Gaba Corporation

Gaba Corporation

Type	Private (Subsidiary of Nichii Gakkan)
Industry	Language instruction
Founded	Tokyo, Japan (July 1995)
Headquarters	Shinjuku Front Tower 23F 2-21-1 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 169-0074
Key people	Masatoshi Saito, President, CEO and Representative Director; Daisuke Aoyagi, Director in charge of Marketing and IT; Mihoko Kudo, Director in charge of personnel and management; Akihito Terada, Board member (outside); Tsuyoshi Terada, Board member (outside); Kishi Mori, Board member (outside); Toshihiko Yano, auditor (outside); Masahiro Awata, auditor (outside); Shuji Otomaru, auditor (outside)[1]
Number of employees	1,106 instructors, 564 other staff (March 2015)
Website	www.gaba.co.jp

Gaba Corporation (株式会社 GABA Kabushikigaisha Gaba) is a chain of eikaiwa schools (English conversation schools) in Japan. The company was founded in July 1995^[2][3] and is currently headquartered in Shibuya Ward in Tokyo with learning studios in the Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka areas. The current president and CEO is Masatoshi Saito.^[3][4][5]

The company provides language lessons on a "one-to-one" (one student and one teacher) basis and using textbook lessons and online (computerized) instructor aids, language and vocabulary drills, and guided conversation topics.^[6] Gaba describes itself as a "man-to-man eikaiwa". In Japanese, "man-tsū-man" (マンツーマン), a katakana phrase adapted from English, means "one-to-one", referring to the company's one student/one instructor lesson style.^[7]

As of November 2016 the company has 43 learning studios.^[8] In March 2016 it had 564 staff and 1,106 sub-contracted instructors across Japan.^[9] In November 2013 it was reported that Gaba had 21,300 students.^[10]

Meaning of the company name

The company name "GABA" is an acronym for "girls, be ambitious; boys, be audacious!".^[11] According to a speech given by co-founder Hideki Yoshino, he chose this name because he had a keen interest in physical fitness, and named it after Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, an amino acid used by bodybuilders. Many other large Japanese English conversation schools at the time also had four letter names, such as Nova, GEOS, and Aeon, and giving the school a four letter name would help it fit in. It seems likely the acronym was created second, and seems to originate from William Smith Clark, a nineteenth-century American academic who taught at Sapporo Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University. When leaving Japan, he said to his students "Boys, be ambitious!" This is now the motto of Hokkaido University.

History

Founding and early history

Gaba was founded in 1995 by Karen and Hideki Yoshino.^[2] It was originally a matching service for students and teachers, and lessons were conducted in various locations, such as coffee shops or at teachers' homes. From 2000, the company established schools, referred to as "Learning Studios" where students, referred to as clients, and teachers, referred to as instructors, met, and lessons were conducted.^[12]

In March 2004, Chutatsu Aono (青野 仲達) became the president and CEO.

In July 2004, Gaba was purchased by NIF Capital Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of NIF Ventures Co Ltd, in turn a subsidiary of Daiwa Securities. According to the Nikkei Shimbun, the price was several billion yen.^[13]

Gaba Day, Tokyo Dome 2007

It went public in December 2006, and had a valuation of 11.39 billion yen.^[14] The majority stockholder was Daiwa Securities, which owned 60.38% of Gaba's stock.^[15]

Due to declining business performance Gaba underwent a major transformation at the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. In October 2008, Kenji Kamiyama joined the company as COO and Senior Managing Executive Officer. In March 2009 he replaced Chutatsu Aono as President and CEO, and the position of COO was abolished. Kamiyama's focus was to reduce "wasteful expenditure" and to lead a rejuvenation of the profit and loss and balance sheets. During Aono's presidency Gaba expanded its number of Learning Studios, but also maintained its headquarters in the expensive GT Tower in Nakameguro, launched the ill-fated Global Stars initiative, and made decisions such as holding its company sports day in May 2007 at Tokyo Dome.

In January 2011, Gaba reported having over 18,000 students in September 2010.^[16]

On August 5, 2011, it was announced that Nichii Gakkan would purchase Gaba and make it a wholly owned subsidiary.^[17] This takeover was effective as of September 29, 2011.^[18]

Following Gaba's sale to Nichii Gakkan, effective December 5, 2011 Kenji Kamiyama stepped down as President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Gaba,^[19] and was replaced by Bruce Anderson,^[20] and Takayuki Masuda became the Vice-President. On March 29, 2012 Masuda succeeded Anderson as president.^[3]

In November 2013 it was reported that Gaba had 21,300 students.^[21]

President Takayuki Masuda was replaced by Masatoshi Saito on April 1, 2015.^[5]

Stock Price as a publicly listed company

Gaba went public on December 5, 2006, and was listed as TYO: 2133 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Its initial stock price opened at 255,000 yen per share, but the prices gradually fell from this level to the point where on March 4, 2009, the stock price was closing at 13,900 yen. After that the stock price gradually rose, reaching 162,700 on March 7, 2011. After the Tohoku earthquake it fell, at its lowest point closing at 82,100 on March 15. Subsequently it rebounded, and after the August 5, 2011 announcement^[22] that Nichii Gakkan had launched a take over bid for Gaba paying 200,000 yen per share, the stock price rose to 199,000 on August 15, 2011.^[23] The tender offer opened August 8 and expired September 21.^[24] As of September 29, 2011 Nichii Gakkan owned 98.88% of Gaba's shares and Daiwa Securities held no voting rights in Gaba.^[25]

On November 30, 2011, Gaba corporation's stock was removed from the Tokyo Stock Exchange and it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nichii Gakkan.^[26]

Nichii Gakkan purchase of Gaba

In 2011 Nichii Gakkan purchased Gaba from Daiwa Securities and other shareholders. The acquisition price was 10,100,000,000 yen. The goodwill was 8,000,000,000 and the amortization period was 11 years, with the debt to be paid off at approximately 800,000,000 per year.

The finance for the deal was provided by loans from Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ bank.

Gaba become a wholly owned subsidiary by a share exchange on December 5, 2011.

Nichii Gakkan expected Gaba to begin contributing to business results from the second half of fiscal year 2012, with net sales of 4,300,000,000 and an operating income of 400,000,000.^[27]

Learning Studio history

After being founded in Tokyo in 1995, Gaba has consistently expanded, opening at least one Learning Studio every year from 2000 onwards. Generally the Learning Studios are named after the area they are located in, although some are named after the station they are closest to (if this differs from the area name). The first Learning Studios were opened in March 2000 with the Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Jiyugaoka and Yokohama schools. A year later, in March 2001 it opened the Shinjuku East and Ginza LSs. These were quickly followed in April 2001 with the Shinjuku West LS. In October 2001 the Kichijoji LS was opened, followed by the Ginza I-chome LS in November. In June 2002 the two Shinjuku LSs were merged.

The following year, 2003, saw a substantial increase in the number of Learning Studios. In January the Tameike-Sanno and Shimbashi LSs were established. In February came Tokyo LS, March saw the opening of Shimokitazawa LS, and in April, Omotesando Learning Studio opened. Next came Futako Tamagawa LS in May, and Seijo in June. In July, the Roppongi Learning Studio opened, and in October the Akasaka Mitsuke and Tamachi Learning Studios opened.

The next year, 2004, saw a continued expansion. In January, Fujisawa LS opened, in February, Aobadai LS opened, in April, Sangenjaya Learning Studio opened, and in May, the Meguro Learning Studio opened. In June, Shin-Yurigaoka LS opened, and in October, Shinagawa LS opened.

Expansion continued in 2005, with Gaba opening its first Kansai LS in Umeda, Osaka in January.^[28] In February, the Chiba LS opened,^[29] followed by the Shinsaibashi^[30] and Sakae LSs in April.^[31] In April, the Ikebukuro LS relocated,^[32] as did the Yokohama LS in December.^[33]

On July 13, 2005, Gaba opened up what the company called a 'next generation' learning studio designed specifically for women in Ginza.^[34] The new location provided VIP "executive booths" that afforded complete privacy for the teacher and the student.^[35][36] English conversation schools often gear marketing campaigns towards women, often using strategies the focus on couplings between Japan and the other, represented and embodied by professional/romantic/sexual pairings between western instructors and female Japanese students.^[37] Gaba's Ginza LS was later moved to Yurakucho, and it no longer caters to an exclusively female clientele.^[38]

2006 saw continued expansion outside of Tokyo, with Chayamachi LS opening in Osaka in April^[39] and Omiya LS in Saitama prefecture in June.^[40] Shimokitazawa LS relocated in June,^[41] and Omotesando LS did so in August.^[42] A new Shinjuku LS was opened in September^[43] and in October Gaba opened another Kansai school, this time in Kobe.^[44] The Roppongi LS closed in May 2006 due to "environmental reasons".

