Benesse Corporation's education business strives to "foster the personal growth of young people and support their efforts to develop individuality and self-sufficiency." To achieve self-sufficiency, children need to develop their ability to think and express their ideas; academic ability is just one element of this personal growth process. The Shinkenzemi and Kodomo Challenge correspondence courses seek to promote this sort of personal growth, and thereby help children to improve their own quality of life. Benesse constantly strives to provide children with the abilities and the self-confidence they need to pursue their future goals.

In Japan, many young people are losing sight of their educational objectives, while family members are reluctant to subject their children to pressure and hard work. At Benesse, we consider it our objective and our responsibility to make sure that young people are aware of the infinite possibilities open to them, and are able to pursue those possibilities. Furthermore, in today's interconnected, digital age it has become increasingly important to provide children with a diverse range of learning methods and media options.

Benesse Corporation is also expanding its focus worldwide. Globalization has already progressed to a very high level, and we can no longer limit our focus and interest to the Japanese education business alone. In 2006, the company launched correspondence courses for preschool children in China, and already this business has expanded to reach 220,000 students. Of course, the culture, mindset and thinking processes of children differ from country to country. Each time that Benesse expands its operations into a new market, the company must go through the challenging process of understanding local needs, and tailoring products to those needs. But this is the only way to expand the business, and ensure that Benesse's products and services will help people in each country to "live well."

Benesse's lifestyle business, meanwhile, seeks to open doors for mothers with children – particularly those who have become isolated by today's nuclear families and social structures – to let in the fresh air of personal growth and fulfillment. It is never a good idea to define the boundaries of one's activities and aspirations too narrowly whether you are talking about a company or a person. Benesse's objective is to expand horizons, and to promote the self-confidence and the aspirations of children throughout the world.

Benesse Corporation