What RISU Japan does

RISU Japan株式会社 (RISU Japan) is a Tokyo-based private ed-tech company founded in 2014 by Tomotaka Imaki that provides tablet-based adaptive mathematics learning for Japanese children aged 3-12. The company operates two core products: RISU算数 (RISU Sansu) for elementary students grades 1-6, and RISUきっず (RISU Kids) for preschool children aged 3-6, supplemented by middle-school math modules (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics), an examination foundation course, weekly free native English video lessons, and physical coaching centers under the RISU偏差値リカバリー brand. The platform uses proprietary adaptive algorithms that analyze over 3 billion cumulative learning data points (1 billion+ in real time) to dynamically adjust problem difficulty and schedule reviews based on the forgetting curve.

The underlying technology combines an adaptive problem-generation engine with a patent-pending stumbling detection system that identifies struggling students in real time and dispatches personalized tutorial videos from a network of 77 tutors, 94% of whom come from top Japanese universities including 18 from the University of Tokyo. The curriculum spans approximately 15,000 questions across 209 stages covering preschool through middle-school mathematics, using a non-grade-based (無学年制) progression that allows students to advance ahead of or review below their actual grade level. RISU reports 75% of members study above grade level and progress at approximately 1.7x the typical school pace, with cumulative outcomes of 321 middle-school entrance exam passers including top-tier schools such as Kaisei, St. Ignatius, and Azabu.

RISU Japan's revenue model combines an annual subscription base fee of ¥32,160 (tax-inclusive ¥35,376) with variable monthly usage fees from ¥0 to ¥7,980 based on average stages cleared, plus mandatory tablet insurance (¥3,000) and an optional Exam Foundation add-on (¥1,800/month). The company follows a primarily product-led growth model with direct-to-consumer online registration, supported by content marketing via its 'RISU学び相談室' (Learning Consultation Room) blog, parent testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals incentivized through a sibling discount program (¥26,800/yr per additional child). The company operates four physical coaching centers in Tokyo and the RISU塾 tutoring brand. No external funding rounds, institutional investors, or PE/VC backing have been disclosed; the company has grown organically since 2014.

Name

RISU Japan

Legal name

RISU Japan株式会社

Website

https://risu-japan.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

RISU Japan is a Tokyo-based private ed-tech company that provides tablet-based adaptive mathematics learning for Japanese children ages 3-12, using AI-driven personalization and a network of elite university tutors to deliver a non-grade-based curriculum across 209 stages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Mathematics Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Adaptive Learning & Personalized Instruction Software (EDAJAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Early Numeracy & Math Readiness (EDAGACAB), Math Intervention & Numeracy Support Programs (EDAJAGAG), Mathematics Tutoring (Arithmetic–Calculus & Beyond) (EDANAAAA)

Keywords

• Tablet-based math learning
• Adaptive education platform
• Personalized math tutoring
• Online mathematics education
• Children's edtech services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Annual Subscription (Basic Fee): Annual subscription model with 12-month commitment. Base fee of ¥32,160 (¥35,376 including tax) charged annually. Includes tablet rental and core platform access.
2. Usage-Based Learning Fee: Variable monthly usage fee based on average stages cleared per month. Ranges from ¥0 (below 1.0 stage/month) to ¥7,980 (¥8,778 tax-inclusive) maximum for 3.0+ stages/month. Calculated as: monthly average cleared stages = cumulative stages ÷ months of use.
3. Sibling/Family Discount: Discount for additional children on same account. 2nd child onwards pays ¥26,800 annually (¥29,480 tax-inclusive), reduced from standard ¥32,160.
4. Tablet Security Service (安心サポート): Mandatory tablet insurance at enrollment. First-time enrollment ¥3,000 (¥3,300 tax-inclusive). Replacement service costs ¥3,000 (¥3,300 tax-inclusive) versus ¥24,000 for non-members.
5. Examination Foundation/Mathematics Course Add-on: Additional ¥1,800/month (¥1,980 tax-inclusive) for examination preparation and mathematics courses. Automatically activated after completing main mathematics curriculum.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RISU Japan provides a tablet-based adaptive mathematics learning service for children from preschool through middle school. The platform uses proprietary algorithms analyzing over 3 billion cumulative learning data points to deliver personalized problems, forgetting-curve-based review scheduling, and real-time stumbling detection that triggers tutorial video follow-up. The service includes core elementary math (RISU Sansu), preschool preparation (RISU Kids), advanced math courses (algebra, geometry, statistics), exam preparation modules, and physical coaching services for low-achieving students.

