Discussions on how to address early childhood education challenges have become more active than ever before.
Deliberations have also begun in the "Special Committee for Bridging Early Childhood Education and Elementary School Education," which aims to connect the learning of 5-year-olds with first graders.
However, in Japan's case, there is a lack of accumulated knowledge on what to learn and how to learn it. As a result, educational institutions are confused, not knowing what they should be doing.
For early childhood learning to serve as the foundation for future subject-based education, we must accurately understand the current state of a child's development.
While intelligence tests (IQ tests) have long existed in Japan, they cannot measure the groundwork for children's future learning.
Based on the philosophy of pre-subject foundational education, Kogumakai has spent 40 years practicing a method centered on object-based and dialogue-based education to build the foundation for future learning.
Developed through this practice, the "KUNO Method" is highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also overseas.
Now, based on the KUNO Method, we have planned the Nationwide Early Childhood Development Assessment for 5-year-olds to diagnose the development of children's "thinking skills."
Rather than testing abilities acquired through rote training, we conduct a test that covers questions across 6 core areas to see if skills nurtured through daily life and play have been firmly established—all while ensuring children can enjoy the challenge.
Test results will be shared with parents at a later date, clarifying what subjects should be focused on and how to learn them moving forward.
A young child's understanding of things deepens day by day.
In early childhood, differences in understanding due to age in months are much more pronounced than in elementary school students and older.
Therefore, we faced significant challenges in determining the difficulty level when creating the questions. As mentioned earlier, please consider that the questions are basically designed for "older preschool children" (nencho).
However, there are also plenty of challenges that "middle preschool children" (nenchu) can try.
We welcome middle preschool children to participate in this test, provided parents understand that it is fundamentally designed for older preschool children.
We plan to hold this test three times a year, so please join us for all three sessions.
Scoring results and advice comments will be provided to everyone unconditionally.
Educational Research Institute for Early Childhood Care and Education, Inc. (Kogumakai)
Representative: Yasuyoshi Kuno
Registered Users:
２５,０４５
As of July 12, 2026
What is Fudemaru Dojo?
[Fudemaru Dojo] is an online service that supports home learning through online tests and educational services, designed for preschool children aged 4 to 6.With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record in practical early childhood education, we fully support your child's learning and success.
Nationwide Early Childhood Development Assessment
The test covers 6 core areas equivalent to elementary school subjects: [Numbers], [Shapes], [Measurement], [Spatial Awareness], [Language], and [Daily Life & Others]. It visualizes your child's development status through national rankings and deviation scores (T-scores).
It helps you identify your child's weak areas and provides learning advice to overcome them.
Since it is conducted entirely online, busy parents can easily have their children take the test from the comfort of their own home.
Master Fudemaru (Brush / Male)
The undisputed No. 1 ninja that everyone knows.
He opened the "Fudemaru Dojo" where he teaches ninjutsu to apprentice ninjas.
He is a reliable leader with a strong sense of justice, possessing a kind and gentle personality.
He always tags along with Haru, who tends to slack off on his training, to support him.
Haru (Bear / Boy / 5 years old)
An apprentice ninja who finds everything a bit of a hassle.
The moment someone tells him "Go do it," he completely loses his motivation.
He has a simple, straightforward personality and gets genuinely happy when praised by those around him.
He is a very fast runner.
Ohana (Cat / Girl / 5 years old)
A cheerful, straight-A apprentice ninja.
She is highly social and can make friends with anyone, but she also has a strong, feisty competitive streak.
Deep down, she thinks she is more capable than Haru or Saku.
She loves drawing.
Saku (Dog / Boy / 5 years old)
A warm-hearted, good-natured apprentice ninja.
Because of his gentle soul, he easily gives in to peer pressure.
He is great at dancing and moves with light, nimble steps.
Ginga (Wolf / Boy / 5 years old)
A lone wolf with an exceptional talent for ninjutsu.
He is a bit of a narcissist.
He and Haru are childhood friends and rivals.
Fukurou (Owl / Boy / 4 years old)
The grandson of Bunzou, the head librarian.
He is incredibly curious about everything and has a completely innocent, carefree nature.