2007 saw LSs opened in Nagoya in January,^[45] Hachioji in March,^[46] Kita-Senju in April,^[47] the Futakotamagawa LS relocated in April, Ebisu LS opened in August,^[48] Tachikawa LS opened in October^[49] and Kyoto LS opened in November.^[50]

In January 2008, the Shimbashi-Shiodome Learning Studio relocated,^[51] and in February, the Kawasaki LS opened,^[52] and a "Learning Field" for children's lessons opened at Hiroo LS.^[53] In April, the Shibuya LS relocated,^[54] as did Kitasenju LS in June.^[55]

The Nagoya LS closed in March 2009, and its operations were consolidated into the Sakae studio. In April 2009, the Otemachi LS was opened.^[56] Meguro Learning Studio was relocated in May 2009.^[57] and in October the Akabane LS opened.^[58] On October 31, the Ikebukuro annex closed.

Shinyurigaoka LS closed on 29 March 2010, it relocated to the new Machida LS, which opened on 1 April 2010.^[59] Sangenjaya LS closed on May 31, 2010. The Tamachi LS was closed on September 30, 2010, and merged into the Shinagawa LS from October 1, 2010.

Gaba opened a new Nagoya LS on January 5, 2011.^[60] On February 26, 2011, Shinsaibashi LS in Osaka relocated to the Namba district, and Namba LS opened on March 1, 2011.^[61] On May 1, 2011 Gaba opened Kashiwa LS in Chiba. It was originally to have been opened on April 1,^[62] but that was delayed by the effects of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.^[63] The Jiyugaoka LS relocated on October 1, 2011.^[64][65]

The Ikebukuro LS relocated in January 2012.^[66] The Omiya LS relocated on April 17, 2012.^[67][68] Ginza LS relocated on May 7, 2012, becoming the "Ginza Yurakucho" LS.^[69][70] The Kawasaki LS relocated on September 1, 2012.^[71] Gaba opened an LS in Akihabara on October 1, 2012.^[72][73]

On March 1, 2013 the company opened the Tennoji Learning Studio in Osaka.^[74]

On March 30, 2013 Gaba relocated Machida LS.^[75]

On January 6, 2014, Gaba relocated the Ginzayurakucho LS.^[76][77] On April 1, 2014 Gaba opened the Shinjuku West LS.^[78][79]

On September 1, 2014 Gaba opened the Musashi Kosugi LS in Kanagawa Prefecture.^[80][81] Also on September 1, 2014 the Akasaka-Tameike LS moved and became the Akasaka LS.^[82][83]

Tokyo LS relocated on November 1, 2014.^[84]

Gaba opened Roppongi LS on April 4, 2015.^[85][86]

Gaba opened Kinshicho LS on October 2, 2015.^[87] It became Gaba's 42nd LS.

Tachikawa LS relocated on March 5, 2016.

On October 7, 2016 Gaba opened its 43rd LS in Fukuoka city in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu.

On November 3, 2016 Shinjuku East LS relocated.

On December 1, 2016 the Ichikawa Learning Studio will open in Chiba Prefecture.

Current Learning Studios

Inside the teaching booth area of the Ikebukuro branch, looking towards reception.

As of November 2016 Gaba has forty-three Learning Studios across Japan. The vast majority of them are located in the Kanto region (33), with the remaining LSs being in Chubu (2), Kansai (6) and Kyushu (1). In December 2016 Ichikawa LS will open, becoming the 44th Learning Studio, and the third in Chiba Prefecture.

Kanto region: Akasaka,^[88] Akabane,^[89] Akihabara,^[90] Ikebukuro,^[91] Ebisu,^[92] Otemachi,^[93] Omotesando,^[94] Kitasenju,^[95] Kichijoji,^[96] Ginza-Yurakucho,^[97] Shinagawa,^[98] Shibuya,^[99] Shimokitazawa,^[100] Jiyugaoka,^[101] Shinjuku West,^[102] Shinjuku East,^[103] Shinbashi-Shiodome,^[104] Seijo,^[105] Tachikawa,^[106] Tokyo,^[107] Hachioji,^[108] Futakotamagawa,^[109] Machida^[110] Meguro^[111] Roppongi^[85] and Kinshicho^[112] LSs (Tokyo prefecture).

The Aobadai,^[113] Fujisawa,^[114] Kawasaki,^[115] Musashi Kosugi^[116] and Yokohama^[117] LSs (Kanagawa prefecture).

Chiba,^[118] Ichikawa^[119] and Kashiwa^[120] LSs (Chiba prefecture).

Omiya^[121] LS (Saitama prefecture).

Chubu region: Nagoya^[122] and Sakae^[123] LSs (in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture).

Kansai region: Kobe^[124] LS (Hyogo prefecture) and Kyoto^[125] LS (Kyoto prefecture). Namba,^[126] Chayamachi,^[127] Umeda^[128] and Tennoji^[129] LSs (all in Osaka prefecture).^[130]

Kyushu region: Fukuoka^[131]

Headquarters

Gaba HQ, Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Until November 2009, Gaba had two separate buildings, the "Support Centre" in the GT Tower in Nakameguro, effectively the headquarters of the company. It also had a "Quality Centre", where training was conducted, located in Ebisu. From November 16, 2009 the Support Centre moved to "Round Cross Moto-Yoyogi" building (now known as "Glass City") in Moto-yoyogi in Shibuya-ku,^[132][133] and on November 24 the "Quality Centre" did so too. After the closure of the Ikebukuro Annex, Gaba's Japanese classes, referred to as "Jaba", relocated there also. The Support Centre moved to the fourth floor, while the Quality Centre and Jaba classes moved to the eighth floor.

On August 11, 2014 Gaba's headquarters moved to the "Shinjuku Front Tower" in Kita-Shinjuku.^[134]

Global Stars and Gaba Kids

In early 2008 Global Stars, a section of the business built around teaching one-on-one lessons to children was launched. There were designated "Learning Fields" established in Hiroo and Seijo, as well as "Learning Field-enabled Learning Studios" in Ebisu and Tachikawa. There was not enough demand for Global Stars, and the Learning Fields in Hiroo and Seijo were closed in March 2009. Gaba Global Stars was merged into a number of regular leaning studios. From 1 September 2009, Gaba Global Stars was officially re-branded Gaba Kids. Gaba Kids is offered in a number of Learning Studios in the Kanto area - including Aobadai, Hachioji, Chiba, Futako-Tamagawa and Shinbashi-Shiodome LSs.

and Gaba.

In November 2015 Gaba launched "and Gaba.", a free conversation space in Shibuya, Tokyo.^[135][136]

Internal Structure

Gaba has a number of different departments responsible for dealing with instructors:

• Instructor Support - the Instructor Support Leaders (ISLs) and Instructor Support Managers (ISMs) are former instructors who work in the Learning Studios dealing with instructor scheduling, lesson quality, sales, and other issues relating to instructors.
• Instructor Recruiting - the department responsible for recruiting new instructors, conducting interviews, etc.
• Instructor Certification - the certification department, responsible for certifying new instructors (initial certification) and other follow-up certification in the Gaba teaching methodology.
• Instructor Administration - the department that deals with belting, instructor payment, tax issues, etc.
• Academic Development - the department that creates Gaba's learning materials.^[137]

Textbooks

In February 2002, Gaba launched the Snapshots series of textbooks. The seven Snapshots textbooks were designed to teach grammar points by combining a story about a mixed group of young Japanese and English-speaking characters interacting all over the world. Gaba later created online drills for instructors to use with the textbooks. In June 2003, a second line of textbooks, Planet, was created. The Planet textbooks were designed to teach travel English, with more focus on situations than specific grammar. In July 2004, the Career textbooks were launched. As with the Planet books, the three Career books were focused more on situations, in this case business situations, than specific grammar.

Gaba also used a variety of non-Gaba textbooks for both daily conversation and business English lessons.

From April 2008, the Gaba level system, which had consisted of 13 levels, was simplified to a 10 level system, and new textbooks were introduced. In April 2008 the Snapshots New books began to be released. They were much less grammar-focused than the previous Snapshots books. Each level has twenty lessons, with the tenth and twentieth lessons being review lessons. The other eighteen lessons have five sections. First, a picture on the front page that instructors can ask the client to describe. Second, a dialogue section, then three practice sections where the target language for the lesson is tried out. Finally, there is an application section, essentially a roleplay.

From October 2008, the Business Advantage textbooks were rolled out. They have the same construction as Snapshots New. The only exception is that from level seven and up, the picture at the start of each lesson is replaced by a newspaper article that the client and instructor discuss at the beginning of the lesson.

