Message from the President

Building People Through Education and Culture

120 Years of Textbook Creation

Through the 120 years since our founding in 1909 (Meiji 42), Tokyo Shoseki has consistently made "textbook creation" the core of our business.

Textbooks are something that every child is certain to use, and they have shaped the foundation of school education in our country. Creating and publishing these textbooks supports Japan's education, and so we have always felt a great responsibility and pride in this work while constantly striving for better textbook creation. This spirit continues to be passed down to each employee today as we strive to achieve our corporate philosophy: "Building people through education and culture."

Evolving with the Times

Tokyo Shoseki, with its foundation in the textbook business, has expanded into various other fields while responding to the challenges of each era.

Our company's start was a printing-based business focused on reprinting and publishing national textbooks. After World War II, when the textbook certification system began, we set up an editorial department to edit and publish textbooks in-house. Eventually, in addition to textbooks, we also began publishing educational materials, general books, dictionaries, and other resources, evolving into a comprehensive publisher. In the 1970s, with the advancement of audiovisual education, we began publishing audio materials such as tapes and CDs, as well as video and DVD materials. Later, with the spread of computers, we also began producing software for personal computers. As the internet became more widespread, we were quick to launch educational websites such as "Tōsho E-Net." Since the 2000s, as improving academic performance became a key issue, we have also engaged in various assessment projects, such as academic and physical fitness tests and Japanese language proficiency exams.

To support these endeavors, Tokyo Shoseki has expanded by establishing related companies that handle printing, logistics, production, academic research, and system development. These companies collaborate with one another, and together they continue to develop as the Tōsho Group.

Challenges of Education Digital Transformation

Today, with the progress of the GIGA School Initiative, Tokyo Shoseki's business is entering a new phase.

Digital textbooks have been approved for use in classes since 2019 (Reiwa 1), and their use is expanding in English and other subjects. The introduction of digital learning materials and educational support software is also accelerating. Academic research can now be conducted using online CBT (computer-based testing) systems, and the utilization of data such as individual learning histories and academic assessments is advancing significantly. Children can work with recommended materials tailored to their strengths and weaknesses, enabling learning that adapts to each student's situation. There are also great possibilities in the use of AI and the metaverse. Through this Education Digital Transformation, various content and services are expected to connect into one, significantly enriching the personalization of learning.

Learning that is based on the desire to "know!" and the joy of "I understand! I did it!" is inherently enjoyable and exciting. Tokyo Shoseki will continue to provide educational services that allow children to experience the joy of learning, aiming for a future where no one is left behind and everyone can live their life in a way that is uniquely theirs, filled with excitement and joy.