Japanese Culture Experience×Well being
An online Japanese cultural experience school
cultivating a global cycle of learning
where individual potential unfolds.
What is Active ZEN?
Active ZEN is a modern education and cultural platform
that
reinterprets authentic Japanese practices for today’s global society.
Rooted in traditions such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and ikebana,
Active ZEN transforms Japanese culture into practical learning experiences
that
support focus, clarity, and intentional living.
This is not about luxury or nostalgia.
It is about cultivating
the conditions for people to perform, decide, and live well.
Our Philosophy
In a fast-paced and demanding world,
many people are disconnected from how they learn, focus, and reset.
Japanese culture offers a different approach—
learning through form, repetition, and presence.
Active ZEN brings this approach into the modern context,
creating a cycle of learning
where individuals reconnect with their potential
and carry that awareness into their work and lives.
What We Offer
Cultural Learning Experiences Carefully designed sessions
based on Japanese cultural practices,
offered as structured
learning rather than passive experiences.
✔︎ Tea ceremony
✔︎ Calligraphy
✔︎ Ikebana
and so on
All programs are non-religious, accessible, and guided by
certified instructors from Japan.
For Individuals
For Individuals
Small-group and guided online sessions for individuals seeking
focus, clarity,
and a deeper way of learning through practice.
No prior experience is required.
For Organizations
Active ZEN also partners with organizations looking to support:
✔︎ Leadership development
✔︎ Team focus and well-being
✔︎ Cross-cultural learning experiences
Programs can be adapted for workshops, retreats, and global teams.
Japanese Culture × Learning
Unlike mindfulness practices that focus solely on stillness,
Japanese cultural practices emphasize learning through action.
Form shapes awareness.
Repetition builds clarity.
Presence supports better decisions.
Active ZEN offers an embodied approach to learning
that resonates with
modern professionals worldwide.
Our Vision
Cultivating a global cycle of learning where individual potential can unfold.
Founder
Active ZEN was founded by Kaori Ota,
a former international flight attendant
turned educator and entrepreneur.
Through years of working across cultures,
she recognized the untapped potential of
Japanese culture
as a form of modern learning and well-being.
Active ZEN was created to share this wisdom globally—
not as tradition preserved,
but as learning lived.
About FIRST Educational Inc.
FIRST Educational Inc. is an education and cultural company based in Japan,
dedicated to cultivating a global cycle of learning where individual potential can unfold.
Through education, digital engagement, and Japanese cultural learning,
we design opportunities that help individuals and organizations translate learning into meaningful action.
With a strong international perspective, our initiatives extend beyond Japan,
with current activities centered in San Francisco and a long-term vision
to expand into global cities such as London and Paris.
NEWS
2026.1.1
New Initiatives for Global Expansion
2025.5.31
Speaks at Entrepreneur Conference
COMPANY
| Company name | FIRST Educational inc. |
|---|---|
| CEO | Kaori Ota |
| Founded | July 12, 2023 |
| Location | Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Capital | JPY 1,000,000 |
NEWS LETTER
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Contact Us
For collaborations, programs, and inquiries