We are now just three months away from the 14th Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) summer school!
In the summer of 2026, nine Harvard University students and alumni will gather in Oita to deliver an array of exciting learning experiences for students aged 7 to 18, including:
- Workshops to develop your passions and strengths using English
- English lessons to dramatically improve your self-expression
- Stage presentations to help you express yourself with confidence
- Admissions advice on the path to entering top overseas universities
Today, we would like to introduce a book highly recommended for elementary, middle, and high school students, written by SIJ Co-founder and Concert Music Director, Sumire Hirotsuru.
The book is titled Cho Dokugakujutsu(The Ultimate Guide to Self-Study).
Changing Your Future Through Action, Not Your Environment
Sumire Hirotsuru graduated from a local public school in Oita Prefecture and went on to be accepted into and graduate from both Harvard University and The Juilliard School—all through her own unique method of “self-study,” without relying on cram schools or studying abroad.
Born from those experiences, this book is packed with a passionate message for students. It is not simply a book telling you to “study more.” It teaches that studying is not something you are forced to do; it is a tool to build your own future. Whether it is schoolwork, entrance exams, English, music, sports, or your career—if you have the ability to think and act for yourself, your world will continuously expand.
Three Key Takeaways from The Ultimate Guide to Self-Study
1. Studying is a tool to create your future
Studying isn’t just for passing tests. It’s for developing what you love, discovering what you excel at, expanding your future options, and sharing your ideas with the world. This book teaches the true meaning of learning.
2. Rely on “systems,” not “motivation”
Motivation doesn’t magically appear every day. That is why what matters isn’t willpower, but having a system. You brush your teeth every morning regardless of whether you feel “motivated” or not. In the same way, studying, exam prep, and extracurriculars can be sustained if you build them into a system. Instead of “working hard only when you feel like it,” focus on “creating a routine that continues naturally.” This is a highly effective mindset not only for students, but also for young professionals and adults looking to relearn new skills.
3. Action over environment. The world expands for those who take initiative.
Even if you live in a regional town or attend a regular school, you can change your future. What matters is what you think and how you act right where you are. Instead of waiting for someone to provide an opportunity, create your own way of learning. That single step forward will drastically change your future.
The Famous “5-Minute Schedule”
One of the most famous concepts in the book is the 5-minute schedule. You can actually accomplish a surprising amount in just five minutes:
- Memorize 20 English vocabulary words
- Practice piano scales
- Complete a worksheet of math problems
- Write a draft for an English essay
- Solve one short past exam question
- Do two sets of core training, like planks
Don’t think of it as “only five minutes.” Think of it as “five minutes to invest in your future self.” With this mindset, your daily pockets of spare time will transform into a treasure trove.
Efficiency is NOT about packing more into your day
Why does Sumire Hirotsuru value time so much? Is it to cram more tasks into her schedule or to become busier? The answer is the exact opposite.
It is to create truly free time. It is to wholeheartedly enjoy time that is 100% liberated from obligations. Learning efficiently is not meant to make your life feel cramped. Rather, it is to cherish the time you spend immersed in your passions, the time you spend with family and friends, and the time you spend just relaxing and doing nothing.
For Students, and For All Lifelong Learners
We highly encourage elementary, middle, and high school students to read this book. Furthermore, we believe it will be incredibly useful for parents, new employees, young professionals, and adult learners.
Why? Because self-study is not just for students. At every stage of life, you need the ability to think for yourself, the ability to manage your time, and the courage to try new things. The Ultimate Guide to Self-Study is designed to nurture those exact skills.
SIJ Supports Your Next Step
This summer at Summer in JAPAN, this is exactly what we want to convey to our students: Think for yourself. Take action for yourself. Connect your passions and strengths to the world.
To all students: please read The Ultimate Guide to Self-Study and take one step closer to your amazing future self. SIJ is here to support your challenges!
Title: Cho Dokugakujutsu (The Ultimate Guide to Self-Study)
Author: Sumire Hirotsuru
Publisher: KADOKAWA Available for purchase at online bookstores such as Amazon and Rakuten.