The new curriculum of Snapshots New and Business Advantage have replaced the older Snapshots series, the latter which is no longer being sold. However, the Planet and Career Gaba texts are still being sold. All non-Gaba textbooks have been phased out.^[138]

In February 2011, Gaba introduced the Travel series. There will be textbooks for level 1 to 4, replacing the Planet textbooks which were used previously.^[139]

In September 2013 Gaba introduced the "Starter" textbooks, designed for students who are at a very low level of English.^[140]

From June 2014 Gaba introduced the "Snapshot Teens" textbooks, designed for teenage students at a low level of English.^[141]

Jaba Japanese lessons

In 2008, Gaba started the Jaba program to teach Japanese lessons. At first they were held in the Tokyo LS, then in the Ikebukuro Annex, and from November 2009, they relocated to the 8th floor of the new headquarters in Moto-Yoyogi. Lessons are now also taught at various Gaba Learning Studios. Jaba formerly offered group lessons, but now only offers private lessons.^[142] When Gaba's headquarters relocated to Shinjuku in August 2014, Jaba did also. Outside of Kanto, lessons are also taught in Kansai and Chubu.

Lesson purchase system

Gaba clients purchase blocks of lessons when they join the company and when they renew their contract. The company then places these funds into an escrow account,^[143] and allocates "lesson points" to the clients. Clients spend these lesson points, and as this occurs the funds are transferred from the escrow account to Gaba's regular accounts.

Lesson cost

The cost to students for Gaba lessons is between 5000-7000 yen per lesson, depending on the course they purchase.^[144]

According to an interview with Reuters, Gaba students pay about 50,000 yen per month, higher than the 36,500 average allowance that company employees receive from their employers for such training.^[145]

Employment system

Staff employment system

Gaba employs Japanese staff referred to as "counselors" in the Learning Studios. Some of these are employed on a part-time basis. They receive unemployment insurance and transportation pay but no other benefits. Other counselors are employed on a full-time basis and receive full employment benefits. Most other Gaba staff are also employed on a full-time basis with the standard benefits of employment.

From 2013 it began a four-times yearly recruitment schedule for full-time staff such as Instructor Support Leaders, with recruitment taking place in January, April, July, and October.

Instructor employment system

• Itaku Instructor
  • Six month contract
  • Paid per lesson (1500-2200 yen per 40-minute lesson)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Monthly bonus based on number of lessons taught

Gaba instructors are not currently employees, but rather are 'itaku', effectively independent contractors. Instructors have flexibility in choosing their schedule, although in practice the morning, evening, and weekend lessons are the ones which tend to book, as working Japanese people are more likely to be able to take lessons during those times. As a result, many instructors tend to focus their schedules on those times. Instructors submit the lessons they are available for via Gaba's intranet. Gaba only pays instructors for lessons that are booked and not canceled.

Gaba clients can cancel their lessons until 6pm the previous day. If they cancel it after that the instructor is still paid for the lesson, however, Gaba reopens the lesson as an "R-slot" ("R" stands for "related activities), and it can be rebooked. If this occurs the instructor is only paid once; however, Gaba receives two lesson payments. However, if trial lessons ('FMs') cancel, Gaba does not receive any payment for R slots, but instructors are still paid. This is also true if lessons are moved to other instructors in the case of sickness. For example, if instructor A calls in sick, his/her lessons may be moved to instructor B. However, if the client chooses to cancel the lesson because he/she does not want to study with instructor B, then instructor B gets a paid R slot, but Gaba does not get paid for the slot. If students simply do not come for a lesson they book, it is referred to as a "no-show", and instructors are still paid.

If an R lesson does not rebook, instructors are expected to do one of a various number of "R" activities, such as sending postcards, updating lesson records, checking homework, and so on. After this, instructors are expected to sign the "R Activity Log", or RAL, as stated in article 6 of the Gaba contract for instructors. If they do not, Gaba will not pay them for the lesson slot. If a client books a lesson for the time of the R-slot without specifying which instructor they would like (known as a red lesson, for the color it appears on the schedule), then the booking system will automatically allocate it to the instructor with an R slot. This is regardless of whether there are any other instructors with open slots to be booked. As a consequence this policy means Gaba can keep its costs lower, but instructors lose lessons they would otherwise receive.^[146]

Gaba instructors can also receive an incentive for teaching a certain amount of lessons each month. There are three bonus levels: level A is for teaching 80-119 lessons per month, level B is for teaching 120-119 lessons per month, and level C is for teaching 150 or more lessons per month. Instructors may also receive incentives for referring clients to Gaba. Instructors who conduct "First Meetings", lessons with prospective clients, can also receive a bonus if the client joins Gaba. When the incentive is paid depends on when the client joins, not when the FM was conducted. So, for example, if an FM is held late in the month but the client does not join until the following month, the incentive will be part of the paycheck for the following month. Also, instructors do not receive an incentive if the FM is done for a "Guaranteed" FM client. Guaranteed clients are generally supported by their company. FM instructors are also eligible for incentives based on cash collection.

As Gaba instructors work under an entrusted contract, many benefits that are provided to salaried workers in Japan are not available to them. For example, they do not receive any travel allowance, sick leave, or holiday pay, and Gaba does not pay for part of their pension, health insurance, or unemployment insurance, as Japanese companies do for full-time workers. Gaba requires that any instructors who wish to be sponsored for a work visa by Gaba comply with Japanese law and be enrolled in National Health Insurance which must be 100% paid for by the instructor. Furthermore, Gaba requires that these instructors have paid their taxes and not broken Japanese law during their stay in Japan.

While instructors may receive the monthly bonuses (generally not available to full-time employees) as described above, they do not receive the June and December bonuses that salaried employees at many Japanese companies are eligible for.

As itaku workers, Gaba instructors must bill Gaba for services rendered every month. There is an online invoice that instructors must approve every month. The instructors electronically sign in by clicking a box and sending it to Gaba. They are also responsible for filing their own taxes, in contrast to salaried workers, whose taxes are filed by their companies.

The instructors in the Jaba program of Japanese lessons for instructors are employed under itaku contracts in the same way as the regular Gaba instructors, and are paid 1,500 yen per hour. They lack all the same benefits that regular Gaba instructors do, and they also lack any kind of belting system to raise their pay.

Taxation system

A 10.21% withholding tax is taken from instructors' pay, and the company then pays an 8% consumption tax to instructors.^[147] Instructors can keep this because for tax purposes they are considered to be a business earning under ¥10 million per year, and can therefore retain the consumption tax that would normally go to the government.^[148]

As they lack health and unemployment insurance and pensions, Gaba instructors pay no payroll taxes, which normally take a significant chunk out of Japanese salaried workers' paychecks. As a result, Gaba instructors see very little tax taken out of their monthly paychecks. Furthermore, despite the low amount of national income tax withheld from their pay, itaku status generally results in instructors getting a tax refund from the Japanese government when they file their taxes. They may also write off work-related expenses, especially travel expenses, that many salaried workers would not be able to claim. Nevertheless, they still have to pay city taxes.

Incentives

As noted above, while Gaba instructors are not entitled to any seasonal or yearly bonuses that are commonly paid at Japanese companies, but they do receive incentives based on the number of lessons taught.

TNT Incentive

Until May 2013 but those who taught over 100 lessons in a month were eligible for a "Total Number Taught" monthly incentive based on the total amount of lessons taught.^[149] The incentive was paid the following month. For ever lesson taught across Gaba there was 25 yen added to a pool, which was used to fund the incentive. There were three categories, and as the budget allotted was limited to around 2.5 million yen companywide per month the amounts paid for each vary from month to month, but are largely consistent over time. If instructors receive two or more negative evaluations Gaba would not pay them the TNT Incentive for that month even if they met the lesson number requirements.

TNT Incentive payments

Monthly TNT Incentive

Lessons taught	Instructors / Incentive for May 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Jun 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Jul 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Aug 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Sep 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Oct 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Nov 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Dec 2012	Instructors / Incentive for Jan 2013	Instructors / Incentive for Feb 2013	Instructors / Incentive for Mar 2013	Instructors / Incentive for April 2013
100-150	238 / ¥1,723	260 / ¥1,732	264 / ¥1,719	252 / ¥1,644	284 / ¥1,712	255 / ¥1,702	268 / ¥1,746	286 / ¥1,822	263 / ¥1,647	256 / ¥1,623	236 / ¥1,465	265 / ¥1,715
151-200	225 / ¥6,896	228 / ¥6,928	219 / ¥6,876	225 / ¥6,576	209 / ¥6,848	218 / ¥6,808	223 / ¥6,984	181 / ¥7,288	236 / ¥6,588	256 / ¥6,492	266 / ¥5,860	215 / ¥6,860
200+	60 / ¥10,344	48 / ¥10,392	58 / ¥10,314	77 / ¥9,864	70 / ¥10,272	64 / ¥10,212	51 / ¥10,476	58 / ¥10,932	63 / ¥9,882	65 / ¥9,738	115 / ¥8,790	68 / ¥10,290

PNT Incentive

On March 19, 2013 Gaba announced that it would be changing the incentive system from May 2013, raising the amount allocated to the pool from 25 yen to 35 yen, raising the overall amount allocated to the incentive.^[149] However, the incentive is only paid for the total number of peak lessons taught, not overall lessons. Unlike the previous TNT system, non-peak lessons, which are lessons taught between 9:15am and 4:45pm on regular weekdays do not count towards the incentive. As with the TNT Incentive, if instructors receive two or more negative evaluations in a month they do not receive the incentive. The first PNT payment was made on June 25, 2013.

