Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社学研ホールディングス) is a major Japanese conglomerate operating in the fields of education, publishing, digital learning, childcare, healthcare, nursing care, and senior housing. While the brand Gakken is widely recognised for its children’s educational books, magazines, science kits, and tutoring programs, the modern Gakken Group has expanded significantly beyond traditional publishing to become a diversified provider of human-centered services.

The group maintains an international footprint, with operations and activities extending to more than 150 countries. In Singapore, Gakken is particularly visible through its Gakken Classroom network, which adapts Japanese educational methodologies for local students.

According to recent corporate materials, the group reported FY2025 net sales of ¥199.1 billion and comprises 124 companies 1.

Foundation and Early Years (1946–1947)

Gakken was founded in 1946 by Hideto Furuoka, who believed that investment in education was essential for Japan’s postwar reconstruction. The company began as Gakushū Kenkyūsha (Learning Research Company), focusing on educational publishing rather than general consumer goods. One of its earliest products was the educational magazine Gakushū (“Learning”), aimed at schoolchildren. The organization was formally incorporated as Gakushū Kenkyūsha Co., Ltd. in 1947.

Expansion of Educational Publishing (1950s–1960s)

During this period, Gakken established a distinctive model of creating educational materials specifically matched to children’s school grades and curricula. By 1963, the company published grade-specific magazines covering 18 school levels, ranging from early childhood education through high school. This era solidified Gakken’s reputation as one of Japan’s leading educational publishers.

Mass Popularity and Technological Innovation (1970s)

In the 1970s, Gakken’s publications achieved massive circulation. A notable milestone occurred in 1979 when the combined circulation of its Gakushū and Kagaku (“Science”) magazines reached approximately 6.7 million copies. The company also experimented with educational entertainment, exhibiting the Astro-Rama 360-degree audiovisual experience at Expo ’70 in Osaka 2.

Diversification into Services (1980s)

Gakken began shifting from pure publishing toward direct education services. The Gakken Classroom program launched in 1980, initially offering mathematics and Japanese language instruction before expanding into English, science experiments, and correspondence learning. The company also broadened its activities into medical information, toys, stationery, logistics, and international business during this decade.

Public Listing (1982–1984)

Gakken became a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1982, entering the Second Section. It moved to the First Section in 1984.

Strategic Restructuring (2009)

A significant corporate change occurred in 2009 when Gakken reorganized into a holding-company structure. Gakken Co., Ltd. became Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd., while separate operating companies were established for different business units. This restructuring created the modern Gakken Group, allowing specialized entities to operate under the broader corporate umbrella.

Recent Consolidations and Acquisitions

In October 2022, several publishing entities—Gakken E-Mirai, Gakken Plus, Gakken Medical Shujunsha, and Gakken Shuppan Service—merged to form Gakken Inc., consolidating the group’s publishing activities.

The group has continued to expand through acquisitions in the education technology, tutoring, and healthcare sectors:

• 2023: Acquired DTP Education Solutions JSC, NE Holdings, Ichishin Holdings, and Grand Uni Life Care Service.
• 2024: Acquired Kirihara Shoten and Gakken Link; invested further in DTP Education Solutions and RareJob.
• 2025: Invested in Quang Ich Technology Group.

These moves reflect a strategy focused on education technology, international education, and related services 4.

Today, Gakken operates as a large education-and-human-services conglomerate with two primary strategic areas: Education and Healthcare & Nursing.

Education Division

This division encompasses a wide range of services and products, including:

• Educational publishing and children’s books
• Learning materials and workbooks
• Gakken Classroom tutoring centers
• Early-childhood education and childcare services
• Digital learning platforms
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education
• Adult education and reskilling programs
• International education partnerships

Publishing

Gakken Inc. serves as the primary publishing arm of the group. It produces books and magazines for audiences ranging from children to adults, with particular strengths in educational genres. Categories include reference books, study guides, science publications, encyclopedias, hobby books, medical publications, and digital content.

Children’s Educational Identity

Gakken is renowned for making education accessible, practical, visual, and entertaining. Its children’s products often combine learning with play and experimentation, utilizing science kits, educational toys, illustrated references, and craft products. This approach has made the brand highly recognizable among parents and children in Japan and internationally.

Gakken Classroom

Launched in 1980, Gakken Classroom is a network-based supplementary learning system. Unlike conventional schools, it focuses on developing skills such as mathematics, Japanese language, English, independent study, concentration, and problem-solving. The program typically serves children from approximately age 3 through junior-high-school level. The model has been exported to various international markets.

Healthcare and Nursing Division

Reflecting a philosophy of supporting people throughout their lives, Gakken has built a substantial business in healthcare and elderly care. Activities include:

• Senior housing facilities
• Group homes for individuals with dementia
• Nursing-care services
• Welfare-related businesses
• Healthcare-related publishing

Corporate materials highlight elderly-care facilities and dementia group homes as key components of this sector.

Gakken is not exclusively a domestic Japanese company; it has developed extensive educational businesses and partnerships worldwide. The group reports activities in more than 150 countries 3. Key international markets include Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Turkey.

Gakken in Singapore

Singapore represents a significant market for Gakken’s international education initiatives. The presence of Gakken Classroom in Singapore exemplifies how the company adapts Japanese educational methodologies for overseas contexts, moving beyond simple book exports to provide localized learning services.

The name “Gakken” is derived from the original company name, Gakushū Kenkyūsha. The founding philosophy remains central to the corporation: the belief that education is essential for societal improvement and individual potential development.

In Japan, the brand is associated with:

• Education: Supplementary learning and academic support.
• Children: A long history of producing child-focused material.
• Science: Prominent science magazines, experiment kits, and educational toys.
• Home Learning: Bringing educational resources directly into households.
• Postwar Culture: Deep ties to Japan’s educational development since 1946.

Gakken describes its aspiration as pursuing human potential and enriching lives across all stages—from childhood through adulthood to old age.

In 2026, Gakken will mark its 80th anniversary, continuing its legacy as a prominent Japanese education brand.

1. Official Gakken Group website
2. 歴史
3. Gakken Educational Co., Ltd.
4. GAKKEN