FOUNDER / TAKANOBU SUGIURA
A lifetime of practice, shaped into knowledge for autonomy.
For more than four decades, Takanobu Sugiura has worked directly with young people and families facing school refusal, high school dropout, and social withdrawal. His accumulated practice and philosophy have shaped JADA’s approach to autonomy and its support frameworks.
Takanobu Sugiura
Founder and Representative Director
Japan Autonomous Development Association (JADA)
Journey & Milestones
1985
Beginning the Practice
Founded Gakuryokukai and began specialized support for young people facing educational difficulties.
2004
First Publication
Published his first book, beginning a broader effort to share knowledge developed through practice.
2010
Expanding Support
Founded the NPO High School Support Association, expanding support for school refusal, high school dropout, and pathways to graduation. See the external review record.
2019–2025
Publications & Public Engagement
Expanded his work through books, media appearances, lectures, and policy engagement. In 2020, a Traditional Chinese edition of his book was published in Taiwan.
2026 & Beyond
JADA and Global Knowledge
JADA was established under its current name, placing Social Autonomy at the center of its mission and expanding its knowledge for a global audience.
40+ YEARS OF PRACTICE
From decades of practice to the next generation.
For more than four decades, Takanobu Sugiura has remained closely engaged with young people, families, and educational settings.
This ongoing practice continues to inform JADA’s philosophy, frameworks, and approach to supporting autonomy.
Key Roles & Contributions
40+ YEARS OF PRACTICE
FOUNDER & REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTOR OF JADA
PRACTICE INFORMING JADA’S AUTONOMY FRAMEWORK
AUTHOR
LECTURER & EDUCATOR
MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR
ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Publications, Speaking & Media Highlights
Publications
Books and publications sharing insights developed through decades of practice in school refusal, social withdrawal, education, and autonomy.

Lectures & Speaking
Lectures, seminars, and educational programs for educators, professionals, organizations, and communities.

Media Appearances
NHK / PIVOT / PRESIDENT Online / AERA

Publication and Book Endorsements in Taiwan
Takanobu Sugiura’s work has also gained recognition in Taiwan. The Traditional Chinese edition of his book was published in October 2020 by 任性出版 under the title 拒學,不要搶救. According to the Taiwanese publisher, twelve leading figures in education and psychology in Taiwan provided named endorsements of the book. Those listed on the book’s cover include psychiatrist and writer 王浩威, clinical psychologist Wang Yi-Chung (王意中), and Professor Wen-Tao Chao (趙文滔) of National Taipei University of Education, who earned his Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy from The University of Hong Kong. Wang Yi-Chung and Professor Chao also wrote forewords for the book.
The book was also listed as one of five reference books on hikikomori and school refusal in the discussion handbook for “深居繭出,” a March 2022 event of Taiwan’s Youth Good Governance “Let’s Talk” program (青年好政 Let’s Talk). The handbook names the Mental Health Association in Taiwan (中華心理衛生協會) and the 深居繭出 team as organizers, and the Youth Development Administration of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (教育部青年發展署) as the guiding agency. The listing is not a government endorsement of the book.
Sources: bibliographic details and endorsers (Books.com.tw) · forewords in the table of contents (Kingstone) · Professor Chao’s profile (National Taipei University of Education) · discussion handbook, p. 25 (Internet Archive copy)
Every young person has potential.
Support begins by understanding where they are today and creating the relationships, environment, and opportunities that help them move forward.
A Human-Centered Philosophy
Takanobu Sugiura’s approach is grounded in the belief that every young person has potential. His philosophy has been shaped through decades of direct practice with young people and families, bringing together stage-appropriate support, family involvement, outreach, learning, and pathways to social participation.
The Relationship
Takanobu Sugiura
Experience & Philosophy
JADA
Vision & Mission
Autonomy Stage OS
Framework & Practice
Global Vision
Knowledge for a Better Future
Our Team
Meet the JADA support staff who work alongside children, young people and parents.
