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2024.05.16
B Lab Newsletter, Vol. 24

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 24 (May Issue)


◆ Featured Project: 

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024: Superhuman Sports Challenge 2050 is Coming!
At the “SusHi Tech TOKYO 2024” event (May 17–21), held at venues including Ariake Arena in Koto Ward, Tokyo, you can enjoy Superhuman Sports right in the main arena.On the 18th, stage shows featuring three officially recognized Superhuman Sports disciplines—HADO, SASSEN, and R-FIGHT—are scheduled to take place. Admission to this event is free, so please come out in droves and join us!

The 2nd B Lab Online Salon is set for Thursday, June 20!!
The former town of Kaifu, located in southern Tokushima Prefecture, is known as a “region with the lowest suicide rate” in the country, boasting an extremely low suicide rate. Mr. Dan Oka, who spent four years researching the former town of Kaifu to uncover the mystery behind its low suicide rate, published the book *A Town Where It Feels Good to Live*, which generated a huge response.At the 2nd B Lab Online Salon, we will welcome Mr. Oka to speak on “The Secrets to Creating Communities and Regions Where People Feel Good Living.” We hope you’ll join us!

“Digital Ehon Award 2024” Confirmed—Submissions Now Open!
We are hosting the “Digital Ehon Award 2024” with the aim of discovering and promoting “Digital Ehon”—a form of digital expression that fosters new ways for children to play and learn. We have received entries from 34 countries around the world to date, and the award has grown into an international event. The judging criteria are “Fun!”, “Never seen anything like this!”, and “It broadens my horizons!”.The submission deadline is Thursday, July 25, 2024, so please be sure to submit your entry.

◆ From the B Lab Secretariat

The first B Lab Online Salon was held on Tuesday, April 9. We welcomed Mr. Joichi Ito (Co-founder and Director of Digital Garage, Inc.; President of Chiba Institute of Technology) to speak broadly about society in the era of generative AI. You can watch the symposium here.

◆ What’s New! from Each Project

[ Report Published!] We’ve published the report from the first Neurodiversity Training Session held on Wednesday, April 24! We received many encouraging comments, such as “I’d love to participate if there’s a second session!” You can find the report here.

[ Crowdfunding Campaign Launched!] “iU esports” aims to make iU a global mecca for esports and foster a balance between academics and athletics through esports. We are launching initiatives to develop esports-focused coursework and host regular events to increase the number of people active in the esports community. Our crowdfunding campaign has begun, and we would greatly appreciate your support.

Starting Friday, May 10, we’re holding test ride sessions every Friday at the Sumida Campus for “Streemo,” a stand-up three-wheeled mobility device that lets you get around at your own pace. This is a great chance to try it out, so please come by and give it a go!♪

Led by current iU students and graduates of the first cohort, we have established the university DAO “iU DAO” using a limited liability company (LLC)-style DAO framework.Moving forward, iU DAO plans to establish a fund and manage its assets; it intends to use the surplus funds generated from these operations to provide capital and make equity investments in various projects within the DAO.

On Friday, May 31, at 1:00 PM, we will hold a lecture at iU on realizing an inclusive city. We will discuss initiatives to build an inclusive society and the realities of navigating the city for people with visual impairments.


◆ B Lab Hub Newsletter: B Lab hubs are spreading across the globe, both virtually and in person. This month, we bring you a newsletter from B Lab Tanegashima♪
◎ B Lab Tanegashima operates as a hub dedicated to developing and implementing the “CoJUNKAN” platform, which is essential for building a zero-carbon society
. Recently, we received a request from the social welfare corporation “Yurisa” to construct a self-sufficient power generation system combining battery storage and solar panels.Last year’s typhoon knocked out their power supply, resulting in a four-day blackout. They had to rely on a small gasoline-powered generator even for cooking rice, which apparently made them acutely aware of the need for a solution. While a single special nursing home currently spends 2 million yen per month on electricity, this cost will be reduced to one-tenth of that once the system is complete, making a significant contribution to achieving a zero-carbon society.


