeing's expertise, the two companies aim to update the awareness and behavior of educators for the modern era.

### About the Child Sex Offense Prevention Act & Japan-version DBS
Sexual crimes and violence against children have become a serious issue in recent years. According to National Police Agency data, there are approximately 5,000 arrests annually for offenses such as child prostitution, with a significant increase in non-consensual indecency and sexual intercourse in recent years. Reports show that sex crimes occur across various settings, including cram schools, sports clubs, and after-school care. Consequently, the 'Child Sex Offense Prevention Act' is set for enforcement in December 2026 to prevent such violence and protect children. Along with this, the 'Japan-version DBS' is being introduced to verify that those in child-facing professions have no criminal record of sexual offenses.

The philosophy behind these new laws is 'Safeguarding Children and Youth.' This refers to organizational efforts and mindsets to ensure that children spend time in safe, respectful environments where their rights are not violated. While safeguarding has spread globally since the early 2000s, its implementation among private education providers like cram schools remains voluntary, posing challenges for effective prevention.

### Current State of the Cram School Industry
In the cram school industry, arrests of instructors and owners for crimes like voyeurism or indecency against students have been frequent. In response to the upcoming law, several major chains have announced plans to apply for the Japan-version DBS. However, structural hurdles exist for the entire industry:
1. Strengthening existing measures often results only in partial compliance.
2. Strict information management and criminal record checks are burdensome for small and medium schools.
3. It is difficult to instill ethical awareness across decentralized organizations with many part-time staff.

Cram schools are a 'third place' for children, requiring clear rules and comprehensive responses to protect their dignity. Building a culture of safety based on safeguarding principles is essential.

### Initiatives by Tokitsukaze Co., Ltd.
In March 2026, Tokitsukaze, in collaboration with Everybeing, formulated the 'Safe Educator Code of Conduct' as a unique policy compliant with the Japan-version DBS. Starting this April, the company will ensure the penetration of this code through hiring processes and daily training. All schools joining the group through business succession will progressively integrate these measures into their operations. By updating educational systems to meet modern needs, the company aims to alleviate the concerns of parents and build greater trust in its group schools.

**Examples of Measures:**
- Mandatory reading and agreement to the 'Safe Educator Code of Conduct' for all new hires and contract renewals, supported by regular training.
- Ensuring that one-on-one instruction or interviews are conducted in spaces visible from the outside to avoid closed-room environments.
- Establishing a system for investigation, reporting, and response by Tokitsukaze HQ in case of any violation, with a hotline publicized in every school.

### About Everybeing
General Incorporated Association Everybeing aims to nurture a society where the dignity of all beings coexists. They work as partners with children to build social processes based on children's rights and well-being. They have produced awareness videos with the Nippon Foundation and supported various child-support organizations in building organizational foundations based on safeguarding. Co-representatives Ibuki Ozawa and Moe Nishizaki serve as advisors to the Children and Families Agency. This partnership with Tokitsukaze is their first initiative in the cram school industry.

### Announcement for Cram School Stakeholders
Tokitsukaze aims to expand child safety efforts across the entire industry, not just within its group. Since it is difficult for small schools to understand the law and set up operations alone, sharing knowledge is crucial. Tokitsukaze is offering the template of the 'Code of Conduct' for free to those interested. Furthermore, in collaboration with Everybeing, they provide end-to-end support for implementing Japan-version DBS compliance and safeguarding measures tailored to individual sites.

**Contact: info@tokitsukaze-edu.jp**

### Comments from Stakeholders
**Moe Nishizaki, Co-representative of Everybeing:**
Born in 1987, graduated from ICU, MA from University of Tsukuba. After working in the private sector and as a high school teacher, she was involved in policy advocacy for child rights at Save the Children. She has served as an advisor to the Children and Families Agency since 2022 and co-founded Everybeing in 2023. She also serves as a director for the Japan Children's Advocacy Council and a part-time lecturer at Bunkyo Gakuin University.