Key Characteristic: A modern-day “Terakoya"
The original term “Terakoya” was a private educational institution aimed at the common people during the Edo period, and the term comes from the role that temples played in this role. The teachings there focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic, which are necessary for everyday life. They were given by a variety of educated people, including ronin (masterless samurai), monks, Shinto priests, and doctors. KIP understands this as “a space where individuals, regardless of age or background, gather to study topics they voluntarily choose based on their own interests and needs”. It functions as a self-directed learning community that fosters personal growth and development, serving as a modern-day Terakoya.
A place for self-investment → Every activity is an opportunity to develop yourself for the future.
Members only → Taking advantage of the privilege of a small group, you can hear stories you won’t hear anywhere else
Diversity → Intergenerational exchange through discussions with participants of different backgrounds and ages
Objective: To foster internationally minded individuals who understand Japan deeply.
- Cultivating the ability to view social issues as personal concerns.
→ KIP’s discussion values talking about social issues as personal matters. By getting into the habit of thinking, “What can I do?”, students will develop the ability to engage in constructive discussions that go beyond armchair theory. - Cultivating social skills through the habits of “courtesy toward others”, “respect for others”, “expressing gratitude”, and “reporting, communicating, and consulting”
→ Through our daily activities, we will unconsciously acquire the manners and interpersonal skills we will need once we enter society. - Developing mutual communication skills for teamwork
→ At KIP, students will acquire logical skills such as “listening skills”, “how to ask and answer appropriate questions”, and “the ability to summarize” through activities. To lead a team, there are many opportunities to try out ways to “motivate people”and “involve people” while working together with members toward a common goal.
KIP Rules
At KIP, in addition to the above-mentioned “courtesy toward others”, “respect for others”, and “expressing gratitude”, we have the following three rules to help students develop these important human qualities into their habits even after they enter society.
- Quick Response of Attendance
→ Members respond immediately to every activity regarding attendance. As the saying goes, it takes time to build trust, but it takes less than a second to destroy it, so responding immediately is the first step in building trust with others. - Last minute cancellation is prohibited
→ Once you have confirmed your participation, absence without notice is prohibited unless there is a special reason. - Quick submission of report of the activity you attended)
→ Through the series of actions of input, output, and writing, you will internalize what you have learned. Not only will you develop a sense of gratitude toward the instructor, but you will also deepen the ability to organize your own thoughts.