The categories for the PNT are:

• 80-119 peak lessons (approximately 2,700 yen)
• 120-149 lessons (approximately 10,000 yen)
• 150+ lessons (approximately 16,000 yen)

PNT Incentive Payments

Monthly PNT Incentive

Lessons taught	Instructors / Incentive for May 2013	Instructors / Incentive for Jan 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Feb 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Mar 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Apr 2014	Instructors / Incentive for May 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Jun 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Jul 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Aug 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Sep 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Oct 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Nov 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Dec 2014	Instructors / Incentive for Jan 2015	Instructors / Incentive for Feb 2015	Instructors / Incentive for Mar 2015
80-119	256 / ¥2,591	284 / ¥2,943	306 / ¥2,983	293 / ¥2,441	315 / ¥3,040	311 / ¥2,808	294 / ¥2,934	303 / ¥3,034	298 / ¥3,004	312 / ¥2,797	318 / ¥3,160	326 / ¥2,587	325 / ¥3,993	321 / ¥2,945	344 / ¥3,093	321 / ¥3,047
120-149	168 / ¥10,364	159 / ¥11,772	170 / ¥11,932	167 / ¥9,764	157 / ¥12,166	177 / ¥11,232	163 / ¥11,736	156 / ¥12,136	144 / ¥12,016	175 / ¥11,188	155 / ¥12,640	197 / ¥10,348	117 / ¥15,972	159 / ¥11,700	166 / ¥12,380	183 / ¥12,188
150+	91 / ¥15,546	68 / ¥17,658	55 / ¥17,898	134 / ¥14,646	61 / ¥18,240	74 / ¥16,848	69 / ¥17,604	68 / ¥18,204	94 / ¥18,024	79 / ¥16,782	58 / ¥18,960	83 / ¥15,522	29 / ¥23,958	72 / ¥17,670	61 / ¥18,570	69 / ¥18,282

F-peak Incentive

After negotiations with the General Union, on March 19, 2013 Gaba also announced that from May 2013 an additional 200 yen would be paid per morning peak lesson (7:00am / 7:45am / 8:30am). This incentive will not be linked to negative evaluations. It currently applies to the instructors of 20 of Gaba's 39 Learning Studios. The Learning Studios in Akabane, Ebisu, Shimokitazawa, Seijo, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida, Meguro, Aobadai, Fujisawa, Chiba, Kashiwa, Omiya, Kobe, Kyoto, Namba, Chayamachi and Tennoji are not open for those morning lessons. Gaba and the General Union signed a collective agreement over the pay increase.^[150][151]

Belting system

Instructors are given what Gaba refers to as a "belt", which determines their per lesson pay rate. The base belt is A, which pays 1,500 yen per lesson. Until April 2008, the rate was 1,400 yen per lesson. Instructors wishing to earn more than the base rate can earn that rate by meeting a set of optional requirements and performing well enough within their Learning Studio to earn a recommendation. Instructors ranked above A are paid a higher rate for 'peak-time lessons'. Peak lessons are morning and evening lessons during the week, and any time during weekends or public holidays. The payment for non peak-time lessons does not increase until the D belts.

The higher belts were introduced in 2005, and since then the percentage of belted instructors has gradually increased. However, as of April 2015, 578 out of 1,089 Gaba instructors (53.07%) are still only being paid the 1,500 yen base rate for peak lessons. The rate of belting up slowed considerably following the restructuring in late 2008, and in addition, the lesson evaluation average (LEA) required for some belts were raised in 2009, and the averages for all belts were raised again in 2011. Gaba raised the minimum LEA requirement because the entire company saw a sharp rise in LEA from the time the original standards were implemented. In theory, the increased LEA requirements mean that it is harder to attain belts and easier to lose them. However, the minimum LEA requirements for various belting levels tend to be far lower than the average LEA of instructors in that belting level. For example, the average company LEA is about 4.65, but the current requirement for the D belts (the highest possible levels) are only slightly higher (4.7). The belts range from A to A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, and D2.

The details are as follows:

Pay rates^[152]

	Peak lessons	Non-peak lessons
D2	2200	1600
D1	2100	1600
C2	2000	1500
C1	1900	1500
B2	1800	1500
B1	1700	1500
A2	1600	1500
A	1500	1500

Instructors are belted after undergoing certification and meeting certain requirements. The requirements to achieve and maintain belt levels are as follows:

Belt requirements^[153]

	Evaluation average (From February 2011)	Evaluation average (From April 2009)	Evaluation average (Before April 2009)	% of negative evaluations	Submitting schedule on time	Punctuality/Attendance issues	Peak lessons taught
D2	4.7	4.6	4.6	0.3%	Always	None	80
D1	4.7	4.6	4.5	0.3%	Always	None	80
C2	4.5	4.4	4.4	0.4%	Always	None	60
C1	4.5	4.4	4.3	0.4%	Always	None	60
B2	4.3	4.2	4.2	0.8%	Always	None	40
B1	4.3	4.2	4.0	0.8%	Always	None	40
A2	4.3	4.2(*)	N/A	0.8%	Always	None	40
A	4.1	4.0	N/A	1.0%	Always	None	0

(* The A2 Belt came into existence in May 2010.)

Evaluations refer to evaluations done by students, which are done on a five-point scale, 5 being an exceptional lesson, and 1 being very unsatisfactory. This system requires that instructors are expected to get a large percentage of high evaluations in order to maintain their current belt level. This in turn encourages instructors to teach good lessons.

Negative evaluations refer to evaluations with a score of "1" or "2". The schedule refers to instructors' schedules, which must be submitted by the 10th of the previous month. Punctuality/Attendance issues are self-explanatory and peak-time lessons are explained above.

Gaba imposed limits on the higher belts (30 instructors for C1 and C2, and 15 instructors for D1 and D2). As of July 2014 the caps were to be raised to 40 for C1 and C2 and to 20 for D1 and D2. As of April 2015 none of these caps have ever been reached.

There are many cases where instructors have been "unbuckled", (issued with notices that Gaba may cut their pay if their performance does not improve) and then "debelted" (had their pay cut). Debelting became increasingly common from 2009 onwards.

This has been done on several different grounds. For example, instructors who have submitted their proposed schedule late, or received a lower client evaluation average than their belt level requires may be "belted down". As noted above, instructors are required to get a substantial percentage of "5" evaluations to avoid the threat of unbuckling. Getting too many "negative evaluations" (with a score of 1 or 2) can also resulting in debelting. "Attendance issues" primarily refer to incidents of lateness or failure to show for lessons, but can also refer to sick calls if they are considered excessive or frivolous. Instructor support leaders are required to classify sick calls as "excused" or "unexcused" depending on the circumstances.

In order to be debelted, the instructor has to fail to meet the minimum requirements for their belting level for two consecutive contract periods. If Gaba determines than instructors have not improved their performance after the second contract period, then they will generally proceed to "debelt" the instructor. Every month, Gaba's Instructor Review Committee (IRC) meets to decide which instructors will be belted up or debelted. There is no way for instructors to appeal a decision or appear at an IRC meeting when their case is being considered. However, Instructor Support Leaders (essentially instructor managers working on the LS level) can and do appeal pending decisions to de-belt instructors.

Belting and debelting statistics

As explained above, Gaba Instructors can do some training sessions and pass a test to be eligible to be “belted" and receive a higher per-lesson pay rate. However, from late 2008, after former CEO Kenji Kamiyama took control of Gaba, the number of instructors being belted decreased and the number of instructors being debelted increased. Nevertheless, the number of instructors being belted up per month has consistently been considerably higher than the number of instructors being debelted. The numbers below include belted instructors who have left Gaba in addition to instructors who have been debelted.

