CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab B Lab Newsletter, Vol. 34

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2025.03.17
B Lab Newsletter, Vol. 34

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 34 (March 2025 Issue)

◆ Featured Project: 

“The World in Our Minds 2025: Neurodiversity”—Now Accepting Exhibitors and Sponsors!
The Neurodiversity Project will host “The World in Our Minds 2025 ~Neurodiversity~” on Sunday, November 2, and Monday, November 3, 2025 (a national holiday).Through hands-on experiences, this exhibition conveys the message that by respecting individual characteristics and creating appropriate environments, we can alleviate “difficulties in daily life” and transform personal traits into “strengths.” Last year, the event featured 55 exhibits and attracted 16,252 visitors.We are currently accepting applications from exhibitors and corporate sponsors. Click here for details.

[Report] February 11 (Tue) – Kaiyo Town Regional Revitalization Event
We held a community revitalization event utilizing cutting-edge technology at a library in Kaiyo Town, Tokushima Prefecture.The “Spirit Overflow” superhuman sports event connected Kaiyo Town and Tokyo (Takeshiba) online to offer a sports experience that everyone could enjoy, creating a lively atmosphere. At the “AI for ALL” workshop, children tried their hand at music production using generative AI, and could be seen listening intently to the music they created. For details, click here.
◆ Announcement from the B Lab Secretariat:

March 27 (Thu) B Lab Marche (Networking Event) – Registration Still Open!
The B Lab Marche (networking event) is fast approaching. Registration is still open. This is a valuable opportunity for people who want to shape the future to gather, connect, and build relationships. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Registration is still open, so we look forward to seeing you there! To register, click here.
■ Date & Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 7:00 PM–9:00
PM ■ Location: iU Sumida Campus, iU Cafe
■ Admission: General: 2,000 yen; Students: 500 yen
◆ What’s New! from Each Project:

New “PPP” Project Kickoff
iU is launching the “Pop Power Project” (PPP), a joint project with the CiP Council, a general incorporated association. Through the formation of communities centered on pop culture, PPP will engage in talent development, event organization, and research.On February 18, we held a kickoff party attended by approximately 100 participants, including representatives from companies, academic institutions, and government agencies. This project will officially launch in April 2025. Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Launches Online Community
We have launched an online community where anyone interested in neurodiversity can learn from one another, interact, and take action toward realizing a neurodiverse society. This community aims to collectively create a neurodiverse society where each individual can fully realize their potential. Click here for details.

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 10
For the 10th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Ryo Koido of Yamada Holdings to discuss “stores where everyone can shop comfortably during ‘Quiet Hours’ with subdued lighting and sound.” We’ve published the report and video, so please be sure to check them out!

Neurodiversity Project Interview Series, Episode 11
For the 11th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Mr. Hiroto Saito and Mr. Kuniharu Sakurada from the Inami-Monnai Laboratory at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology to discuss “What Does Communication That Each Diverse Individual Finds ‘Comfortable’ Look Like?” We’ve published the report and video, so please be sure to check them out!
◆ B Lab Chapter News: B Lab chapters are spreading across the globe, both virtually and in person. This month, we’re bringing you a message from B Lab Singapore♪
I’m Taka from B Lab Singapore. It’s been nearly six years since I moved to Singapore, and based on what I’ve learned here, I recently launched an initiative called “Adapt.” The goal is to identify Japanese individuals who can become “good friends” to overseas startups and use catalytic innovation to break new ground in Japan’s ecosystem. I hope this program will achieve just that.We plan to start by focusing on the Singapore–Tokyo axis and gradually expand our reach. Currently, 42 people (including 10 from overseas startups) have already begun connecting, but we’ll limit the total to 150 at most. Adapt is still in its first phase, and we’re planning to move to the next stage in the near future. I’m really excited about what’s to come.

