Fabre Insect Class in Futako-tamagawa [Insect Research Edition] – Day Trip Departing July 12

PlusOne Education (a subsidiary of Riso Education Group) will hold the "Fabre Insect Class in Futako-tamagawa [Insect Research Edition]" as a one-day tour on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Event Overview

• Tour Type: Package Tour (Organized Tour)
• Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Day Trip)
  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
• Target Participants: Kindergarten through 9th grade (boys and girls) *Grade level at the time of departure
• Venue: Futako-tamagawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo — PlusOne Lab Futako-tamagawa Campus
  • *Located within Thomas Gymnastics School Futako-tamagawa Campus
• Meals: 1 lunch
• Transportation: Meet at venue / Dismiss at venue
• Fees:
  • Kindergarten and Elementary School students: ¥28,600
  • Junior High School students: ¥34,100
  • *Fees include: meals, activity fee, and travel accident insurance
• Capacity: 10 participants (Minimum: 5 participants)
  • *The tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not met.
  • *A chaperone will accompany throughout (1 staff member per 5 to 8 students)
• Details: https://ec.riso-plus1.co.jp/products/detail/2111

Highlights

1. Learn from an insect expert in nature-rich Futako-tamagawa – a hands-on research program

Set in Futako-tamagawa, an area that offers a sense of nature in the heart of Tokyo, the class is led by an insect specialist who guides participants through the study of seasonal insects and stag beetles from around the world. By learning about local creatures and insects active in other regions during the same season, children can develop a broad interest in entomology. The program is adapted from professional research methods: participants learn about, collect, examine, and mount insects, and then summarize their findings, turning curiosity into action.

2. Aim to become a disciple of Fabre! The "STS Insect Certification" program fosters curiosity and perseverance

At every Fabre Insect Class session, participants can take the STS Insect Certification exam. Starting at Level 15, children who reach a certain level earn the right to become an official disciple of Fabre-sensei. Currently, around 10 children serve as disciples who support the classes while deepening their knowledge. Many participants continue attending with the goal of achieving disciple status.

3. Past and upcoming Fabre Insect Class sessions

Highlights from past sessions are available via Instagram posts and teacher reports.

Upcoming summer 2026 tours are as follows:

Day Trips:

• July 5: [Summer Preview Free Research] Limited to 15! Fabre Insect Class [Hercules Beetle Edition]
• August 12: Fabre Insect Class [Rainbow Stag Beetle Edition]
• September 13: Fabre Insect Class in Futako-tamagawa [Insect Research Edition – Basic Course]
• September 20: Fabre Insect Class at Kasai Rinkai Park [Insect Research – Basic Course Edition]

Overnight (Insect Doctor Camp):

• August 14: Fabre-sensei's Summer Insect Doctor Camp [2 Nights 3 Days – Gunma Insect-Packed Edition]
• September 20: Fabre-sensei's Last Summer Insect Doctor Camp [1 Night 2 Days – Kasai Rinkai Park Insect Edition]

About the Instructor: Masahiko Hasegawa (Fabre-sensei)

Saitama Prefecture native / Graduate of Tokyo University of Agriculture (Faculty of Agriculture)

With experience leading children's insect classes for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000+ participants, Masahiko Hasegawa — known affectionately as "Fabre-sensei" — is among Japan's most well-known instructors in this field. He is recognized for his patient and attentive teaching style that aligns with children's natural curiosity.

Since 2003, he has been running the Fabre Insect Class to share the excitement, wonder, and appreciation for life through insects, with a cumulative total of approximately 15,000+ children and parent-child pairs having participated. His guiding principle is: "To keep engaging with every 'why' and 'how' that children ask." He runs insect classes year-round with a passion for nurturing children's curiosity and love of learning through the world of insects.

"Studying insects means studying the Earth. Insects are said to account for about two-thirds of all species on Earth, and they are deeply connected to the global environment. Delving into insects ultimately means learning about the Earth itself. I want to learn alongside each student about insects and our planet, and support the development of their curiosity and spirit of inquiry."

Schedule

About STS (School Tour Ship)

STS is a specialized program that supports children's character development and emotional education through experiential learning. The program is built on the idea that every child should find "one thing they love — whether music, sports, play, or anything else — and develop the ability to be fully absorbed in it." It offers programs for discovering each child's unique "plus one" that cannot be found in textbooks alone.

Tour applications are currently open. Some tours fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. (STS Tour Applications)