Belt changes

	Feb 2010	Jan 2011	Jan 2012	Jan 2013	Jan 2014	Feb 2014	Mar 2014	Apr 2014	May 2014	Jun 2014	Jul 2014	Aug 2014	Sep 2014	Oct 2014	Nov 2014	Dec 2014	Jan 2015	Feb 2015	Mar 2015	Apr 2015	Change
D2	19	14	13	12	13	13	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	-7
D1	20	15	12	14	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	10	10	11	11	11	11	12	12	-8
C2	37	31	27	31	35	36	36	36	34	34	34	35	34	35	35	35	35	32	35	32	-5
C1	36	31	32	31	31	30	31	32	29	31	36	35	37	37	36	35	34	36	35	33	-3
B2	93	99	93	99	123	127	124	121	119	124	123	125	125	127	130	134	138	137	139	135	+42
B1	139	87	81	119	109	113	115	114	109	120	116	118	122	121	122	124	119	121	123	125	-14
A2	N/A	89	160	244	244	244	249	256	247	242	240	233	229	228	230	229	231	232	237	231	+231
A	505	491	543	465	495	497	506	508	496	522	521	536	539	540	542	535	519	518	517	511	+6
Total	849	847	961	1015	1,067	1,069	1,082	1,088	1,055	1,094	1,091	1,103	1,108	1,110	1,118	1,115	1.099	1,099	1,106	1,089	+240
Belted	344	356	418	550	572	572	576	580	559	572	570	567	569	570	576	580	580	581	589	578	+234

Lessons taught by Instructor Support Leaders and managers

From July 1, 2010, all instructor support leaders and managers (who are on a fixed salary and receive no additional compensation for teaching lessons) are required to teach a number of regular Gaba lessons per month in an effort to save costs. The current range is between 25 and 50 depending on the size of the LS and workload of the individual instructor support leader; it was lowered slightly in October 2010. FMs (trial lessons) are considered as lessons taught, so if the instructor support leader teaches a number of FMs within a given month (a duty that existed before the new requirements), they may not actually teach many regular lessons. The number of lessons they teach are considered when their bonuses are calculated, but they are not paid for the lessons, so they are essentially doing them for free in addition to their regular work. This was done to save costs and to keep the instructor support leaders familiar with and proficient at teaching the Gaba curriculum. Concerns have been expressed that this practice may reduce the number of lessons available to itaku contract instructors. In order to minimize this issue, instructor support leaders are urged by Gaba management to open lessons only when no instructor is available to teach, whenever possible. However, for studios with many open spaces on the schedule, this may not be possible.

Overseas recruiting

Following the lead of many other English conversation schools in Japan, Gaba recruits extensively outside Japan. In March 2008, it conducted a recruitment event in Vancouver, Canada.^[154] In February 2010 it also conducted a recruitment event in Melbourne, Australia.^[155] In October 2010, it held another recruitment event in Vancouver.^[156] Another Australian recruiting event was held in March 2011, and another in London, England in June 2011.^[157] Gaba held recruitment events in Seattle in the US and Victoria and Vancouver in Canada in September 2011,^[158] and in Taiwan in October 2011.^[159] In November 2011, Gaba held recruitment events in San Jose and San Francisco, California.^[160]

2012

2012 saw Gaba recruit overseas extensively, with fourteen events held across six countries. The company held recruitment events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,^[161] Australia in March^[162] and in South Korea in April.^[163] It held events in London, Manchester, and Glascow in the UK in June,^[164] and further events were held in Singapore in August.^[165]

Recruitment events were held on the West Coast of North America in Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco in September,^[166] and in Seoul in South Korea, also in September.^[167] The final events for 2012 were held in Toronto and Chicago in October.^[168]

2013

2013 also saw a large amount of overseas recruitment. Just as in 2012, Gaba held fourteen events in six countries. The first recruitment events for the year took place in February in Australia, held in Sydney and Melbourne,^[169] with another held in Singapore in March.^[170] Further events were conducted in New York and Boston^[171] and Seoul and Pusan^[172] in April. Next, the company organized events in London, Manchester and Cardiff in the UK in June,^[173] and in Hong Kong in August.^[174]

Following this, a recruitment event was held in Dublin, Ireland in October,^[175] and the final recruitment events for 2013 were held in the UK, in London and Manchester in October and November.^[176]

2014

In 2014 Gaba also recruited overseas, with 16 recruitment events being held in five countries. The first recruitment events for the year were held in February in Australia, in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.^[177] Gaba also held recruitment events in Seoul, South Korea in February.^[178] and in April, it held recruitment events in Singapore.^[179]

In May it held events in Manchester and London in the UK.^[180] along with more events in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.^[181] In July it held four events in the US, in Minneapolis, Dearborn, Columbus, and St Louis.^[182] A Singapore recruitment event was held in August.^[183]

Later in the year there were also recruitment events held in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia in November 2014.^[184]

2015

In 2015 Gaba continued to recruit extensively overseas, with twelve events in four countries. In January it held information seminars in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia,^[185][186] and the company also recruited in Singapore in March.^[187] In April it held events in London and Manchester in the UK.^[188][189]

In May it returned to Australia for the second time in the year, again visiting Sydney and Melbourne.^[190]

In August it held a recruitment event in Seoul, South Korea.^[191]

In October it again held recruitment events in London and Manchester,^[192] and in November it returned to Australia for seminars in Melbourne and Sydney.^[193]

2016

In 2016 the company continues recruiting overseas, beginning with events in Sydney and Melbourne in February,^[194] in Singapore in March^[195] and Taiwan in April.^[196] In May events were held in Manchester and London in the UK,^[197] and in San Diego, Seattle and Portland in the US.^[198]

In July an event was held in Seoul,^[199] and events are to be held in September in London and Edinburgh in the UK^[200] in Seattle, Portland and San Diego in the US^[201] in Toronto and Vancouver in Canada in October, and in Melbourne and Sydney in Australia in December.^[202]

Industrial action

General Union Gaba branch establishment and early discussions

On September 6, 2007 a union of Gaba's instructors was formed.^[203] The Gaba union was formed as part of the Osaka-based General Union, and has members across different areas of Gaba. The General Union belongs to the National Union of General Workers (NUGW), which is itself a member of the National Trade Union Council (Zenrokyo).^[204]

Union representatives had many discussions with the company around 2007. In April 2008, Gaba raised its base lesson rate pay from 1,400 yen per lesson to 1,500 yen per lesson for unbelted instructors, and also raised the lesson rates for belted instructors. In addition, contract lengths were increased from four to six months, but no other changes were forthcoming. The General Union has long claimed that these changes were due to union pressure,^[205] but Gaba has maintained that the changes were being discussed in 2006, before the union came to Gaba, and that the changes were not related to union pressure.

First Labor Commission case

The union then took an unfair labor practice case through the Osaka Labor Relations Commission claiming that Gaba had not negotiated in good faith, which they are required to do under article 7 of the Trade Union law,^[206] and also to have instructors recognized as employees, not entrusted independent gyomu-itaku (sub-contractors) which Gaba currently states they are.^[207]

The Osaka Labor Relations Commission case ran from July 2008 to August 2009. A ruling was given on Christmas Eve 2009. It stated that Gaba had not committed an unfair labor practice, because it had negotiated in good faith with the union. This was a victory for Gaba. However, the 35-page decision by the Labor Commission also included language that implied that Gaba's instructor contracting system had elements of labor and that Gaba instructors had the right to organize 'as employees'. This language was in turn interpreted by the General Union as a decision on the status of instructors, and through their web page declared that Gaba instructors are not itaku but employees under the trade union law.^[208] This did not immediately change the employment situation for Gaba instructors but the union said it would use this to win standard employment benefits (paid leave, unemployment insurance, health insurance, etc.) which Gaba does not currently give to instructors under their itaku contracts.^[209]

Despite winning the unfair labor practice case, Gaba was dissatisfied with the wording of the original ruling, specifically the references to the instructor contracting having elements of labor under the trade union law, and appealed to have the wording of the ruling amended to the Central Labor Commission in Tokyo.^[210] Hearings were held from March to July 2010.

On October 28, 2010, after several times encouraging Gaba to reach some form of compromise with the union, the Central Labor Commission rejected the company's claim to have the language in the original ruling by the Osaka Labor Commission changed, stating that Gaba's claim had "no merit".^[211] The Central Labor Committee dismissed Gaba's claim because they didn't have enough information either way and they felt it should be decided by a lower court (the Osaka Labor Committee). Despite the inconclusive nature of this decision, it was again interpreted by the General Union as a ruling that Gaba instructors are employees under trade union law, and they again announced a victory on their web site.^[212] Gaba then sued the Central Labor Commission in Tokyo District Court for rejecting their appeal, and the first hearing was held on January 19, 2011.^[213] As the Central Labor Commission is a government body under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, this meant that the company was suing a Japanese government agency.^[211] The court's decision was handed down on July 27, 2011, and Gaba's appeal was rejected. The company appealed this to the Tokyo High Court, and the first hearing took place on November 15, 2011.^[214] After negotiations with the union the company agreed to withdraw this case and recognize the rights of its instructors under trade union law.^[215][216]

Hello Work

In August 2010, union members lodged applications with the Shibuya Hello Work office to be enrolled in unemployment insurance.^[217] Hello Work took no action for almost a year and in June 2011, the GU made a formal complaint. In response to the complaint Hello Work apologized and said they would launch an investigation immediately.^[218] The applications, still making their way through the bureaucracy, were later withdrawn by the GU as part of an agreement signed with Gaba.^[219] As of January 2016, five years since the applications were made with Hello Work, Gaba instructors are not enrolled in unemployment insurance.

