Helping Kids Discover Their Path
Published: February 15, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Takeda Juku Shinonome School” is built on a unique and proven educational method known as the “cram school that doesn’t give lessons.”
What Mr. Iijima, the head of the school, values most is the idea of “how to support the progress of each student best.”
He explains, “Just like a personal training gym, we create a study plan tailored to each student and run alongside them. Through studying, I want them to acquire the mindset and habits of consistent effort.”
Takeda Juku Shinonome School opened very recently, in March of this year. What makes it different from other cram schools is that there are no group lessons. Instead, students receive individual support as the instructors review everything with them and explain the material again one-on-one. Each student has a personalized study plan designed to help them review everything they’ve learned in school, with extra exercises to practice and deepen their understanding of the concepts.
At Takeda Juku Shinonome, students use study materials available at ordinary bookstores.
Rather than relying on original textbooks or overly specialized materials, the school carefully selects reference books and workbooks that anyone can access, choosing the one that best suits each student. In this way, learning is built step by step, with steady progress.
In Spain and many other countries, students who attend after-school academies are typically those who struggle to pass their school subjects and need extra help understanding the material and keeping up with their classes. Of course, in Japan, some students need that kind of support too. Still, many others attend cram schools to improve their academic performance, raise their grades, and increase their chances of passing the university entrance exams. Here, most students are in high school, preparing for university, but many junior high school students also attend.
Each day’s study assignments are clearly defined, and every week students take a confirmation test, which they must score at least 80% on to pass. On top of that, individual guidance is provided to ensure students don’t just “attend a lesson” but continue until they can truly master the material.
One thing I found really interesting about this school is that the instructors know each student’s school textbooks and tell them exactly which pages to study each day. What also caught my attention is how much technology has advanced, and how cram schools have evolved over the years. Right at the entrance, there’s a QR scanner that students use to check in and out. As soon as they check in, the system automatically sends an email to their parents to let them know their child has arrived to study. Also, the school can track the total number of hours each student has studied and compare that data with their academic progress.
The school offers more than 30 study desks for independent learning. In this spacious, comfortable environment, students can focus on their studies without distractions or concern about others.
It’s like a library, but with teachers ready to help anytime. I really loved this room, and it made me feel like I could really focus on my tasks.
At Takeda Juku Shinonome, improving grades is only one part of a bigger goal.
The true purpose is to help students build confidence through steady effort and to encourage them to discover what truly interests them.
Teachers often talk with students about their goals and dreams, asking questions such as “What makes you excited?” or “What kind of future do you imagine for yourself?” Through these conversations, students reflect on their strengths and begin to shape their own path forward.
With its calm, focused, and supportive atmosphere, Takeda Juku Shinonome is more than a place to study. It is a space where teenagers can learn, grow, and start creating the future they believe in.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on September 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
