The Program
A 12-week journey where children grow confidence, creativity, and courage—through hands-on projects and real-world learning.
The Hero Lab Curriculum
Three Months. Twelve Missions. One Transformational Journey.
At L.E.A.D., we are committed to cultivating the next generation of confident, compassionate, and creative problem-solvers. Our 12-unit journey blends rigorous education with joyful, immersive learning experiences. Students aged 10–14 are guided through an authentic process of discovering who they are, what matters to them, and how they can use business as a force for good.
Entrepreneurial mindset education
Student-centered learning experiences
Hands-on team projects and reflective activities
Joyful exploration through real-world application
This journey is not just about learning—it’s about becoming.
How it works
Students progress through three developmentally scaffolded phases, each targeting essential domains of the entrepreneurial mindset:
- self-awareness
- problem-solving
- design thinking
- leadership
Each session includes:
- Interactive learning labs and hands-on activities
- Peer collaboration and teacher-facilitated reflection
- Real-life simulations and community voices
- A consistent student evaluation and personalized feedback system
Daily-life assignments that reinforce practical application
Stories of Success
Inspiring business concepts our students
developed and pitched
No-Wait Entry App for Cafés
Sakura*, Age 13, Founder
Sakura loved visiting cafés but was frustrated by long, inconvenient lines that often ate into her break time and diminished the experience. To solve this, she designed a mobile-based queuing system that lets customers reserve a spot virtually, receive real-time updates, and get notified when it’s their turn. Her solution helps busy café-goers save time and reduces congestion—making everyday moments more efficient and enjoyable.
Digital Smart Pencil with Point Counter Founder
Hiroto*, Age 11, Founder
Hiroto noticed that his pencil lead often ran out during class, disrupting his focus and participation. He designed a digital pencil casing that tracks remaining leads, displays a countdown on a mini screen, and gives a gentle alert before it runs out. By blending simple tools with smart thinking, Hiroto created a solution that helps students stay prepared, engaged, and manage their time, ideal for classrooms of the future.
At Nagareyama L.E.A.D., students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship—they live it. Each cohort explores real-world problems, builds solutions, and presents original ideas at our HeroPitch Showcase, supported by structured curriculum, emotional learning, and community mentorship.
These aren’t classroom hypotheticals. They’re real projects, developed and pitched by 10–14-year-olds with insight, empathy, and creativity.
Phase 1
Foundations of Identity & Mindset
Focus: Personality | Values | Empathy | Observational Thinking
Guiding Question: Who am I—and how do I view the world around me?
In this phase, students explore who they are and begin observing the world through an empathetic lens. They discover that their habits, emotions, and beliefs are part of their entrepreneurial toolkit.
Units Covered:
- Discover the Super You
- Build Your Hero House
- Who Is an Entrepreneur?
- Unlock Your Hero Senses
Learning Outcomes:
- Emotional literacy and personal agency
- Growth mindset and reflective habits
- Beginning problem identification through empathy
Value-based leadership development
Phase 2
Entrepreneurial Exploration & Design Thinking
Focus: Market Research | Vision Planning | Prototyping | Empathy in Action
Guiding Question: Who are we helping—and how do we learn from them?
Students shift from inward reflection to outward exploration. They learn to identify and understand real-world challenges, apply empathy-based inquiry, and create their first design concepts using practical tools.
Units Covered:
5. Know Your Customer
6. Build Your Hero-Preneur Vision Board
7. Mid-Pitch (Student Presentations)
8. Hero Mission Lab: Prototyping
Learning Outcomes:
- Interviewing and insight gathering
- User persona and customer journey creation
- Purpose mapping and early-stage ideation
Confidence through iterative learning and presentation
Phase 3
Business Skills, Financial Thinking & Leadership
Focus: Branding | Budgeting | Communication | Social Responsibility
Guiding Question: How can I bring my ideas to life—and lead with purpose?
Students take their ideas through the stages of development and launch. They learn to communicate value clearly, understand basic finance and resource planning, and present their work in a way that inspires others.
Units Covered:
9. Brand Your Model
10. Money Matters Lab (Finance Thinking)
11. Pitch Lab: Make It Shine
12. Hero -Pitch Day (Final Showcase)
Learning Outcomes:
- Brand development and visual storytelling
- Basic pricing and financial literacy
- Collaboration and accountability
Pitch confidence and audience engagement
Our Approach
Where bold ideas, kind hearts, and real-world skills come together.
At Nagareyama L.E.A.D., we don’t just prepare students for “the future.” We help them shape it—with courage, creativity, and community at the core. Our Hero Lab curriculum empowers students to recognize their unique strengths, work with others, and take action in the world around them. Every activity is designed to develop real skills—and real confidence—through hands-on experience, deep reflection, and joyful challenge.
Our students don’t just imagine change.
They lead it.
Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn
At Nagareyama L.E.A.D., education is more than a checklist—it’s a launchpad for confident, compassionate leadership. Our bilingual Hero Lab combines immersive instruction, joyful participation, and a growth mindset framework to help children lead with clarity, creativity, and care.
Grounded in Japanese language and values, and powered by global expertise, the program equips students to think across cultures and adapt to a changing world. We don’t just teach entrepreneurship—we cultivate Heropreneurs: young changemakers who solve problems with purpose and lead with empathy.
