Gakken
Gakken (株式会社学研ホールディングス, Kabushiki-gaisha Gakken Hōrudingusu, Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.) is a Japanese publishing company founded in 1946 by Hidetoshi Furuoka. Initially focused on educational materials for children, Gakken expanded its business to include publishing of educational books, magazines, and supplementary learning materials across various age groups.
The company's name, "Gakken," is an abbreviation of "Gakushu Kenkyusha" (学習研究社), which translates to "Learning Research Company."
Over the years, Gakken has diversified its operations beyond publishing. It now engages in a broad range of businesses, including:
- Education: Educational publishing, after-school learning centers (Gakken Classrooms), cram schools (Juku), and educational toys.
- Elderly Care: Nursing homes and home care services for the elderly.
- Medical and Nursing Care: Publishing and services related to the medical and nursing care fields.
- Lifestyle: Publishing magazines and books related to lifestyle topics.
Gakken is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is a well-known and established brand in Japan, recognized for its contributions to education and learning. The company has also expanded its presence internationally, offering its educational products and services in various countries.