CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab B Lab Newsletter Vol. 49

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2026.06.17
B Lab Newsletter Vol. 49

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 49 (June 2026 Issue)

◆ Featured Project: 

Neurodiversity Project Holds Kickoff Event to Formalize Its Organization!
Over the past three years, the Neurodiversity Project has promoted various activities, including the “The World in Our Minds” exhibition, awards, and training sessions. Moving forward, we will establish a solid organizational foundation and aim for further growth. As a first step, we held a kickoff event and information session, which was attended by approximately 60 participants both in person and online.

Neurodiversity Training for Companies Held!
On May 27, 2026, we held a corporate neurodiversity training session in a hybrid format combining online and in-person participation!Centered on the themes of “Learning,” “Experiencing,” and “Creating,” this training deepened participants’ understanding of neurodiversity and encouraged them to collaborate on creating workplaces where people with diverse characteristics can thrive.
◆ B Lab Branch News: B Lab Tanegashima 
B Lab Tanegashima has launched a pilot cultivation experiment with Pongamia (Japanese name: Kuroyona) with the goal of fostering sustainable regional development and creating next-generation energy. We recently airlifted 50 pots from Okinawa to Tanegashima to verify the feasibility of cultivating the plant at the northernmost limit of its natural range.Pongamia is a plant attracting global attention as a raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as the oil extracted from its seeds contains components of kerosene (aviation fuel). Click here to
read the rest of the report.

◆ What’s New! for Each Project:

iU × Yamaha Hosted a Joint Vocaloid Course!
On May 30 and 31, 2026, iU and Yamaha Corporation jointly held the first-ever joint course—the First Semester: Basic Course—designed to systematically teach Vocaloid culture and music production.It was a valuable opportunity to learn from leading experts about VOCALOID through lectures, hands-on VOCALOID music production, presentations, and insights into the cutting edge of VOCALOID technology. The second semester—the Practical Course—is scheduled for this fall. Participants who did not take the first semester are also very welcome. Details will be announced at a later date.

Launch of the AI Development Project “iCoRP”!
As part of the “Grants for Research on Solving Issues in an Aging Society (AI)” program administered by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for the Promotion of Longevity Science, our proposal titled “iCoRP: Intergenerational Co-creation Rapid Prototyping (Practicing Human-Centered AI Design Utilizing Intergenerational Learning)” was selected for funding.This initiative positions older adults as “co-designers” and puts human-centered AI design and development into practice through intergenerational learning.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 39
For the 39th installment of our interview series, we invited Dr. Hiroto Saito, Assistant Professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (CAST) at the University of Tokyo, and Takayuki Nezumi and Takuto Arizumi, students from the Inami Laboratory at CAST, to discuss “Assisting People Who Struggle with Daily Life Using AI Agents That Read Emotions and VR Technology.”Monnai Laboratory at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, to discuss “Assisting People Who Struggle with Daily Life Using AI Agents That Read Emotions and VR Technology.” Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 40
For the 40th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Hiroya Narumi, Associate Professor in the Department of Information Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, to discuss “The Potential of a Hyper-Diverse Society Opened Up by Digital Fabrication That Creates Items Tailored to Each Individual.” Click here for details.

Fundraising Support Project Specializing in Bank Loans Launched from a University Seminar
Inspired by a business concept developed in a university seminar, we launched “Fundly” as a project aimed at bridging the perception gap between companies and financial institutions regarding bank loans. By helping business owners understand the perspective of financial institutions and enabling them to appropriately explain their business plans and repayment capabilities, we support ambitious companies in securing funding.


◆ Announcements from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● The Future of IR Communication in the AI Era: An Interview with Taisho Saito, CEO of Steins
(Steins Co., Ltd.) We were interviewed
by the Nihon Shoken Shimbun on the topic of “IR Communication in the AI Era.”
⇒ Click here for details here

● “e-Sports English Conversation: e-Spi!—A Program Provided by Local Governments” Launches at Takagi Sports Club in Takagi Village, Nagano Prefecture
(Geshipi Co., Ltd. / Takuya Manabe, Representative Director)
As the fourth installment of our collaboration project with local governments and communities, we have launched a new course for the educational DX program “eSports English Conversation e-Spi! Local Government Program” at the “Takagi Sports Club” (a general incorporated association), which operates within “Minna no Hiroba Asubo” in Takagi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture.
⇒ For details, click here

●Consult with professional experts via chat anytime on complex business decisions (Free trial available)
(Management Decision Desk)
Move forward on complex business challenges through a single chat. The Management Decision Desk is a monthly subscription-based chat advisory service that works alongside the CEO to organize key issues. Business practitioners who have firsthand experience navigating overseas expansion, regulatory compliance, and organizational growth will work with you to structure your decision-making process.
⇒ For details, click here
● We’re hosting an online symposium
(Learning of Tomorrow) We’re hosting
online symposia during lunch hours (12:00 PM–12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・Wednesday, June 17: “The Future of Society and Education in the Age of AI—Insights from a Dialogue with AI Yoshimi-kun”
Speaker: Toshiya Yoshimi, Professor, Faculty of Tourism and Urban Development, Kokugakuin University; Professor Emeritus
, The University of Tokyo ⇒ Click here for details　
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June 2026, Vol. 49
Publisher: Nanako Ishido
Editor: Chika Masuda
Address: 1-18-13 Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
         info@blaboratory.org

　

Profile


  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”