Kodansha Co., Ltd. Kodansha joins professional soccer player Wataru Endo’s development project “SEKAI NI WATARU” as a partner

[Kodansha Ltd.] Kodansha Partners with Professional Soccer Player Wataru Endo’s Development Project “SEKAI NI WATARU” ​
Kodansha Ltd. Press Release: October 27, 2025 Kodansha Partners with “SEKAI NI WATARU,” a Development Project by Professional Soccer Player Wataru Endo – Cultivating children’s ability to find their own optimal solution — Kodansha Ltd.
(Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masanobu Noma) has partnered with SEKAI NI WATARU, a general incorporated association (Representative Director: Akira Endo), to participate in “SEKAI NI WATARU,” a next-generation development project launched by
professional soccer player Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC/Japan national team captain). “SEKAI NI WATARU” is a new educational program based on Endo’s experience and philosophy as a world-class athlete, designed to develop children who can succeed globally. Aimed at children aged 9-12 and their parents, the program aims to foster the ability to “think independently”—the ability to find optimal solutions in a world where there are no correct answers. It offers a multifaceted learning environment centered around seven pillars: language, family, body, peers, exploration, society, and experience. Six children were accepted as part of this first batch after passing an application and interview process, and a kickoff event was held in Tokyo on the 25th.
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At the kickoff event, successful applicants read letters addressed to themselves 10 years in the future, expressing their aspirations for the future. Since its founding, Kodansha has fostered people’s intellectual curiosity and provided opportunities to encounter diverse values ​​and ways of thinking through “interesting and informative” stories. This project will utilize the educational and cultural knowledge cultivated through publishing and media to support efforts that use the power of stories to broaden children’s horizons and foster a desire to learn. Kodansha has also partnered with Endo’s club, Liverpool FC, and the Liverpool FC Foundation to continuously conduct educational activities in Liverpool, UK, and New York, USA, to foster the creativity of the next generation. Drawing on the insights gained from these activities, “SEKAI NI WATARU” will support a new development program rooted in Endo’s philosophy. *This project is separate from the partnership agreement between Kodansha and Liverpool FC. In addition, Kodansha will donate books to children participating in this project, instilling the joy of “knowing, thinking, and imagining” through reading, thereby fostering children’s interest in the world and a desire to learn. Since its founding, Kodansha has fostered people’s intellectual curiosity and provided opportunities to encounter diverse values ​​and ways of thinking through “interesting and informative” stories. Drawing on the educational and cultural knowledge it has cultivated through publishing and media, this project supports efforts to broaden children’s horizons through the power of stories and convey the joy of thinking. In addition, Kodansha has partnered with Endo’s club, Liverpool FC, and the Liverpool FC Foundation to continuously develop educational activities in Liverpool, UK, and New York, USA, to foster the creativity of the next generation. Leveraging the knowledge gained through these experiences, “SEKAI NI WATARU” will support a new development program rooted in Endo’s philosophy. Note: This project is separate from the partnership agreement between Kodansha and Liverpool FC. In addition, books were donated to the children participating in this project. Kodansha will continue to deliver the joy of “knowing, thinking, and imagining” through reading, and support the growth of children who will lead the next generation through the power of stories and learning. [Donation Lineup] Moomin Complete Works 9 volumes (New Edition, Kodansha), etc.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1719/7802/1719-7802-369e9db3e8b80defe2f2b8e6ba9d1607-2133×1862.jpg A message from Endo to each and every one of you [Comment] Endo Ko “I want children to acquire the ability to find their own optimal solution in a world where there are no correct answers. I am pleased to be able to provide an opportunity to develop this ability together with Kodansha.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1719/7802/1719-7802-5d629640fb0a22fbe1606c38bfaacfb4-637×727.jpg Kodansha Ltd. President and CEO, Nobuyuki Noma “The philosophy of searching for optimal solutions that Wataru Endo has practiced resonates deeply with the ‘power of stories’ that underpins Kodansha. Through this project, we hope to support children so that they can think for themselves, act on their own, and find the courage to step into the unknown.” [SEKAI NI WATARU Overview] Name: SEKAI NI WATARU General Incorporated Association Representative Director: Akira Endo Founder/Advisor: Wataru Endo Purpose of Establishment: Nurturing the next generation of talent with a global perspective and initiative Target audience: Children aged 9-12 and their parents For more information about this release