CREATIVE KIDS TOP Museum MANGALOGUE: “The Phoenix”

Museum

2026.05.02
MANGALOGUE: “The Phoenix”

On to MANGALOGUE's "The Phoenix."

A giant screen, sound, lights, robotic arms, and a voice.

It wasn't just an adaptation of a manga; it was an attempt to reinvent the manga experience itself ^^

By receiving it at the same time as hundreds of other people in the same space,

The story unfolds in a way that’s completely different from when I was turning the pages on my own.

In particular, the theme of *Phoenix: Future Chapter* feels strangely relevant to our times.

Excessive dependence on civilization—which is linked to dependence on AI—mental complacency, and human ethics.

Although this question was posed more than half a century ago, it resonates with a powerful sense of reality in today’s context.

I recalled that when we first started our digital picture book project, we had a discussion about “how we could expand the value of reading picture books together.”

While this experience makes me wonder if it could be adapted into a picture book,

It also makes me think that we can't simply apply this method as is.

Although a sense of dynamism was created by spatially expanding manga panels—which are designed to convey time, gaze, and pauses—

The value of picture books lies in the time spent on each page, the white space, and the relationship that develops when they are read aloud.

I’ve been wondering how I can come up with new storylines for picture books.

In any case, how far can we expand the act of “reading” beyond the confines of manga?

It was an experience that made me ask myself that question.

Thank you so much, Mr. Honma, for inviting 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.”