Don't Teach!? Uncovering the Secret Story Behind the Unique 'Kumon Method'—A Foundation of Learning Expanding Across Generations and Borders
Hidenori Ikegami, President of KUMON Group, appears on TV Osaka's 'Kansai Leader Retsuden' to discuss the origins of the Kumon Method, its self-study philosophy, global expansion to 60+ countries, and its impact on social issues like dementia prevention and juvenile rehabilitation.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 22:00
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TV Osaka focuses on leaders who change the future of Osaka and Kansai, dramatizing their unknown pasts and thoroughly reporting on their ongoing challenges in 'Kansai Leader Retsuden.' This episode features Hidenori Ikegami, President of the KUMON Group, an industry leader in education. Is the origin truly 'fatherly love'?
**The Origin of Kumon: Fatherly Love?**
The Kumon Method began in 1954, tracing back to the education founder Toru Kumon provided for his son. Concerned about his son's grades, Mr. Kumon created his own math problems for his son to solve. The effectiveness of this learning spread by word of mouth, leading to the opening of the first math classroom in Moriguchi City, Osaka. Using materials tailored to children's levels, the self-study style was established—the very essence of Kumon.
Hidenori Ikegami was born in Chiba Prefecture around this time. A lover of reading since childhood, he passed the Tokyo University entrance exam by independently adopting a method similar to today's 'PDCA cycle.' After graduation, attracted by the work of creating Japanese language materials, he joined the KUMON Group. In 1986, he was appointed team leader for creating Japanese language materials for foreigners. What were the 'unforgettable' words he received from Toru Kumon when he first showed him the materials?
**Don't Teach!? Approaching the Unique Education Method that Motivates Children**
The KUMON Group continues to expand its classrooms nationwide. To find the secret, we visited a classroom in Tokyo. Looking around, there are no blackboards and no lectures. Children are individually solving the problems given to them. This self-study format is the greatest feature of Kumon.
Teachers provide hints to questions and help students solve problems on their own. They assess comprehension and select the appropriate materials for each student. By accumulating 'I can do it' experiences, children's confidence grows. There's also a trick to motivate them. A 4th-grade student was found solving high-school-level calculus. Depending on academic ability, students can advance to higher levels. The materials themselves are also meticulously designed.
**Not Just Children! Foreigners and Seniors Also Learn with Kumon**
The KUMON Group first expanded overseas in 1974. Currently, they operate in over 60 countries and regions. While there are about 1.3 million students in Japan, the number of people learning Kumon overseas has reached approximately 2.2 million. Furthermore, they conduct courses for seniors. Using original materials to activate the brain, they are working on preventing dementia among the elderly.
**Social Impact: Supporting Rehabilitation through Kumon**
Kakogawa Gakuen, one of Japan's largest juvenile reformatories located in Hyogo Prefecture, has been using the Kumon Method for four years. The goal is to strengthen basic academic skills and foster personal growth through small success experiences. The Kumon Method, which nurtures the 'I can do it' spirit, also supports the social reintegration of young people.
At the end of the program, President Ikegami speaks about what is necessary for a leader and the thoughts passed down from founder Toru Kumon to the KUMON Group.
**The Origin of Kumon: Fatherly Love?**
The Kumon Method began in 1954, tracing back to the education founder Toru Kumon provided for his son. Concerned about his son's grades, Mr. Kumon created his own math problems for his son to solve. The effectiveness of this learning spread by word of mouth, leading to the opening of the first math classroom in Moriguchi City, Osaka. Using materials tailored to children's levels, the self-study style was established—the very essence of Kumon.
Hidenori Ikegami was born in Chiba Prefecture around this time. A lover of reading since childhood, he passed the Tokyo University entrance exam by independently adopting a method similar to today's 'PDCA cycle.' After graduation, attracted by the work of creating Japanese language materials, he joined the KUMON Group. In 1986, he was appointed team leader for creating Japanese language materials for foreigners. What were the 'unforgettable' words he received from Toru Kumon when he first showed him the materials?
**Don't Teach!? Approaching the Unique Education Method that Motivates Children**
The KUMON Group continues to expand its classrooms nationwide. To find the secret, we visited a classroom in Tokyo. Looking around, there are no blackboards and no lectures. Children are individually solving the problems given to them. This self-study format is the greatest feature of Kumon.
Teachers provide hints to questions and help students solve problems on their own. They assess comprehension and select the appropriate materials for each student. By accumulating 'I can do it' experiences, children's confidence grows. There's also a trick to motivate them. A 4th-grade student was found solving high-school-level calculus. Depending on academic ability, students can advance to higher levels. The materials themselves are also meticulously designed.
**Not Just Children! Foreigners and Seniors Also Learn with Kumon**
The KUMON Group first expanded overseas in 1974. Currently, they operate in over 60 countries and regions. While there are about 1.3 million students in Japan, the number of people learning Kumon overseas has reached approximately 2.2 million. Furthermore, they conduct courses for seniors. Using original materials to activate the brain, they are working on preventing dementia among the elderly.
**Social Impact: Supporting Rehabilitation through Kumon**
Kakogawa Gakuen, one of Japan's largest juvenile reformatories located in Hyogo Prefecture, has been using the Kumon Method for four years. The goal is to strengthen basic academic skills and foster personal growth through small success experiences. The Kumon Method, which nurtures the 'I can do it' spirit, also supports the social reintegration of young people.
At the end of the program, President Ikegami speaks about what is necessary for a leader and the thoughts passed down from founder Toru Kumon to the KUMON Group.