Product overview

RISU Japan operates a multi-tiered tablet-based math education platform centered on two core products: RISU算数 (elementary math, grades 1-6) and RISUきっず (preschool math preparation, ages 3-6). The core platform uses adaptive, non-grade-level learning with AI-driven personalization, supplemented by advanced add-on modules covering middle school math (代数/幾何/統計), exam preparation (中学受験基礎, 13 stages), and coaching services (偏差値リカバリー). Free supplementary resources include the RISUさんすうドリル drill website and the RISU 学び相談室 consultation column.RISU English provides bundled native English lessons as a free weekly bonus. Physical services include RISU塾 tutoring centers and online/in-person coaching through the偏差値リカバリー program at Tokyo locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RISU算数: 小学1年生〜6年生向けのタブレット算数教材。無学年制で先取り学習が可能。算数94ステージ＋受験基礎・数学Basic・代数・幾何・統計の計103発展ステージを含む計197ステージを提供。
• RISUきっず
• RISU数学コース
• RISU Fact Sheet（RISUファクトシート）
• RISUさんすうドリル
• RISU偏差値リカバリー（β）
• RISUさんすうドリル
• RISUサービスガイド（FAQ）
• RISU 学び相談室
• RISU English

Products and services

• RISU Sansu (RISU算数) A tablet-based adaptive math learning service for elementary school students (grades 1-6) using a non-grade-level system. It delivers personalized problems and lesson videos based on real-time learning data analysis, supporting advancement ahead of grade level or backward review as needed. Includes annual subscription with base fee of ¥32,160 and variable usage fees.
• RISU Kids (RISUきっず) A tablet-based math preparation program for preschool children aged 3-6 (mid-year 4-year-olds through kindergarten). Covers counting, basic addition/subtraction, size comparison, clock reading, and sorting through 12 learning stages with approximately 900 problems. Monthly rate of ¥2,680 with automatic transition to RISU Sansu upon completion.
• RISU Mathematics Course (中学受験基礎コース) An add-on course covering middle school entrance exam preparation, mathematics foundations (Math Basic 13 stages), algebra (42 stages), geometry (26 stages), and statistics (9 stages). Includes tsurikamezosan, uekizan, tabibitozan, and Indian mental calculation methods. Automatically accessible after completing all RISU Sansu stages with an additional monthly fee of ¥1,980.
• Deviation Value Recovery (偏差値リカバリー) A coaching service targeting students with deviation scores of 30-50, featuring one-on-one tutoring with 60-minute intensive lessons plus 15-30 minute online follow-up, daily homework assignments, and monthly diagnostic assessments. Offered at physical locations in Tokyo (Shirokane-Takanawa, Tsukishima, Myogadani, Honkomagome) and online.
• RISU Juku (RISU塾) Physical in-person tutoring centers operated by RISU Japan, providing face-to-face instruction complementing the tablet-based self-study program for students who benefit from in-person guidance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of members study content above their actual grade level
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Classi: Classi is a Japanese school-deployed learning and analytics platform partnering with K-12 institutions; comparable as an adjacent technology-enabled education player, though targeting schools rather than D2C parents.

Broad incumbents

• Z-Kai (Z会): Z-Kai is one of Japan's largest correspondence-education incumbents with multi-subject K-12 and exam-prep coverage, offering a premium brand alternative for families considering RISU for advanced placement.
• Shinken Zemi (進研ゼミ): Shinken Zemi is Benesse's flagship K-12 correspondence-education service operating at massive scale across Japan, the incumbent benchmark RISU differentiates against via personalization and adaptive math.
• Try IT (トライイット): Try IT, operated by Try, delivers online tutorial video content for junior/senior high in Japan with exam-prep focus, partially overlapping with RISU's exam-preparation and deviation-value recovery offerings.
• Smile Zemi (スマイルゼミ): Smile Zemi is Benesse's tablet-based K-12 correspondence education service covering multiple subjects — a broader incumbent offering that overlaps with RISU Sansu's tablet-delivered adaptive-learning format.
• Study Sapuri (スタディサプリ): Study Sapuri (by Recruit) is a video-led online learning platform serving K-12 and exam preparation, positioning as an alternative preparation channel to RISU's middle-school exam modules.

Emerging players

• IXL Learning: IXL Learning is a US-headquartered adaptive math/ELA platform with international reach including Japan exposure; comparable as a category-defining adaptive-math peer that anchors investor benchmarks for the global adaptive-learning category.

Direct peers

• Surala (すらら): Surala is a Japan-based adaptive-learning platform serving K-12 across multiple subjects with AI-driven personalization — a direct functional parallel to RISU's adaptive approach for elementary math.
• Qubena: Qubena (by Carnegie) provides AI-driven adaptive mathematics learning for K-12 in Japan with tablet and school-deployment models, competing head-to-head with RISU for adaptive-math screen-share in classrooms and homes.
• Atama Plus (アタマプラス): Atama Plus is an AI-powered adaptive-learning platform focused on junior/senior high school students, with a similar diagnostic-and-personalized-content loop that overlaps directly with RISU's adaptive math methodology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/risu_japan
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/risu-japan

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RISU Japan