◆ Announcements
from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● Change Your Life in Two Days! Online Voice Training Course to Enhance Your Work, Parenting, and Family Life
(New Japan Voice Training Association, General Incorporated Association)
In this online course led by four specialists, you’ll learn how to project your voice and speak in ways that effectively convey your message. When your voice changes, so does the impression you make—and your relationships will improve!
⇒ For details, click here

● Already a Bestseller! “Godspeed Time-Saving”
(Global Career Design Co., Ltd.)
Written by an author who has built a career in 10 countries around the world, this book reveals the secrets of how global business professionals achieve results while heading home promptly—without overtime. Highly recommended for those struggling with time management.
⇒ For details, click here

● “The Lonely Castle in the Mirror” Cinema Concert Special Performance
(Shochiku Music Publishing / Lee Shin-woo)
: Live orchestral performances of the film’s original score will accompany the full-length screening on the big screen. The 2022 hit film “The Lonely Castle in the Mirror,” which grossed over 1 billion yen at the box office, is now a cinema concert!The film’s entire soundtrack will be recreated through a live orchestral performance to accompany the full-length screening on the big screen! The immersive experience unique to a live performance delivers an emotional impact that’s a cut above the typical movie theater experience.
⇒ Click

here for details ● “Yakkle,” an online telemedicine service for lifestyle-related diseases: Treat lifestyle-related diseases safely and conveniently from home! 
(Argos Co., Ltd. “Ouchi Clinic Yakkle”)
Over 1,500 registered users! Treat lifestyle-related diseases safely and conveniently from home! Experience simple medical care available year-round until 10:00 PM—no appointment needed! If desired, ongoing treatment using at-home blood tests is also available.
⇒ For details, here

● Launch of the “Academy CHALLENGER AWARD”: Recognizing and Supporting Student Innovators Paving the Way for the Future of Industry
(Media Incubate Co., Ltd. / Masami Hamazaki)
We’ve launched an initiative to recognize student innovators through our media platform dedicated to supporting industrial innovation. We’d be delighted to collaborate with everyone at iU.
⇒ Click here for details

● Improve Your Health Through Interior Design! Small-Group TERAKOYA Seminar (Lighting Edition)
(Japan Association for Interior Health Studies)
“Lighting” (lighting environment) is a critical field closely linked to health and disease prevention. We’ll explain the essentials in an easy-to-understand way, whether you’re an occupational health professional or new to the field of interior design.This is a rare opportunity to experience the latest lighting technologies in the “Lighting Simulation Room,” which is not normally open to the public!
⇒ Click here for details

● “Choice Travel” Opens
—Featuring a Curated Selection of Experiential “Furusato Nozei” Thank-You Gifts (Trust Bank Co., Ltd.)
"Furusato Choice," one of Japan’s largest comprehensive Hometown Tax donation sites, has launched "Choice Travel," which features a curated selection of experiential thank-you gifts. Additionally, we’ve launched "Travel Guide," which provides information on travel and day trips, including introductions to hotels and ryokans, as well as hot springs, tourist spots, and suggested itineraries.
⇒ For details, click here

● Report Published on “TOKYO Women Entrepreneurs Academy by NEW” Themed Public Seminar
(A&I Co., Ltd.)
We spoke at the “TOKYO Women Entrepreneurs Academy by NEW” themed public seminar (February 15, 2024), hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, on the topic “Diversifying Funding Methods: A Creative Approach to Raising Capital.” A report on the event has been posted on the official website.
⇒ For details, click here

● Online Symposium to Be Held
(Learning of Tomorrow)

We will hold an online symposium during lunch hour (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・May 22 (Wed) “ What Kind of Education Is Needed in the AI Era?—Reflections Through Practical Examples of Generative AI”
by Hiroyuki Tanaka, Professor, Graduate School of Education, Waseda University
・June 5 (Wed) “ Solving On-the-Ground Challenges with ‘School AI,’ a Generative AI Platform Specialized for Education”
by Yuta Sato, CEO
, Mingaku Co., Ltd. ===============================

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May 2024, Vol. 24
Publisher: Nanako Ishido
Editor: Chika Masuda
Address: 1-18-13 Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
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