CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab B Lab Newsletter Vol. 44

Blab

2026.01.21
B Lab Newsletter Vol. 44

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 44 (January 2026 Issue)

◆ Featured Project: 

Sumida STEAM Fes Held
On January 11, iU HubLab hosted the “Sumida STEAM Fes,” featuring practice matches for the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) and hands-on STEAM activities and exhibits.A total of 12 teams from Japan and the U.S. competed in intense matches, and the event drew a total of 413 participants, including over 200 members of the general public. With exhibits and presentations by 15 organizations, the venue was buzzing with excitement. Click here for details.
◆ What’s New! for Each Project:

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 27
For the 27th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Dr. Ryuma Shiraha, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Media Design (KMD), Keio University, who spoke on “Understanding and respecting brain diversity to create a society where people of all backgrounds can live more comfortably and happily.” Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 28
For the 28th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Dr. Katsunari Sato, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Nara Women’s University, to discuss “Two Exhibits Focusing on Temperature: Tactile Transmission and a VR Experience of Menstrual Cramps—Can Technology That Conveys ‘Warmth’ Bridge Emotional Distances?” Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 29
For the 29th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Professor Kunio Matsui from the Department of Intelligent Information Systems, School of Information and Engineering, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, who spoke on the topic: “The Future City Pioneered by ‘Coded Braille Tiles’ That Support Visually Impaired People in Walking Independently.” Click here for details.

Friendly Robot Project 
Participation in “Aichi Robo Fest”
We participated in “Aichi Robo Fest,” a robotics event for children held in Aichi Prefecture from December 12 to 14, 2025, which concluded successfully. It provided an opportunity for many parents and children to interact with robots while envisioning future lifestyles. Click here for details.
◆ B Lab Chapter News: B Lab chapters are spreading across the globe, both virtually and in person. This month, we bring you a message from B Lab Dhaka♪

B Lab Dhaka is collaborating with the World Talent Economy Forum (WTEF) and IBYOND to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development in Bangladesh.By creating spaces where young people can share knowledge, hone their skills, and network, they are supporting the next generation’s endeavors. Furthermore, through the regional development initiative “Innovative Rajbari,” they are developing Rajbari District as a living lab for testing sustainable social and ecological solutions. Click here for details.
◆ Announcements
from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● Notice Regarding Article Publication
(Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance)
This article provides an in-depth look at the collaborative model between property and casualty insurers and startups—a model we have been developing for over 10 years—as well as our new challenges moving forward.
⇒ Click here for details.

● “Analysis of Power Usage in Centralized and Decentralized Antenna Systems” Published in the Journal of Progress in Electromagnetics Research
(Kamya Yekeh Yazdandoost (IoMT Lab))
While mobile communications are becoming faster with each generation thanks to the introduction of new technologies and advanced architectures, it has also been pointed out that power consumption may increase compared to 4G and 5G. Furthermore, information and communications technology (ICT) holds great potential to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
⇒ For details, click here

● An article was published on “Toyo Keizai Online”!
(Shoichi Okawa, Ryugaku Sommelier Co., Ltd.)
An article about my food tour during a business trip to the UK, titled “Honest Impressions of a Japanese Man in His 50s on a ‘UK Food Tour,’” has been published on Toyo Keizai Online.
⇒ Click here for details

● We are hosting an online symposium
(Learning of Tomorrow)
We will be holding an online symposium during lunchtime (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・January 28 (Wed): “Exploring the Achievements and Challenges of ‘Shibuya Future Studies’” – Mr. Rintaro
Ito, Superintendent of the Shibuya City Board of Education
⇒ For details, click here
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January 2026, Vol. 44
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.”