SESC complaint

On October 4, 2010, the General Union made an official complaint to the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission,^[220] part of the Financial Services Agency, over compliance issues based on Gaba stating in its report for the 2009 financial year that there was no union at the company, and that labor relations were "smooth and harmonious", and also for failing to mention the Osaka Labor Commission case and Gaba's subsequent appeal to the Central Labor Commission in Tokyo.^[210][221]

Libel lawsuit

In addition to suing the government, Gaba decided to sue the General Union for libel, over an article on the union webpage dealing with Gaba's compliance. The company sued the union for 58 million yen in damages and legal costs.^[222] The first hearing was held on January 28, 2011, at the Tokyo District Court, and the company's suit was dismissed in November 2011.^[223] After negotiations with the union Gaba agreed not to appeal their loss.^[215][216]

Further Labor Commission case

After Gaba sued the General Union for libel, the union lodged another unfair labor practice, asking that the Osaka Labor Commission have Gaba cease interfering in union activities, withdraw their demand that the union remove the news article from their website, not intimidate the union and its members by litigation and other means, that then-majority stockholder Daiwa Securities negotiate with the union, and that Gaba pay the union 58,200,000 yen (the amount Gaba sued the union for) for interfering with union activities, and publicly apologize. The case was lodged on May 16, 2011, and was expected to last for some time.^[222] The union and Gaba signed an agreement in April 2012, and the case was withdrawn.^[216]

General Union demonstration at Umeda Learning Studio, Osaka

Non-renewal and rehiring of union branch chair

After over 8 years as a Gaba instructor,^[224] Gaba non-renewed the contract of Francis Strange, the chair of the Gaba branch of the General Union, effective November 1, 2011. The union viewed this as union busting, and in October the union demonstrated and leafleted Learning Studios in Osaka and Tokyo, and negotiated with Gaba and new owner Nichii Gakkan in an effort to reverse the non-renewal.^[225] After negotiations Gaba agreed to rehire Strange and he returned to work on February 12, 2012.^[215]

General Union and Gaba sign agreement

In April 2012^[226] Gaba and the General Union signed an agreement in which both sides withdrew their pending cases in the courts and government bureaucracy. Gaba agreed to negotiate in good faith on the issue of employment status and benefits for instructors.^[215]

General Union and Gaba begin negotiations

After signing the agreement to negotiate, the union and the company commenced negotiations on conditions on May 28, 2012,^[227] and the negotiations are ongoing as of 2016.

Tozen branch establishment

On September 28, 2012 the Tokyo General Union (Tozen) declared a branch to the company and requested collective bargaining over a list of demands.^[228]

Gaba promises improvements

The General Union Gaba branch held their first official collective bargaining session for 2013 with Gaba on March 4, 2013. The company's representatives said that they were "determined to improve working conditions for instructors" and that they were looking at increasing the TNT incentive and the per lesson pay rate.^[229]

Morning peak lesson pay increase

The General Union and company subsequently signed a collective agreement that from May 2013 all instructors working the first three weekday morning peak time lessons (the F-shift) would receive an additional 200 yen for every lesson taught. The agreement was officially signed and dated on June 17, 2013. and the first payday including the incentive was June 25, 2013. For instructors on the lowest pay rate (around 50% of the workforce) this meant a 13.3% pay increase for those lessons.^[230][231]

Grievance Procedure Agreement signed

On October 4, 2013 the General Union and Gaba Corporation signed a grievance procedure agreement. This legally requires the company to respond to workplace grievances related to individual instructors in a fair and prompt manner.^[232]

Dealing with Sexual Harassment from Clients to Instructors

From 2013 the General Union raised a number of incidents where Gaba clients had sexually harassed instructors.^[233] In response to this, the company changed their policy to make it easier for instructors to block students who behaved inappropriately and introduced a standardised form for ISLs to report harassment from clients to Gaba HQ.^[234]

In 2014 the Gaba Branch of the union appointed sexual harassment officers for instructors to speak to about incidents at work.^[235]

In 2015 Gaba staff deleted information on the system about clients who had harassed female instructors. An instructor brought up the issue with the company several times as new instructors were left with no warning, and no knowledge that they were in their rights to have the student blocked. No action were taken. Information about this were finally entered in the system by the instructor so female instructors would be aware and could prepare themselves. The comments were repeatedly deleted and the instructor was given a written warning by the company and told not to do it again. The union protested this.^[236] Later in 2015 an instructor who warned a new instructor about a client who had harassed female instructors in the past was disciplined by the company, which the union also protested.^[237]

Requests to improve disaster preparations

The GU branch has raised safety issues a number of times with the company. In June 2014 it asked for drills at all learning studios. This didn't occur. In 2014 after the evacuation notice at the Shimbashi LS was found to have no evacuation site at all the union asked the company to correct this, which was done.^[238][239]

In 2014 the union also asked the company to comply with the Metropolitan Tokyo Ordinance on Measures for Stranded Individuals, to make sure that sufficient supplies were stockpiled at Learning Studios in case of disaster.^[240] The company stated that it had made preparations.^[241]

After major earthquakes in May 2015, the GU again asked the company to conduct drills at all learning studios and make sure that instructors, clients and staff are all prepared in case of disaster.^[242] A union survey found poor levels of preparation among instructors.^[243] The company stated in August 2015 that it plans to have drills "more often".^[244] Gaba held drills at 14 Learning Studios in late 2015 and early 2016.^[245] In July 2016 it also ran drills at three Learning Studios. It will also hold drills at 8 Learning studios in late 2016 and early 2017.

Gaba provides emergency preparations

After the General Union raised the issue a number of times, over July and August 2016 Gaba provided emergency kits to all booths in all 42 Gaba Learning Studios across Japan. The kits contain food, drink, and two helmets.^[246]

Sexual harassment allegations

Gaba teachers complained in 2014 that company management has not acted appropriately or with sufficient support when they have been sexually harassed by students at work.^[247][248]

See also

• Nichii Gakkan
• Masatoshi Saito
• Takayuki Masuda
• Bruce Anderson
• Kenji Kamiyama
• Coco Juku

