CREATIVE KIDS TOP Other Station AI @ Nagoya

Other

2026.05.05
Station AI @ Nagoya

This is a photo from a little while ago, taken when I was given a tour of Station AI @ Nagoya.

Aside from its sheer scale—with a total floor area of 2.3 hectares—

What made a strong impression on me was the extensive facilities—including the Fab Lab, streaming setup, and open spaces—as well as,

More than that, it was the existence of an ecosystem that was already up and running.

Approximately 500 startups and 260 partners.

The network connects local companies, national corporations, and even top universities overseas.

It's amazing that they've managed to string all of this together in one go and actually make it work.

I felt that it was truly the very embodiment of an “ecosystem for social implementation.”

Among them, what left the strongest impression on me was Heralbony's art.

The artwork, which stretches across an entire wall, gently transforms the atmosphere of the space and creates the ambiance of the venue itself.

While it serves as a hub for startup support, it also has a certain museum-like feel to it.

It was symbolic that it encompassed not only functionality but also values and culture.

Startup support, industry-academia collaboration, global networks, and art.

Rather than existing separately, they are naturally integrated within a single space.

As someone interested in “space design,” this was a very educational experience for me.


　

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.”