KEA/KNA Presidents' Messages | Important Information

Towards A New Future: Our Next 50 Years
 
On December 7th, with a glorious blue sky above us and smiling faces all around, Kumon’s 50th Anniversary Celebration took place. It was truly a grand affair. I am absolutely delighted that so many people, both from Japan and from around the world, were able to attend. Let me take this chance to express my sincere thanks to all of you.

Over the last 50 years, the method has spread from one father and his son to its global status today which sees it being studied somewhere in the world 24 hours a day. All of this has been achieved thanks to the support given by both the Instructors during the company’s early period and the huge efforts made today by the inheritors of their spirit. Looking at the faces of the Instructors at the Tokyo Dome, I could sense both how significant this marking of Kumon’s 50th year was to you, as well as the anticipation you have for our future. At the same time, I felt afresh the significance of Kumon itself.

The following words, which featured in the Celebration, were constantly emphasized by Chairman Toru Kumon.

“The most important thing in education is the pursuit of potential.”

“Is the development of children’s abilities a good or bad thing for society? Without doubt it is good.”

Pursuing people’s potential with the will and kindness of an educator and the spirit of social contribution – it is this universal philosophy on which Kumon is founded that gives it its power to reach beyond boundaries both geographical and cultural. The effect of the 50th Anniversary Celebration has been to widen the circle of people who identify with this founding principle. I am certain that the activities of learning and forming ties on an expanding global scale will continue to grow apace in the future.

In our desire to share this sense of Kumon’s significance and growth with all Instructors, we have created a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Gift which embodies our universal philosophy. It is something we are presenting to all Instructors around the world, so I strongly encourage you to take a careful look at it.

It will not be long now until Kumon wishes farewell to the year 2008, our 50th year, and welcomes in its 51st. In the days and years ahead, values will continue to diversify even further across global society, and problems that demand a solution will continue to grow. However, no matter which area of the world we are in, our principles will remain unchanged. In fact, I believe they will shine even brighter. It is my earnest wish that, with one heart, Kumon Associates will step forward towards the goal of world peace through education. In order to contribute to Center development, staff members and I will do all that is in our power to support each and every Instructor.

Together, let’s create another wonderful 50 years!

Hiroshi Otake
Project Director, Kumon 50th Anniversary Celebration
Vice President, Kumon Institute of Education Co Ltd