In January 1889, one month before Tokyo Fine Arts School would start accepting students, Naojiro opened a private art school 'Shobikan' at his home art studio at 6 chome Hongo (for free).
なお、東京美術学校が学生を受け入れる1ケ月前の1889年1月、本郷6丁目の自宅アトリエで画塾「鐘美舘」を開いた（無料）。