Benchmarking Tour in Japan: Empowering Filipino Educators Through Key Insights from Japan’s Research and Education Environment

Osaka, Japan – The Science Castle Japan: Benchmarking Tour for Educators 2025, organized by Leave a Nest Philippines under its Nest Maker program, successfully brought together Filipino educators to gain firsthand insights into Japan's innovative education system. Held on March 21-22, 2025, in Osaka, the program fostered cross-border collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing student research skills.

Filipino Educator Representatives from Montessori De Manila, Top-Link Global College Inc., Gabriel Taborin College of Davao Foundation, Inc., and Southville International School and Colleges

 

The tour addressed educational challenges in the Philippines by showcasing Japan’s holistic and research-driven approach to education. Through school visits, research conferences, and educational workshops, the participating educators explored best practices they can adapt to enhance classroom learning and promote scientific inquiry back home.

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Day 1: Educational Benchmarking and School Visits

Leave a Nest Orientation

Orientation with Leave a Nest member from Japan, Mr. Sho Nakaema

 

The program began with an orientation session introducing the goals and activities of the benchmarking tour. Educators were welcomed into the Leave a Nest community, learning about the Science Castle initiative—a platform for high school students to showcase scientific research on local and global issues. The orientation encouraged collaboration among the participants, fostering a spirit of shared learning.

Education-Based Startups Seminar and Workshop

The educators then attended seminars led by Japanese startups showcasing innovative educational technologies.

With the World Inc. seminar, led by CEO Mr. Shunta Igarashi	AVAD K.K. workshop, led by Mr. Shion Taniyama

 

With the World Inc., led by CEO Mr. Shunta Igarashi, presented their virtual international exchange platform, which connects classrooms worldwide. The platform promotes cultural understanding and global awareness through online collaborations.

AVAD K.K., represented by Mr. Shion Taniyama, conducted a hands-on workshop on SPACEBLOCK® technology. This creative tool allows students to build interactive projects using simple programming and sensors, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.

School Visits: Immersing in Japan’s Educational Practices

The educators visited two renowned schools:

Ōtemon Gakuin Ōtemae Junior & Senior High School showcase their school’s robotics education program, which has gained recognition by participating in international competitions and winning awards.

 

Ōtemon Gakuin Ōtemae Junior & Senior High School, recognized for its robotics program and six-year curriculum designed for modern university entrance exams. The tour included interactive activities with the school's award-winning robotics club, providing participants with insights into how Japan nurtures STEM skills.

Osaka Meisei Gakuen Meisei Junior & Senior High School shared its history and strengths, showcased a student research project from Science Castle Japan 2025, and provided a campus tour, including a biology lab visit to explore its scientific studies.

 

Osaka Meisei Gakuen Meisei Junior & Senior High School, known for its holistic Christian values and emphasis on scientific research. Participants observed classroom demonstrations, toured the biology lab, and learned about the school’s collaboration with Leave a Nest through the Science Castle program.

Cultural Exchange Dinner with Focus Systems Corporation

Mr. Ryu Inori of Focus Systems Corporation introduced the company’s education initiatives and showcased the BLE Beacon for student security and monitoring.	Ms. Yuka Oshima from Focus Systems Corporation also shared insights on the TASUKI Project, a year-and-a-half-long research initiative.	Filipino students participating in the Science Castle Japan pitch in their research study during the cultural exchange.

 

The day concluded with a Cultural Exchange Dinner hosted by Focus Systems Corporation, a Leave a Nest partner company. Participants connected with Filipino students preparing for Science Castle Japan 2025. Mr. Ryu Inori, Sales Manager, introduced Focus Systems' initiatives, including the BLE Beacon, a Bluetooth device designed for educational applications such as student security and monitoring.

Day 2: Science Castle Japan 2025 – Fostering Future Scientists

Science Castle Japan at Kansai University	Filipino Educators together with the Leave a Nest Co. Ltd. COO, Mr Shuichiro Takahashi	Filipino educators and a Japanese teacher engaged in a knowledge exchange.

 

The tour’s highlight was attending Science Castle Japan 2025, hosted by Leave a Nest in collaboration with Kansai University. The program featured high school students presenting research projects addressing real-world challenges. Filipino educators had the opportunity to observe Japanese students’ scientific inquiry processes and interact with fellow educators during a poster session, fostering valuable knowledge exchange.

A global mini-workshop on the TASUKI Project engaged Filipino and Japanese students while educators observed.	Filipino students from Muntinlupa National High School who participated in Science Castle Japan.

 

A Science Workshop showcased cross-cultural collaboration, with Filipino and Japanese students conducting joint experiments despite language barriers—demonstrating how science transcends borders.

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Inspiring Educational Innovation and Future Collaboration

The Science Castle Japan: Benchmarking Tour for Educators 2025 provided Filipino educators with valuable insights into Japan’s educational strategies, particularly in research-driven learning and technological integration. By applying these learnings, participants are better equipped to introduce innovative practices in their schools, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in the Philippines.

The partnerships and connections established during the tour also pave the way for future collaborations between Philippine and Japanese schools, fostering continued knowledge exchange and shared educational advancements.

Insights from the Participants

During the Science Castle Japan: Benchmarking Tour for Educators 2025, several participants shared their thoughts on the experience:

Ms. Ma. Theresa Hernandez O. & Mr. Christian Paul C., of Montessori De Manila: “The benchmarking tour for educators was an eye-opening experience that provided valuable insights into Japan's inquiry-based and research-centered science education curriculum. The program expanded our knowledge on the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in science.”

Ms. Mathryn O. & Mr. Jaed Brian C., of Gabriel Taborin College of Davao Foundation, Inc.: “During the Science Castle Japan: Benchmarking Tour for Educators, we gained valuable insights into Japan’s advanced scientific research, innovative technologies, and best practices in STEM education. Experiencing cutting-edge laboratories and collaborative research initiatives firsthand inspired us with new ideas on fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.”

 

Call for Participants: Japan Benchmarking Tour for Educators 2025

Looking ahead, Leave a Nest Philippines invites more Filipino educators to participate in the next Benchmarking Tour, scheduled for December 11 to 15, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. The upcoming tour will feature possible school visits, educational workshops, and science conferences designed to foster international collaboration and educational innovation.

For inquiries and participation details, please contact: Mr. Alexander G. – [email protected], Ms. Edilyn Grace O. – [email protected] or Ms. Hannah Mae B. – [email protected]

Scan or click the following link:
Interest Check Form: Benchmarking Tour—December 11 to 15, 2025 (Please note that completing the form does not guarantee participation but allows Leave a Nest to guide you through the process.)
	https://global.lne.st/scw-iform2025

 

We look forward to welcoming the next batch of Filipino educators as we continue to empower the future of education through international collaboration and innovation.