From curious learners to courageous leaders, every child’s journey is structured, supported, and celebrated. This is the future of entrepreneurial education—rooted in community, designed for impact.
Stories of Success
Inspiring business concepts our students
developed and pitched
Nail Jewelry Fusion Line
Mika*, Age 13, Founder
Mika loved nail design but found it difficult to apply or maintain polish, especially with school rules and family restrictions. She created a modular nail jewelry line with interchangeable, polish-free designs that slip on and off with ease. Her innovation makes self-expression accessible and rule-friendly—blending creativity with everyday practicality.
Piano Light Learning System
Daiki*, Age 12, Founder
Daiki wanted to learn piano but struggled with reading sheet music and coordinating his hands as a beginner. To help others like him, he created a light-guided system that uses LED keys and synchronized software to make songs easier to follow. This turns learning into a clear, intuitive, and game-like experience—perfect for young and neurodivergent learners gaining confidence through music.
F.A.Q.
Who is the program for?
The program is designed for students in grades 5–8, who are curious, creative, and ready to try something new. No special skills or experience are needed—just a willingness to participate and grow.
How does L.E.A.D. connect to Japan’s education system?
L.E.A.D. is intentionally designed to align with Japan’s evolving education goals, including soft skill development, inquiry-based learning, and SDG integration. The structure fits naturally within 特別活動, 総合的な学習, or afterschool formats, making it easy for schools and Boards of Education to adopt. It enhances—not replaces—traditional instruction, offering a proven way to equip students with the mindset and competencies needed for the future.
When does the program run?
We offer two main terms each year:
- Spring Term: April to July
- Fall Term: September to December
Each term includes 8–12 weekly sessions, typically held on Sundays.
What makes L.E.A.D. different from other entrepreneurship programs?
Unlike programs that focus only on business mechanics, L.E.A.D. starts with self-discovery. Students explore their strengths, values, and motivations before learning to identify problems, design solutions, and build purpose-driven ventures. Every step is guided by trained facilitators using globally informed methods—anchored in Japanese culture and language. The result is not just student projects, but lasting growth in confidence, empathy, and leadership.
Is the program taught in Japanese?
Yes. Every session is delivered 100% in Japanese by trained facilitators who create a safe and supportive learning environment. All activities are culturally aligned to Japanese classrooms while drawing on tools and frameworks from leading global education practices. This ensures that students benefit from world-class content without the language barrier.
Who designs and supports the program?
L.E.A.D. is developed and supported by an international team of educators with deep roots in Japan and expertise from around the world. Our core team includes alumni of Kyoto University and The University of Tokyo, as well as experienced educators from the Caribbean and Africa. This diversity brings a unique balance of local cultural fluency and global educational vision—preparing students to lead in Japan and connect with the world.
Can parents be involved?
Yes! Each week, families receive a parent flash card with simple prompts to support meaningful conversation at home. You’ll also be invited to our final HeroPitch Day, where you can celebrate your child’s growth.
What is your evaluation system?
To support growth, each student receives:
- Formative feedback after each unit (teacher-guided + peer input)
- A termly reflection portfolio to track mindset, teamwork, and self-awareness
These evaluations are designed to be supportive, reflective, and developmental—not comparative.
How does the program prepare students for the real world?
Students don’t just learn—they take action. The curriculum is built around real-world problem solving, values-based decision making, and purpose-driven project work. Students engage with topics like sustainability, empathy, and entrepreneurship, often through guest speakers from business, government, and nonprofit sectors. They learn how to turn ideas into action and how to lead with meaning—starting now, not someday.
Is there training available for teachers?
Yes. We offer a 2-Day Teacher Training that equips educators to bring Hero Lab methods into their own schools. This is more than professional development; it’s a hands-on experience where teachers walk through the same journey their students would take. They practice leading dialogue, inquiry-based learning, and emotional development—all within a structure that fits Japanese education systems.
Interested in Teacher Training for your team? Contact us!
What kind of assignments do students complete during the program?
After each unit, students are given a real-world “Hero Mission” to apply what they’ve learned in everyday life. These short, meaningful challenges might include interviewing a classmate to practice empathy, observing a public space to identify local needs, or designing a simple budget for a snack event. Each task builds a bridge between classroom learning and real-world leadership—developing courage, creativity, and critical thinking through action.
Who is the teacher training for?
The training is designed for public and private school teachers (grades 5–8), 部活動 and 特別活動 leaders, curriculum designers, and Boards of Education. It’s also ideal for nonprofit professionals working in youth development. Participants leave with a full facilitator kit, lesson templates, badge cards, and access to a national network of like-minded educators committed to building the next generation of changemakers.
What happens at the end of the program?
How much does it cost?
Thanks to our sponsors, most students participate free of charge. This includes all materials and access to the full program. Some cities may offer additional scholarship support based on need.
Ready to begin?
Families can apply directly through the button below.
In some cities, we also work with local Boards of Education to promote the program. Students may be selected based on interest, diversity, and group dynamics.
Contact us through the form on our contact page to learn more about upcoming dates, group bookings, or how to bring Nagareyama L.E.A.D. to your school.
Let’s grow the next generation of bold, kind, and visionary leaders—together.
