Neurodiversity [Press Release] NHK for School’s “Dekoboko Pon!” Wins Grand Prize at the 2nd Neurodiversity Awards; “HERALBONY” Takes Runner-Up Prize | To All Members of the Media |
| NHK for School’s “Dekoboko Pon!” Wins Grand Prize at the 2nd Neurodiversity Awards; “HERALBONY” Takes Runner-Up Prize |
| ~Honoring Initiatives That Pave the Way for the Future of Neurodiversity~ |
 Scenes from the Awards Ceremony |
| B Lab (Director: Nanako Ishido) announced the winners for this year’s “2nd Annual Neurodiversity Awards 2025” at the awards ceremony held on November 3, 2025. |
| The Neurodiversity Awards honor individuals and organizations that are carrying out innovative initiatives across diverse fields—including research, education, technology, art, and social action—with the goal of building a society that embraces brain and neurological diversity. |
| ■ Award Results |
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| ◆ Grand Prize: “Dekoboko Pon!” (NHK FOR SCHOOL / Japan) |
| This educational program was highly praised for warmly portraying the diverse characteristics of children while naturally conveying the concept of neurodiversity. The deciding factor was its ability to positively influence a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. |
| ◆ Runner-up: “HERALBONY” (HERALBONY Co., Ltd. / Japan) |
| This project received high praise for continuously creating new cultural value centered on the art of artists with intellectual disabilities. Its ongoing efforts toward realizing an inclusive society were highly commended. |
| ◆ Neurodiversity Award |
| ・“Dustless Eye Chalk” (Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. / Japan) This initiative was recognized for its efforts to enhance accessibility in learning environments and address diverse learning needs through chalk products designed with a focus on improved visibility and safety. |
| ・“Training System to Reduce the Psychological Burden on Family Caregivers of People with Dementia” (Laboratory for Human-System Coexistence, Tokyo Institute of Technology / Japan) This research was recognized for utilizing VR and other technologies to simulate the sensory experiences of people with dementia, thereby promoting understanding among family caregivers and reducing their burden. |
| ・“The Autism-Friendly Museum” (Melbourne Museum / Australia) was recognized for its pioneering efforts—even on a global scale—in creating exhibits and establishing support systems that cater to visitors with diverse sensory characteristics. |
| ■ About the Judging Process |
| The judging was conducted by a panel of experts active at the forefront of fields such as neurodiversity, neuroscience, technology, art, and social welfare, based on the criteria of “Innovation,” “Social Acceptance,” and “Sustainability.” |
| To ensure fairness, regarding the Grand Prix winner, NHK, judge Miyuki Torii—who appears on NHK programs—did not participate in the evaluation of that entry. Similarly, regarding the Runner-up winner, HERALBONY, judge Joichi Ito—who has a business partnership with the organization—did not participate in the evaluation of that entry. Neutrality was maintained, and objective evaluations were conducted by the other judges. |
| ■ About the Neurodiversity Award |
| The Neurodiversity Awards are an initiative that aims to realize a society where every individual can thrive by leveraging their unique characteristics, and it accepts a wide range of entries from both Japan and abroad. |
| Last year’s inaugural edition attracted 177 entries from seven countries, and this year, we again received numerous submissions from a diverse range of fields, including research institutions, companies, universities, government agencies, and artists. |
| Official Website: https://neurodiversityawards.org/ |
| ■ About the Neurodiversity Project |
| Through initiatives such as the “The World in Our Minds” exhibition, training programs, and the awards program, the Neurodiversity Project works to spread the concept of neurodiversity throughout society and promote the creation of an environment where everyone can fully utilize their “strengths.” |
| Official Website: https://neuro-diversity.world/ |
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.”