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44. Gaba Corporation website 2006年10月初旬、「ミント神戸」に兵庫県内初のラーニングスタジオ 「神戸ラーニングスタジオ」オープンのお知らせ July 7, 2006 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
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46. Gaba Corporation website 3月16日、「八王子東急スクエア」8Fに 「八王子ラーニングスタジオ」オープンのお知らせ February 9, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
47. Gaba Corporation website 2007年4月、北千住ラーニングスタジオ 新規オープンのお知らせ March 8, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
48. Gaba Corporation website 8月2日、恵比寿駅至近に「恵比寿ラーニングスタジオ」オープンのお知らせ May 30, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
49. Gaba Corporation website 「立川ラーニングスタジオ」を 2007 年 10 月 5 日にオープン ~ エキナカ+マンツーマン=新しい英会話のスタイルを提案 ~ August 20, 2007 (Japanese) June 11, 2014
50. Gaba Corporation website 京都エリアに初出店を決定「京都ラーニングスタジオ」を 11 月にオープン September 5, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
51. Gaba Corporation website 「新橋汐留ラーニングスタジオ」が 2008 年 1 月中旬に移転・拡張リニューアルオープン ~より快適な空間で、充実したマンツーマンレッスンを~ November 8, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
52. Gaba Corporation website 丸善店舗内に出店決定 「川崎ラーニングスタジオ」が 2008 年 2 月中旬オープン January 16,2008 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
53. Gaba Corporation website Gabaグロ ーバル・スターズ(Global Stars)~子どものための本格的なマンツーマン英会話レッスン~「広尾ラーニングフィールド」を 2008 年 2 月 20 日にオープン December 14, 2007 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
54. Gaba Corporation website 「渋谷ラーニングスタジオ」が 2008 年 4 月 25 日に移転リニューアルオープン ~4 月 1 日よりキャンペーンを実施~ March 21, 2008 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
55. Gaba Corporation website 「北千住ラーニングスタジオ」が 6 月 2 日に移転リニューアルオープン ~レッスンブースを大幅増設、より快適な学習空間へ~ April 17, 2008 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
56. Gaba Corporation website 「大手町ラーニングスタジオ」2009 年4 月1 日（水）新規オープン～ビジネスパーソンにも通いやすい環境でサービスを提供～ February 27, 2009 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
57. Gaba Corporation website 「目黒ラーニングスタジオ」が 2009 年 5 月上旬に移転リニューアルオープン ~大人のための、快適かつ知的な空間へ~ December 3, 2008 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
58. Gaba Corporation website 「赤羽ラーニングスタジオ」2009年9月1日新規オープン！ July 29, 2009 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
59. Gaba Corporation website 「町田ラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン！ February 3, 2010 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
60. Gaba Corporation website ビジネス層の需要が好調！さらなる拡大を目指し 2011年1月名古屋校を新設、大手町校を拡張 November 8, 2010 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
61. Gaba Corporation website 大阪難波駅・なんば駅にマンツーマン英会話が登場 2011年3月1日「なんばラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン！ November 8, 2010 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
62. Gaba Corporation website 千葉県、柏駅にマンツーマン英会話が登場 2011 年 4 月 1 日「柏ラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン! February 23, 2011 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
63. Gaba website 柏ラーニングスタジオ（千葉県） 新規オープン日程変更のお知らせ March 25, 2011 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
64. Gaba Corporation website Jiyugaoka Learning Studio relocating this autumn Retrieved June 11, 2014
65. Gaba website 「自由が丘ラーニングスタジオ」移転のお知らせ July 13, 2011 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
66. Gaba Corporation website Ikebukuro Learning Studio Relocation, January 2012 October 6, 2011 Retrieved June 11, 2014
67. Gaba Corporation website Omiya LS Relocating on April 17th March 8, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
68. Gaba website 「大宮ラーニングスタジオ」移転のお知らせ March 1, 2012 (Japanese)
69. Gaba Corporation website New "Ginza Yurakucho" Learning Studio, Opening May 2012 February 8, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
70. Gaba Corporation website JR有楽町駅前に2012年5月7日 「銀座有楽町ラーニングスタジオ」移転オープン February 8, 2012 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
71. Gaba website Kawasaki Learning Studio to Move Retrieved June 11, 2014
72. Gaba Corporation website Akihabara Learning Studio Retrieved June 11, 2014
73. Gaba website 2012年10月1日、「秋葉原ラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン! August 31, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
74. Gaba Corporation website 2013年3月1日、「天王寺ラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン！ January 7, 2013 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
75. Gaba Corporation website 「町田ラーニングスタジオ」が移転拡張リニューアル！ February 1, 2013 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
76. Gaba Corporation 銀座有楽町ラーニングスタジオ」が移転拡張オープン November 8, 2013 (Japanese)
77. Gaba Corporation Grand Re-Opening of Ginza LS January 6, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
78. Gaba website New Studio Opening: Shinjuku West February 5th, 2014
79. Gaba website 新宿西口ラーニングスタジオ Retrieved June 11, 2014
80. Gaba Corporation website Gaba、2014年9月1日に武蔵小杉ラーニングスタジオ新規オープン August 4th, 2014 Retrieved on August 6, 2014 (Japanese)
81. Gaba Corporation website August 12, 2014 Grand Opening: Musashi Kosugi LS Retrieved on August 13, 2014
82. Gaba Corporation website 赤坂ラーニングスタジオ」移転リニューアルオープン 2014年9月1日 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
83. Gaba Corporation website Akasaka-Tameike LS to Move June 16, 2014 Retrieved June 25, 2014
84. Gaba Corporation websites Gaba、2014年11月1日（土）に「東京ラーニングスタジオ」を移転リニューアルオープン Retrieved November 19, 2014
85. Gaba Corporation website 「六本木ラーニングスタジオ」 March 4, 2015 Retrieved March 5, 2015 (Japanese)
86. Gaba Corporation website New Studio Opening: Roppongi April 6, 2015 Retrieved April 20, 2015
87. Gaba Corporation website Gaba、10月2日に「錦糸町ラーニングスタジオ」新規オープン ～ 浅草や東京スカイツリー近隣の23区東エリアに出店 ～ September 1, 2015 Retrieved October 6, 2015
88. Gaba Corporation website GABA Akasaka Tameike Learning Studio Details Retrieved October 6, 2014 (Japanese)
89. Gaba Corporation website GABA Akabane Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
90. Gaba Corporation website GABA Akihabara Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
91. Gaba Corporation website GABA Ikebukuro Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
92. Gaba Corporation website GABA Ebisu Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
93. Gaba Corporation website GABA Otemachi Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
94. Gaba Corporation website GABA Omotesando Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
95. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kitasenju Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
96. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kichioji Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
97. Gaba Corporation website GABA Ginza Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
98. Gaba Corporation website GABA Shinagawa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
99. Gaba Corporation website GABA Shibuya Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
100. Gaba Corporation website GABA Shimokitazawa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
101. Gaba Corporation website GABA Jiyugaoka Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
102. Gaba Corporation website New Studio Opening: Shinjuku West February 5th, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
103. Gaba Corporation website GABA Shinjuku Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
104. Gaba Corporation website GABA Shinbashi-Shiodome Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
105. Gaba Corporation website GABA Seijo Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
106. Gaba Corporation website GABA Tachikawa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
107. Gaba Corporation website GABA Tokyo Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
108. Gaba Corporation website GABA Hachioji Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
109. Gaba Corporation website GABA Futakotamagawa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
110. Gaba Corporation website GABA Machida Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
111. Gaba Corporation website GABA Meguro Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
112. Gaba Corporation website 錦糸町 ラーニングスタジオ Retrieved October 6, 2015 (Japanese)
113. Gaba Corporation website GABA Aobadai Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
114. Gaba Corporation website GABA Fujisawa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
115. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kawasaki Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
116. Gaba Corporation website Gaba、2014年9月1日に武蔵小杉ラーニングスタジオ新規オープン August 4th, 2014 Retrieved on August 6, 2014 (Japanese)
117. Gaba Corporation website GABA Yokohama Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
118. Gaba Corporation website GABA Chiba Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
119. 市川 ラーニングスタジオ Retrieved November 2, 2016 (Japanese)
120. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kashiwa Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
121. Gaba Corporation website GABA Omiya Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
122. Gaba Corporation website GABA Nagoya Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
123. Gaba Corporation website GABA Sakae Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
124. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kobe Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
125. Gaba Corporation website GABA Kyoto Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
126. Gaba Corporation website GABA Namba Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
127. Gaba Corporation website GABA Chayamachi Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
128. Gaba website GABA Umeda Learning Studio Details Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
129. Gaba Corporation website 天王寺ラーニングスタジオ Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
130. Gaba Corporation website, Regions and Locations Retrieved June 11, 2014
131. Gaba Corporation website 福岡天神 ラーニングスタジオ Retrieved September 8, 2016
132. Gaba Corporation website 本社移転に関するお知らせ August 20, 2009 (Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
133. Gaba website 本社移転に関するお知らせ October 16, 2009 (Japanese)
134. Gaba Corporation website 本社移転に関するお知らせ 2014年8月11日（月）(Japanese) Retrieved June 11, 2014
135. Gaba Corporation website マンツーマン英会話スクールを運営する株式会社GABA（ガバ）（本社：東京都新宿区、代表取締役：齊藤正俊）は、11月19日（木）、気軽に英語体験ができる場「and Gaba.（アンドガバ）」を渋谷モディ5階にオープンいたします。 Retrieved March 16, 2016
136. Gaba Corporation website and Gaba Retrieved March 16, 2016
137. Gaba Instructor Times newsletter November 2010
138. Gaba website History Retrieved June 11, 2014
139. Instructor Times, February 2010, page 2
140. Gaba Corporation website 英会話初心者向けの新カリキュラム『Gaba Starter』を販売開始～ 初心者応援の「Beginner's Gaba」キャンペーンをスタート ～ September 2, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
141. Gaba Corporation website [Gaba、中高生専用の新教材「Snapshots teens」を販売開始 ～ 年代に合わせた教材の提供で、さらにきめ細かくレッスンをカスタマイズ ～ May 29, 2014] Retrieved June 11, 2014 (Japanese)
142. Jaba website Front page Retrieved June 11, 2014
143. Gaba website, History Retrieved June 11, 2014
144. Gaba website Price page Retrieved June 11, 2014
145. Reuters Fear for jobs ignites "English crisis" in Japan September 22, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
146. General Union update, "2008-2009 Cost Cutting impact on instructors" October 17, 2009 Retrieved 11 June 2014.
147. Gaba Corporation website Taxes Retrieved June 11, 2014
148. Jetro website Investing in Japan Retrieved June 11, 2014
149. Gaba Corporation website Earning Potential Retrieved June 11, 2014
