( CNN ) -- `` People think that education lasts until you graduate from school . But I think that people should continue to learn even after graduation . '' -- Yasuaki Sakyo . Yasuaki Sakyo believes that education should be lifelong and open to everyone . Tokyo 's bustling , youthful Shibuya district , the backdrop for much of the indie film `` Lost In Translation , '' is a hip , neon-lit hub for Japan 's cutting-edge set . Its crammed streets , flashy fashions and hectic pace make it an exhilarating experience that 's often intimidating for the faint hearted . But behind this flamboyant exterior , Shibuya is also home to an organization with a deeper passion -- for learning . Founded in 2006 , Shibuya University is a new system of education that 's firmly rooted in its local community . There are no entrance examinations ; classes take place in the city 's surroundings ; and teachers come from all walks of life . Shibuya University is led by Yasuaki Sakyo , a 28-year-old ex-accountant . Sakyo believes passionately that education is for life , that we can all learn from each other and that teaching should n't be confined to the classroom . Sakyo was working for trading company Sumitomo when he read about Shibuya Ward assembly member Hasabe Ken 's idea of a university based within the Shibuya community that focused on lifelong education . Sakyo was intrigued . He was seeking a new mission : one that would bring benefits to his community . The two men discussed their visions of a university that was open to all ; then Sakyo quit his job to run the Shibuya project . In November 2005 , a group of interested parties discussed what sort of organization it should be . For a year , they planned Shibuya University ; the first classes began in September 2006 . `` Shibuya , where people usually come to enjoy themselves , is full of wonderful things '' Sakyo told CNN . `` My idea was to bring together the most interesting elements of education and the attractive parts of Shibuya . '' This free-flowing approach to learning contrasts markedly with the stiff , conformist image of traditional Japanese education . Shibuya acts as a catalyst , breathing knowledge and life through the community . Its classes , which range from traditional Japanese culture to environmental issues , are enormously popular , with many oversubscribed . Its `` classrooms '' have included shopping complexes , museums and the gardens of Meiji Shrine . There 's no clear distinction between students and teachers and no graduation from classes . Teachers have ranged from janitors to best-selling sports writers . Students are mainly in their 20s and 30s , although Sakyo hopes that the university 's appeal will broaden to wider age groups . In the future , Sakyo hopes Shibuya will grow . `` I want [ it ] to help Shibuya become a better place , '' he says . The university may act as a model for similar projects : Sakyo 's vision of a symbiosis between learning and the community has sparked interest from London , the U.S. and Taiwan . But Sakyo says his own future is to continue on his mission to serve his community . `` For me personally , my goal has no end , '' he told CNN . `` I think maybe I will continue thinking about improving society in the way that I imagine . I 'd like to play a part in making these things happen . So my goal is just to keep going . '' ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Read an interview with Yasuaki Sakyo and explore his vision for learning that 's rooted in the community of Shibuya . What do you think of Yasuaki Sakyo 's vision for community-based learning ? Which is better -- formal or informal education ? Share your views and read others ' thoughts in the Just Imagine forum . E-mail to a friend .
Ken Sakyo , 28 , leads Shibuya University in Tokyo , Japan . Shibuya University offers free , community - based , lifelong learning . Classes take place in the library , record stores , museums ; anyone can teach . Ex - accountant Sakyo hopes the Shibuya model will be adopted elsewhere .