● Holding learning events utilizing the ICT platform "Classi"

Concerned about the educational disparity between urban and rural areas, and wanting to provide better learning opportunities for children regardless of location or population size, the Taragi Foundation (a general incorporated foundation established with 100% funding from Taragi Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, which promotes human resource development and sustainable town development utilizing local resources) called for and collaborated with us to hold an event in August 2023 utilizing the ICT platform for schools, "Classi."

Classi, a company within the Benesse Group, offers "Learning Training," a feature that utilizes AI to provide personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's academic ability and proficiency level. Even high school students who are struggling with middle school material will receive review problems from that material, allowing them to relearn and receive review and supplementary lessons tailored to their individual levels. As a result, participating students can accumulate successful learning experiences, such as "I solved it!" and "I did it!" With the desire to create one of the triggers that will activate children's desire to learn, we held an event. The event took place during the summer vacation, with a total of 60 middle and high school students participating over four days.

The participating children commented things like, "Until now, I had to adapt to the problem, but this time the problem came to me," and in the end, everyone answered, "It was fun!"

No matter where you are born, your life is worth forging your own path. Classi's efforts to expand "children's limitless potential" using AI technology continue, so that we can contribute to a world where children can feel this way.

• We want to contribute to the future of local communities. We want to use the power of AI to create an experience where people can "discover the joy of learning."
• "Classi"

● Launched Japan's first "National Local Government Reskilling Network," with over 100 local governments participating nationwide.

(As of the end of May 2025)

In municipalities across Japan, addressing DX (Digital Transformation), regional industries, and human resource shortages has become an urgent issue, leading to increased efforts to promote DX among small and medium-sized enterprises and local governments. However, our research has revealed that there are challenges such as the difficulty of implementation and uncertainty about how to proceed. Recognizing the need for information exchange among municipalities, as there are no opportunities to share these challenges or learn about advanced examples of DX human resource development, Benesse launched the "National Municipal Reskilling Network" in May 2023 as Japan's first platform specifically for municipalities.
In the first year, we held three information exchange meetings on DX talent development and reskilling for local government employees, with a total of 129 participants.
We continue to disseminate information on initiatives by local governments and the latest updates from experts through special websites and email newsletters.
To date, this network has included officials from over 100 local governments, including 40% of all prefectures.
Benesse, in collaboration with local governments across Japan, aims to solve social issues through learning and will further strengthen its efforts to promote DX (Digital Transformation) in small and medium-sized enterprises and local governments nationwide, as well as support for citizens' reskilling.

[Examples of participating municipalities] *As of the time of establishment

• Tohoku region, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Kanto region: Saitama Prefecture, Kasama City (Ibaraki Prefecture), Maebashi City (Gunma Prefecture), Niiza City (Saitama Prefecture), Bunkyo Ward (Tokyo)
• Chubu region: Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture; Ena City, Gifu Prefecture; Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; Miyoshi City, Aichi Prefecture
• Kinki region, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture
• Chugoku region: Tottori Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Kyushu and Okinawa region: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, etc.

● Benesse Business Mate concludes comprehensive cooperation agreement with Tama City Silver Human Resources Center regarding community collaborative services.

Benesse Business Mate, a special subsidiary of the Benesse Group that promotes the employment of people with disabilities, saw a drastic decrease in office work due to the increase in employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they began considering outsourcing work to external locations. However, maintaining a stable daily routine is crucial for employees with disabilities, and they faced the challenge of being unable to handle shift work or work outside of regular working hours. Therefore, aiming for mutual complementarity with Silver Human Resource Centers, which have high demand but face the challenge of securing and matching work that suits the experience and preferences of elderly people, they concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement on regional collaborative services with the Tama City Silver Human Resource Center, a public interest incorporated association that oversees Tama City where the Tokyo headquarters is located. Through this agreement, as both companies undertake work to each other in the future, they will be able to leverage each other's strengths. For example, Benesse Business Mate will cooperate in areas where it excels, such as hygiene management and specialized computer skills, while the other party will support employees with tasks that are difficult to handle during certain hours or tasks that require employees to travel to remote locations alone. By supporting each other, matching and expanding work opportunities, we aim to create a fulfilling work environment where both people with disabilities and the elderly can contribute to the local community.

Benesse Art Site Naoshima A place that embodies "Benesse = Well-Being."

Benesse's corporate philosophy, "Benesse = Well-Being" is based on the idea that "good communities are born from good communities," and we are committed to creating communities where people can lead good lives and happy lifestyles. Benesse Corporation and the Fukutake Foundation are promoting "good Community development" through contemporary art and cultural promotion.

• Benesse Art Site Naoshima

"What is true happiness?" Joint research with Okayama University

Okayama University, which conducts research on SDGs, took notice of Benesse Art Site Naoshima 's long-standing efforts to Community development through contemporary art. A joint research project to examine the well-being of residents on Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima began in 2020. Participants from Okayama University included experts in economic policy, management strategy, and medical issues such as epidemiology, as well as researchers in social system transformation. Multifaceted analysis and research were conducted on topics such as the construction and evaluation of well-being models, the Naoshima model as a corporate strategy and CSR, health and environment and well-being, the ecosystem and social innovation of the Naoshima model, and SDGs and well-being. The final report was compiled in March 2023. Details of the research results can be viewed at the link below.

• Joint Research Project "Setouchi Sustainability & Wellbeing Research Project" Final Report Completed (Okayama University News & Release)

Benesse Sailing Team

We founded the Benesse Sailing Team in 1997. We have been involved in sailing as a corporate sport since 2000.

Fagiano Okayama FC

We continue to support Fagiano Okayama, a J.League club based in Okayama, the birthplace of our company, as a club sponsor. We deeply agree with Fagiano Okayama's mission statement, "Dreams for children!", and through our support, we are committed to promoting the Okayama region and sports development.