150. General Union website So, what has the union ever done for me? July 3, 2013
151. General Union website Gaba pay increase - collective agreement signed July 3, 2013 Retrieved on June 11, 2014
152. Gaba Website Earning potential Retrieved on October 2, 2013
153. Instructor Times February 2011, page 1
154. TESL jobs website Teach English in Japan Retrieved on August 31, 2010. Archived November 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
155. General Union website Pay Cuts Increase at GABA February 1, 2010 Retrieved June 11, 2014.
156. Gaba Corporation Website Gaba is coming to Canada! Retrieved on August 31, 2010. Archived July 31, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
157. Instructor Times, page 4, May 2011
158. Gaba website Recruitment events on the west coast of Canada and the US Retrieved June 11, 2014
159. Gaba Corporation website Taiwan Recruitment Event Finalized Retrieved June 11, 2014
160. Gaba Corporation website San Francisco and San Jose Recruiting Events in November Retrieved June 11, 2014
161. ESL cafe website Teach in Japan! - Gaba RECRUITMENT EVENTS Australia 2012 Retrieved on December 26th 2011 Archived January 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
162. Gaba Corporation website Recruitment Events in Australia 2012 Retrieved on November 22, 2011 Archived July 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.
163. Gaba Corporation website Recruitment Event In Korea Retrieved on January 4, 2012 Archived October 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
164. Gaba Corporation website Recruitment Events in the UK 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
165. Gaba Corporation website Recruitment Events in the Singapore 2012 Recruiting Events Retrieved on June 1, 2012 Archived July 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.
166. Gaba Corporation website West Coast 2012 Recruiting Events Schedule Retrieved June 11, 2014 Archived May 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
167. Gaba Corporation website Seoul Recruitment Event - September 2012 Retrieved on August 24, 2012 Archived September 25, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
168. Gaba website Toronto and Chicago Recruitment Events, Fall 2012 Retrieved on August 24, 2012 Archived October 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
169. Gaba Corporation website Recruiting Events in Sydney and Melbourne in 2013 December 6, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
170. Gaba Corporation website Gaba Recruitment Event 2013 in Singapore Jan 25 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
171. Gaba Corporation website Boston and New York Recruitment Events in April 2013 Retrieved on June 11, 2014
172. Gaba Corporation website Korea Recruitment Events April 2013 February 3, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
173. Gaba Corporation website U.K. Event June 2013 April 18, 2013
174. Gaba Corporation website Hong Kong Event, August 2013 June 21, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
175. Gaba Corporation website Recruitment Event in Ireland [Oct 2013] August 15, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
176. Gaba Corporation website Recruiting Events in the UK [Oct/Nov 2013] August 15, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
177. Gaba Corporation website Australia Recruitment Events February 2014 - Registrations OPEN November 15, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
178. Gaba Corporation website South Korea Recruitment Event February 2014 - Registrations OPEN December 25, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
179. Gaba Corporation website Singapore Recruitment Event April 2014 - Registrations OPEN February 3, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
180. Gaba Corporation website U.K. Recruitment Events January 1st 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
181. Gaba Corporation website May 21, 2014 Retrieved on June 11, 2014
182. Gaba Corporation website USA Midwest Recruitment Events July 2014 May 27, 2014
183. Gaba Corporation website Singapore Recruitment Event August 2014 May 28, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
184. Gaba Corporation website Australia Recruiting Events Nov 2014 (Sydney & Melbourne) Aug 22, 2014 Retrieved August 28, 2014
185. Gaba Corporation website Australia Recruiting Events February 2015 (Sydney, Melbourne) December 1, 2014 Retrieved December 3, 2014
186. Gaba Corporation website Australia Recruiting Events February 2015 (Sydney, Melbourne) December 3, 2014 Retrieved December 3, 2014
187. Gaba Corporation website Singapore Recruitment Event March 2015 Dec 17, 2014 Retrieved on December 31st, 2014
188. Gaba Corporation website UPDATED UK Recruiting Events April 2015 Jan 23 2015 Retrieved April 27, 2015
189. Gaba Corporation website UPDATED U.K. Recruitment Events April 24 2015 Retrieved April 27, 2015
190. Gaba Corporation website Australia Recruiting Events May 2015 (Sydney, Melbourne) Feb 20, 2015 Retrieved February 26, 2015
191. Gaba Corporation website June 4, 2015 South Korea Recruitment Event August 2015 Retrieved June 16, 2015
192. Gaba Corporation website August 3, 2015 U.K. Recruitment Events October 2015 Retrieved August 11, 2015
193. Gaba Corporation website September 29, 2015 Global Recruitment Events 2015 Retrieved September 29, 2015
194. Gaba Corporation website November 30 2015 Australia Recruitment Events February 2016 Retrieved December 8, 2015
195. Gaba Corporation website January 4, 2016 Singapore Recruitment Event March 2016 Retrieved January 22, 2016
196. Gaba Corporation website Taiwan Recruitment Event April 2016 February 9, 2016 Retrieved February 15, 2016
197. Gaba Corporation website UK Recruitment Events May 2016 February 16, 2016 Retrieved on March 16, 2016
198. Gaba Corporation website West Coast Recruitment Events May 2016 February 16, 2016 Retrieved March 16, 2016
199. Gaba Corporation website Korea Recruitment Event July 2016 April 20, 2016 Retrieved September 8, 2016
200. Gaba Corporation website UK Recruitment Events September 2016 August 3, 2016 Retrieved September 8, 2016
201. USA West Coast Recruitment Events October 2016 August 4, 2016 Retrieved September 8, 2016
202. Australia Recruitment Events December 2016 August 9, 2016 Retrieved September 8, 2016
203. National Union Voice GABA Workers Demand Dignity at Work October 2007 Retrieved June 11, 2014.
204. General Union website General Union Affiliation Retrieved June 11, 2014
205. General Union website, GABA Teachers Win a Pay Increase! June 24, 2008 Retrieved June 11, 2014
206. Japanese Law Translation website Trade Union Act Retrieved June 11, 2014
207. Gaba website The Contract Retrieved June 11, 2014
208. General Union website Gaba teachers "Employees" not "subcontractors" Retrieved June 11, 2014
209. General Union website Round One To The Union January 27, 2010 Retrieved June 11, 2014
210. McCrostie, James, "Gaba teachers challenge 'contractor' status", Japan Times, 19 October 2010, p. 12-13. Retrieved June 11, 2014
211. General Union website Gaba appeal rejected, sues government Retrieved June 11, 2014
212. General Union website Breaking News - Gaba loses Central Labor Commission appeal Retrieved June 11, 2014
213. JALT website Gaba Gaba Hey: Employment Relations At Gaba Corp Nothing to Sing About Retrieved June 11, 2014
214. General Union website Gaba Non-Renews Branch Chair October 21, 2011 Retrieved June 11, 2014
215. General Union website GABA Does About Face: Rehires Branch Chair, Drops Lawsuits February 28, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
216. General Union website More reason to join than ever April 23, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
217. General Union website Gaba members seek Unemployment Insurance August 25, 2010 Retrieved June 11, 2014
218. General Union website Unemployment Insurance Update Retrieved June 11, 2014
219. General Union website More reason to join than ever 23 April 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
220. ELT News General Union files complaint against Gaba October 28, 2010 Retrieved June 11, 2014
221. Gaba 2010 Stock Exchange report Retrieved June 11, 2014
222. General Union website General Union "counter-sues" Gaba for 58 million yen Updated on June 11, 2014
223. Scott, Simon, "Gaba 'contractor' status under fire from staff, courts", Japan Times, 20 December 2011, p. 13. Retrieved June 11, 2014
224. General Union webpage Gaba branch organizing committee Retrieved June 11, 2014
225. General Union website Gaba Non-Renews Branch Chair Retrieved June 11, 2014
226. General Union website GU - More Reason To Join Than Ever April 23, 2012 Retrieved June 11, 2014
227. General Union website GU - More Reason To Join Than Ever Retrieved June 6, 2012
228. Tozen website Tokyo Area GABA workers unionise September 9, 2014 Retrieved June 11, 2014
229. General Union website Gaba Assures Union: "We are Determined To Improve Working Conditions" March 7, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
230. General Union website So, what has the union ever done for me? July 3, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
231. General Union website Gaba pay increase - collective agreement signed August 3, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
232. General Union website General Union and Gaba Corporation sign grievance procedure agreement October 23, 2013 Retrieved June 11, 2014
233. McCrostie, James, "Harassers exploit Gaba’s ‘man-to-man’ lesson format", Japan Times, 17 June 2014, p. 12
234. General Union website Harassing Gaba clients can be blocked - Here is how: April 21, 2014 Retrieved June 18, 2014
235. General Union website General Union Gaba Branch appoints Sexual Harassment Officers April 10, 2014 Retrieved June 18, 2014
236. General Union website May 26, 2015 Hiding Sexual Harassment by clients at Gaba Retrieved June 12, 2015
237. General Union website Gaba Hides Client Sexual Harassment, Punishes Instructors September 30, 2015 Retrieved September 30, 2014
238. General Union website July 24, 2014 Union asks Gaba to improve poor safety preparations Retrieved June 10, 2015
239. General Union website July 27, 2014 Shimbashi LS Evacuation Poster Updated Retrieved June 10, 2015
240. General Union website October 8, 2014 Disaster preparations at Gaba Corporation Retrieved June 10, 2015
241. General Union website February 18, 2015 Gaba does care about our safety after all Retrieved June 10, 2015
242. General Union website June 10, 2015 Disasters at Gaba Corporation Retrieved June 12, 2015
243. General Union website August 7, 2015 Retrieved September 30, 2015
244. General Union website September 10, 2015 Emergency Drills To Be Held At GABA "More Often" Retrieved September 30, 2015
245. General Union website October 14, 2015 Gaba Corporation to run emergency drills Retrieved January 26, 2016
246. General Union website No more duck and cover at Gaba Retrieved September 5, 2016
247. McCrostie, James, "Harassers exploit Gaba’s ‘man-to-man’ lesson format", Japan Times, 17 June 2014, p. 12 Retrieved July 4, 2014
248. Currie-Robson, Craig, "Eikaiwa, deal with sexual harassment of teachers before it’s too late", "Japan Times", September 28, 2014

External links

• Official website (Japanese)
• Gaba Corporation Twitter page
• General Union GABA branch website
• General Union Gaba branch Twitter page
• Nichii Gakkan English website
• Nichii Gakkan Japanese website