CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab B Lab Newsletter Vol. 47

Blab

2026.04.17
B Lab Newsletter Vol. 47

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 47 (April 2026 Issue)

◆ Featured Project: 

iU × Yamaha to Launch Joint Vocaloid Course—Now Accepting Applications
iU and Yamaha will launch the world’s first joint course offering a systematic approach to learning vocaloid culture and music production on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.This special two-day course offers hands-on learning ranging from the basics of vocaloid to song production. As a valuable opportunity to learn directly from creators active on the front lines of the industry, we are accepting applications from anyone interested in music production or vocaloid culture. Click here for details.

“The World in Our Minds 2026 ~Neurodiversity~” Now Accepting Exhibitors and Sponsors!
The Neurodiversity Project will host “The World in Our Minds 2026 ~Hyperdiversity~” on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, at Tokyo Port City Takeshiba. Last year’s event featured 77 exhibits spanning industry and academia and was bustling with visitors.This year, we are once again seeking exhibitors and corporate sponsors to help create a space for deepening our understanding of diverse sensory worlds. Click here for details.
◆ What’s New! for Each Project:

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 34
For the 34th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Professor Sotaro Shimada from the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at Meiji University’s School of Science and Technology to discuss “The Future of Communication Pioneered by ‘Facial Expression Amplification Avatars,’ Which Resonate with the Brain When Facial Expressions Are ‘Doubled.’” Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 35
For the 35th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Professor Yasuko Shiraha from the Department of Social Design, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Jissen Women’s University, who spoke on “‘What’s Normal for Me Isn’t Normal for Others’: Experiencing Intersectionality Through Capsule Toys.” Click here for details.

iU × Sumida Ward × Luup Host Safety Workshop to Promote
Micro-Mobility Use
As part of a pilot study with Sumida Ward, iU partnered with Luup to conduct a safety workshop aimed at promoting the safe use of micromobility at “Spring Campus Common 2026,” held on Saturday, March 7.Through collaboration among industry, government, and academia, the initiative aims to promote safe and appropriate use and address local challenges by raising awareness of traffic rules and distributing guidebooks. Click here for details.


◆ Announcements
from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● Bringing “Cool Japan” to the World! “Singer SUMMIT 2026” to Be Held!
(SOGI omnibus Co., Ltd. / Nao Genya)
Sponsored by iU, “Singer SUMMIT 2026,” co-hosted by Super Visiting Professor Tadashi Shimamura and Visiting Faculty Member Nao Genya, will be held on Monday, April 27, at KT Zepp Yokohama!In addition to star guests Rika Matsumoto and Hiroshi Kitadani, MCs Shintaro Asanuma and Chiharu Sawashiro, as well as Japan’s first android unit “Tear.Drop.4,” will make a special appearance. This is a highly anticipated event dedicated to nurturing the next generation of singers and promoting Cool Japan.
⇒ For details, click here

● The “1st Japan-China International Anime Film Festival” will be held from May 28 to May 31!
(Organized by: Kadokawa Cultural Promotion Foundation / Sponsored by: Tokorozawa City, Tokorozawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan Tourism Agency, Content Overseas Distribution Promotion Organization (CODA) / In cooperation with: T-Joy Emiterasu Tokorozawa / Chairman: Ryohei Miyata)
iU Visiting Professor SOLA will serve as a judge in the short animation category.
⇒ Click here for details
● We are hosting an online symposium
(Learning of Tomorrow)
We will hold an online symposium during lunch time (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・April 22 (Wed): “Current Status and Digital Educational Initiatives for Accepting, Integrating, and Empowering Foreign Talent”
・Tomoko Shinohara: Member of the Working Group on the Future of High School Education, Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT); Member of the Kunitachi City Board of Education; Former Chairperson of the NHK Gakuen School Corporation
・Mr. Keizo Yoshida, Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC
⇒ For details, click
here
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April 2026, Vol. 47
Publisher: Nanako Ishido
Editor: Mikiko Kobayashi
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.”