Be a Lighthouse Unto Thyself.

This is the soul's "Garden of Contemplation," a place to clear the fog of evaluation and face your own thoughts with sincerity.
A dialogue with the immovable 'Mirror' where excuses do not hold, and with companions who seek the truth, awaits you.

See How to Join Experience "Deep Appreciation" in 5 Minutes

We Live in a Society of "Evaluation Fatigue"

In Schools...

Children are ranked by test scores and tend to lose the inherent joy of learning.

Ex: "Good job getting a 90."

Appreciation: "What did you discover?"

At Home...

Parents are exposed to the silent evaluation of whether they are "good parents" and inadvertently compare their children to others.

Ex: "Why aren't you studying?"

Appreciation: "What did you think about today?"

At Work...

1-on-1s have become a mere formality, making it difficult for genuine dialogue to emerge.

Ex: "What's your progress on your goals?"

Appreciation: "What was your process for this task?"

To overcome the exhaustion brought on by this "evaluation" with a completely new approach.
That is the challenge of Gakupo University.

Why is Gakupo University free?

It is because we believe this place should be a "Sanctuary" where anyone can safely experience our philosophy of "Deep Appreciation," and a "Home Port" from which to embark on deeper voyages (our paid products).

A "Sanctuary" to Spread Philosophy

Charging an entrance fee would narrow our philosophy itself. This is a place for purely sharing the value of our ideas, not for profit.

A "Home Port" for the Next Voyage

Those who realize the value of "Deep Appreciation" in this community can confidently set sail toward more specialized tools (paid products) for deeper practice in their respective fields.

Wouldn't you like to peek into the "potential" of your words?

Try writing down just a little of the "question" or "theme" you are currently exploring in your heart. You might catch a glimpse of your inner universe.

Would you like to experience "Deep Appreciation" in 5 minutes?

The following is a learning log from an elementary school student. How would you respond?

"Today in math, I studied fractions. When I calculated 1/2 + 1/3, I first thought the answer was 2/5, but I was wrong. The teacher taught me the word 'common denominator' and I understood that I had to make the denominator 6. But I still don't really get why it becomes 6. When I tried to explain it to my little sister at home, I couldn't do it well."

From an "Evaluation" Perspective...

  • "You need a bit more practice with fraction calculations."
  • "Let's make sure you review why it becomes 6."

From a "Deep Appreciation" Perspective...

  • "You tried to teach your little sister, didn't you? That kindness is wonderful."
  • "Being able to wonder 'why it becomes 6' is proof that you are thinking deeply."

Did you feel the difference? This is the power of "Deep Appreciation."

The Three Transformations This Light Brings Us

Quietly Know Your Current Position (Mirror)

The "tendencies" of thought within the words we exchange daily. This mirror reflects them as they are. Our journey begins by first quietly accepting our current position—"What kind of verbal map am I drawing right now?"

Feel Certain Growth Together (Logbook)

By continuously reflecting in an immovable mirror, we can objectively feel how our words change and become richer. It is certain proof that our thinking has escaped the sea of stagnation and is heading toward true "wisdom," and it becomes a joy to share with our companions.

Learn to Use Words to Make the World a Warmer Place (Compass)

The purpose of this garden is to learn the "use of words" to embody the ideal of happiness for oneself and others in the real world. A clear self, deep empathy for others, encouragement for companions, a quest for the essential, and action to make the world better. When we embody this balance, we ourselves become "walking lighthouses."

Learning Paths Starting from Your Position

Your exploration in this "Garden of Contemplation" is deeply connected to your daily life. Let's find your initial course from your own standpoint.

For Educators

Reframe classroom challenges from a societal perspective

  1. Learn the basic theory with 'From "Evaluation" to the "Deep Appreciation of Learning"'
  2. Get a concrete image with the practical video on Learning Appreciation
  3. Dialogue with educators facing similar challenges on the Learning Log app
  4. Start with small practices in the classroom

For Parents

Solve family worries with societal wisdom

  1. Re-examine the parent-child relationship with 'My Child is Actually Amazing'
  2. Broaden your values with the video on understanding diversity
  3. Encounter the wisdom of diverse families on the Learning Log app
  4. Start by changing daily interactions and words

For Working Adults

Consider work challenges as human and societal issues

  1. Re-evaluate management with 'The Blind Spots of Feedback'
  2. Deepen understanding with the practical video on psychological safety
  3. Learn from cases in diverse organizations on the Learning Log app
  4. Start by changing small interactions within the team

Join Gakupo University

Four steps to get started at your own pace

First, Experience "Deep Appreciation"

You can start by getting a feel for it by reading the 5-minute experience on this page or parts of our books.

Access the Learning Log Web App

Go to learning-appreciation.daisosha.com.

Create a Safe and Secure Account

Affiliation: Select "Gakupo University" from the dropdown. Name: A nickname is recommended. We do not collect any personal information.

Begin Warm Learning and Dialogue

Start by just "observing" and reading others' comments. Once you get used to it, start with one post a month. Move toward small "appreciation" practices in your daily life.

Why choose "Gakupo University" as your affiliation?

This is to ensure a completely anonymous design with no link to personally identifiable information. By choosing this shared affiliation, we create an environment where everyone is equal and can safely speak their minds, completely freeing you from the anxiety of being evaluated.

For Those Who Want to Practice More Deeply in Your Organization or Home

Learning at Gakupo University is just the beginning. We have prepared a professional nautical chart (the Deep Appreciation Portfolio) for you to practice this culture of "Deep Appreciation" more deeply and systematically in your classroom, team, and home.

See the Deep Appreciation Portfolio Suite

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using the Learning Log app mandatory?

Yes, activities at Gakupo University take place on the Learning Log app, so it is required. However, you can start by learning from the books and videos and join when you are ready.

If I set my affiliation to "Gakupo University," won't I get mixed in with others?

Yes, that's correct. And that is by design. It is to create a completely anonymous environment where no personally identifiable information is collected, and everyone can safely speak their minds. Your posts will be treated with care as the words of a "seeker," not as your personal name.

What is the difference between "appreciation" and "coddling"?

Appreciation is about respecting the other person's efforts and process; it is by no means uncritical praise. It is about shining a light on the process, such as "What kind of ingenuity did you use?" or "How did you think about it?"

Is it okay not to evaluate at all?

In daily life, necessary "evaluation" systems like tests and performance reviews already exist. While Gakupo University aims for appreciation itself to replace evaluation, you don't have to change everything at once. How about starting by changing your other daily interactions into "appreciation"?

How long does it take to see a change?

The speed of change varies from person to person, and sometimes just one "appreciative" interaction can surprisingly change someone's expression or a relationship. On the other hand, expecting results by a certain time might itself be an "evaluation" mindset. Why not start with one small act of appreciation a day and warmly watch for the natural changes that follow?

"Society Evolves Through Deep Appreciation."

The culture of "Deep Appreciation" born in this place, and the societal wisdom born from diverse dialogues, will spread through each participant to their respective schools, homes, and workplaces.
Then, society as a whole will be freed from the curse of "evaluation," and everyone will be able to respect and help one another, and proactively create value in their own fields.

We sincerely believe that this place will become a lighthouse for building a warmer, wiser society.
Won't you take this step of change with us?

Join Now for Free