Benesse in 2026: From the Art Sanctuary of Naoshima to Education Reform and Early Childhood Care
When you hear "Benesse", many people probably think of the red pen tutors from "Zemi" or Shimajiro with his yellow hat. And that’s not wrong. But did you know that this brand also shines brilliantly in another field? It’s the art sanctuary floating in the Seto Inland Sea: Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
The "Naoshima New Museum", which opened just in spring 2025, is already entering a new phase for the 2026 season. This is neither a mere resort nor a boxy art museum. It embodies the philosophy of "well-being" that Benesse Holdings has cultivated for over 30 years. This spring of 2026, the island is set to achieve yet another world-class evolution.
Beyond Seto’s Time: The "Circulation, Return, Regeneration" Drawn by Naoshima New Museum
Designed by a notable architect as his tenth facility on Naoshima, the Naoshima New Museum will adopt the annual theme "Circulation, Return, Regeneration" from 7 June 2026, with some exhibits being refreshed. Don’t miss the debut of The Sound of Naoshima, an outdoor work by Thai contemporary artist Sanitas Pradittasnee.
Inspired by the 88 temples of Naoshima, the piece is centred around a stupa that invites viewers into a meditative state, rather than just passive appreciation. Feeling the Seto breeze while turning inward – it’s an art experience you can only find here.
At the same time, a solo exhibition by leading Japanese artist Kenjiro Okazaki, titled "Hashi ki, koto no ha", will take place. This opportunity to revisit his latest works – alongside collections across the island, including the Benesse House Museum – is unmissable, even for non-art fanatics.
The Island Itself as Canvas: A Virtuous Cycle Spanning Over 30 Years
The true power of Benesse Art Site Naoshima lies in the fact that it’s never been "resort development". From the "Art House Project" that renovated abandoned local houses to designs that encourage interaction between islanders and visitors, it has consistently built a model of coexistence with the community.
A research group has recently been studying this place as a field for "place-based well-being". Their analysis shows that the happiness level of Naoshima residents is more than one point above the national average. In other words, art here doesn’t just generate economic effects – it makes the inner richness of the people who live here visible. As of 2026, this figure has improved even further, with applications expanding to include anti-overtourism measures and technology-driven crowd flow analysis.
Education and Welfare: Practising "Well-being" in the Core Business
While grand projects like Naoshima exist, Benesse’s DNA of "nurturing" is also very much alive in more familiar places.
- Benesse Komae Minami Nursery School: Located in Komae, Tokyo, this licensed nursery is run on the motto "treasure what children want to do". It provides a warm space that feels like a second home. The careful approach – even respecting a child’s feelings about when to tidy up the blocks – is a rare treasure in modern Tokyo, where dual-income households are on the rise.
- The Evolution of Zemi: With the keywords "game × learning" and "human × AI", the primary and high school courses for the 2026 academic year have been revamped. The high school offering, in particular, has shifted towards a curriculum that meets the need for "regular exam preparation" in light of changing university entrance exams.
- A World Record: The "Shimajiro puppet", celebrating its 30th birthday, has been recognised as a world record for the "photo album with a puppet". The history it has built walking alongside children across Japan is now proven once again.
Taking on the Future of "Child-Raising" with All Hands on Deck
As of 1 April 2026, the Benesse Group carried out a reorganisation. The structure is now in place to bring together the group’s full strength – from education and childcare to publishing (including books featuring the "red pen tutor"). Precisely because the number of births is declining, the commitment is to face each individual’s "well-being". That determination runs consistently from the art of Naoshima to the nursery in Komae and on to digital learning materials.
The Latin meaning behind the name "Benesse" – "well-being" – is not some distant ideal. Right now, on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea and at the nursery in your neighbourhood, it is starting to take real shape.