Tokyo company planning to open Internet based school on Ikei

Kadokawa Dwango, a company based in Tokyo that was created when one of the largest publishing companies in Japan, Kadokawa Co. and Dwango Co., Ltd, a Japanese IT company joined forces. Dwango is best known for its popular Japanese video sharing system called ‘Nico Nico Douga’.

According to Kadokawa Dwango officials, the company is preparing to open a new correspondence course school at the site of the former Ikei Elementary and Junior High School on Ikei Island, in Yonashiro, Uruma City. The school was closed in March 2012 because dwindling number of students led to consolidation of schools.

According to Uruma City officials, the company plans to open the school in April 2016, and is aiming at recruiting 5,000 students around the country during the first year of operation. It has signed a memorandum of understanding with the city government and local community associations.

The company plan envisions using the former school site as a place for one-week seminars for students who take the correspondence course.  A detailed plan and schedule have not been decided yet.  The company and the city government have had meetings about ideas how both students and local people can come in contact with each other, and are looking for ways to promote and revitalize the area.

19:44 28 Mar , 2024