In 1954, a Japanese father named Toru Kumon changed the world of education forever. He wasn’t a school principal or policymaker. He was a high school math teacher. But more importantly, he was a concerned parent.
His son, Takeshi, was in the second grade and struggling with math. Toru saw this as a wake-up call. He knew something had to change in how children learn. Instead of looking for tutors or enrolling his son in expensive programs, Toru took matters into his own hands. He began writing short math worksheets each day for his son to complete after school.
These worksheets were not ordinary. They were designed to build up Takeshi’s skills slowly and steadily. Day by day, his son’s confidence and ability grew. And with it, a new educational philosophy was born.
This was the start of the Kumon Method—simple, structured, and personalized learning from home.
Who Was Toru Kumon?
Toru Kumon was born in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, in 1914. He studied mathematics at Osaka University. Later, he became a high school teacher.
He believed deeply that anyone could learn math well if given the right approach. When his son struggled in school, Toru didn’t blame the child. Instead, he questioned the system. He asked himself: “Why is my child not able to learn with confidence?”
This mindset was key. Toru believed that children could become self-learners if they had daily practice and material at the right level. He wanted children to feel proud of their progress, not afraid of failure.
So he started testing his worksheet method with his own son. He kept everything simple: clear steps, no pressure, and constant review. In a short time, Takeshi not only caught up with his peers but also surpassed them. The system worked.
Word spread quickly.
How the Kumon Method Grew
By 1955, local parents noticed the changes in Takeshi. They asked Toru if their children could try the same worksheets. Toru agreed, and soon, more children were learning math using his unique method.
He opened the first official Kumon Center in Osaka in 1958. At first, it focused only on math. But as demand grew, he and his team expanded the subjects and materials.
By the 1970s, Kumon had already begun to spread beyond Japan. The first overseas center opened in New York in 1974. From there, the method spread quickly to other parts of Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Today, Kumon operates in more than 50 countries and regions. Over 4 million children are enrolled globally. The system still sticks to its original values: small daily tasks, self-paced progress, and long-term mastery.
Why Kumon Works for Children
Kumon is not like traditional school learning. It does not rely on grades or pressure. Instead, it focuses on building strong basics.
Each child starts at a level they can complete with ease. This builds confidence. Then, slowly, the material becomes harder—but only when the child is ready.
This approach supports:
Daily learning habits: Children practice every day. This builds consistency.
Independent study: They learn to solve problems on their own.
Self-confidence: Success with small steps encourages bigger challenges.
The aim is not just to improve scores. Kumon helps children become confident and independent thinkers.
The Kumon Learning Model
The Kumon Method is based on four major ideas:
Start from the comfort zone:
Each child starts below their current school grade. This gives them success from the beginning.
Small daily steps:
Worksheets are short and designed for 20-30 minutes a day.
Self-learning:
Instructors guide, but children learn how to find answers themselves.
Mastery before moving on:
Students don’t advance until they’ve fully mastered the current topic.
This model reduces anxiety and increases joy in learning. It encourages a “can-do” attitude in children.
Global Reach and Popularity
Kumon’s simple yet powerful idea has reached every corner of the world. It works in both wealthy and developing countries. This is because the method is not tied to one school system or culture.
Countries like South Korea, the United States, India, and Brazil have some of the largest numbers of Kumon centers. Parents in these regions appreciate that Kumon teaches children how to learn, not just what to learn.
Many former students become instructors or enroll their own children later. This cycle keeps the Kumon legacy strong.
Expansion of Subjects
While math was the first subject, Kumon now includes:
Reading: Focuses on vocabulary, comprehension, and interpretation.
Early Learner Programs: For preschoolers learning numbers and letters.
Language Subjects: Available in some countries (like English or Japanese as a second language).
Every subject follows the same self-paced, confidence-first philosophy.
Kumon and the Future of Education
In a world filled with apps, online classes, and quick fixes, Kumon remains rooted in discipline and simplicity. It teaches that real learning comes from effort over time.
More parents today are realizing that long-term success depends on more than just passing exams. It requires building habits, thinking deeply, and learning how to learn.
As educational systems change, Kumon continues to adapt—but never loses its core method. It is more than a tutoring system; it is a mindset shift.
Criticism and Challenges
While Kumon has helped millions, it’s not for everyone. Some children find the repetition boring. Some parents worry about the rigid structure.
Others feel the worksheets may not allow much creativity. These concerns are valid.
However, many educators argue that Kumon builds a strong foundation. Once that foundation is set, creativity can flourish.
The key is balance. Some families pair Kumon with art, music, or project-based learning to cover all areas of development.
The Legacy of Toru Kumon
Toru Kumon passed away in 1995. But his vision lives on.
He believed every child had hidden potential. All they needed was the right support to uncover it. His belief in self-learning, daily discipline, and quiet confidence changed the way people think about tutoring and education.
His legacy is not only in the worksheets. It’s in the millions of children who feel proud when they say, “I did it myself.”
What Parents Should Know Today
If you’re a parent thinking about Kumon, here are some things to keep in mind:
Commitment is key: Kumon is most effective when done daily, including weekends.
Support is essential: Encourage your child without pressure.
Results take time: Progress may be slow at first, but it builds.
Kumon is not a magic trick. It’s a proven path that takes patience. But for many families, the outcome is worth it.
Conclusion
Kumon started with one father, one child, and one question: “How can I help my child succeed?” Today, it helps millions.
Its method is simple but powerful—an approach built on daily effort, self-learning, and mastery.
In a world looking for quick results, Kumon reminds us that the best learning takes time.
