CREATIVE KIDS TOP Learning of Tomorrow [Report] Part 1 of the 203rd Session: “AI Avatars as Assistants in English Classes”

Learning of Tomorrow

2026.04.10
[Report] Part 1 of the 203rd Session: “AI Avatars as Assistants in English Classes”

On February 17, 2026, the Learning of Tomorrow Association hosted an online symposium titled “Expanding Classroom Support with AI Avatars via ‘TOC-ME! assistant,’” featuring Mr. Kenji Hanzawa from the Planning and Strategy Department of Mitsumura Tosho Publishing Co., Ltd.

In the first half of the symposium, Mr. Hanzawa gave a presentation on the concept and features of “TOC-ME! assistant,” an app that brings AI avatars into the classroom to assist with English lessons. In the second half, he held a Q&A session that incorporated questions from the audience.

Here’s a look at the first half of the event.

First Half: https://lot.or.jp/project/16465/


　

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.”