◆ Announcements
from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● INSOMNIA, the public-private-academic partnership esports team between Sumida Ward and iU, will compete in the Asian Championships for Pokémon Unite!
(INS Co., Ltd.)
The esports team INSOMNIA, operated by INS Co., Ltd., has advanced through the Pokémon Unite Pro League and will represent Japan at the Asian Championships.
You can watch the matches for free on March 29 and 30
at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza, so please come out and cheer them on.
⇒ For details, click here

● Pilot Program to Offer Esports-Themed English Conversation Classes Begins at a Local Club in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture
(Takuya Manabe, Representative Director, Geshipi Co., Ltd.)
Geshipi Co., Ltd., a metaverse education startup, has launched a pilot program to offer esports-themed English conversation classes at a community club in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture. This initiative aims to provide new learning opportunities as part of efforts to reform local club activities in a sustainable manner. A new community club where middle school students can enjoy speaking English has kicked off.
⇒For details, click here

● The Key to Entrepreneurship Is Cutting Costs! Introducing One of Tokyo’s Top Share Houses in Koiwa
(iU Visiting Professor Captain★Zako (Tomohiro Sasamori))
To free up more capital for launching your business, the first step is to lower your operating costs!
For all students dreaming of starting a business, let me introduce you to the Koiwa shared house I manage, with a monthly rent of 23,000 yen. There’s also a special gift for those who contact me through this link.
⇒ Click here for details

● Featured
in *President* Magazine (Shoichi Okawa, Ryugaku Sommelier Co., Ltd.)
I served as the supervising editor for a feature titled “Top 5 Recommendations for ‘Adult Study Abroad’ with Zero Overseas Experience” in the March 21, 2025 issue of *President*.
⇒ Click here for details

● “Superhuman Sports” is going viral!
(Superhuman Sports Project)
As previously announced here regarding the development of new service models, we have since begun receiving a wide range of inquiries from electrical appliance manufacturers, travel agencies, and automotive companies. Whether it’s about events using Superhuman Sports, developing new sports, corporate recreational activities, or supporting Superhuman Sports initiatives—we welcome all inquiries, no matter how small!
⇒ For details, click here

● [March 25 Event] Sustainability Innovation Network Tokyo #04 (SIN Tokyo)
(Sustainaseed Co., Ltd.)
This event brings together participants from diverse backgrounds—including startups, corporations, local governments, and universities—who are interested in solving sustainability challenges, with the goal of fostering innovation.
⇒ Click here for details

● Seminar on Theory and Practice Learned from Business and Sports!
(Makiko Hatakeyama, Representative Director, SKE Japan Co., Ltd.)
It is often said that business and sports are alike in the process of setting goals, formulating strategies, executing tactics, and achieving those goals. This seminar consists of two parts: the first covers essential business concepts, while the second allows participants to delve deeper through hands-on theory and practice in sports.We will provide content that will be useful for business owners and managers looking to improve communication with their employees, as well as business professionals aiming to reach new heights.
⇒ For details, click here.

● Yaihou Hamazaki to Speak at the “Media × Business Co-Creation Forum 2025”!
(Masami Hamazaki, General Manager, Brand Co-creation Department, THE WHY HOW DO COMPANY, Inc.)
At the “Media × Business Co-creation Forum 2025” to be held on Wednesday, March 19, he will give a presentation on building a co-creation ecosystem that accelerates new business creation for major corporations. This is a unique event featuring a “reverse pitch” format led by media companies.
⇒ For details, click here.

● We’re hosting an online symposium
(Learning of Tomorrow)
We will be holding an online symposium during lunch hour (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・March 19 (Wed): “Guidebook on Generative AI Training at the Miyagi Prefectural Comprehensive Education Center” by Manabu
Yamashita, Deputy Director (Team Leader) and Supervising Instructor, Information Education Team, Miyagi Prefectural Comprehensive Education Center
⇒ For details, click here
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March 2025, Vol. 34
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.”