CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab B Lab Newsletter, Vol. 10

Blab

2023.04.18
B Lab Newsletter, Vol. 10

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Vol. 10 (April Issue)

◆ Featured Project: 

With the cooperation of the Nishinoomote City Government, we will build a “Platinum Society” involving all island residents and, in particular, realize “ESG”—which goes beyond the SDGs. As an “island that generates energy resources,” we will create a model that is ecologically sustainable, involves all residents, generates employment, and serves as a model for a local community rich in both material and spiritual well-being.

On Friday, March 17, 2023, we held the “B Lab Marche” networking event at the iU Sumida Campus! Approximately 200 people attended, including B Lab researchers, students interested in the event, and members of the local community. Click here to see photos from the event.
◆ Introducing
B Lab Researchers

Anh Phu Nguyen / Harvard University Student
B Lab researchers are active at the forefront of various industries. This month, we spoke with AnhPhu Nguyen, who is majoring in Computer Science & Engineering at Harvard University and founded the Augmentation Lab and the Harvard AR/VR Developers Club.
Continue reading here
◆ What’s New! for Each Project

On Saturday, April 15, we held a workshop for elementary school students. Using future prediction data (“Future Charts”), the students explored the challenges and attractions of Minato Ward, Tokyo, and considered their ideal future vision along with the policies needed to make it a reality!

We’ve launched a project to accelerate innovation in Japan through “Fantasy Studies.” Together with Kaname Co., Ltd., we’re developing business methodologies rooted in “fantasy”—a form of free and playful imagination.

Live-streaming videos created in the Practical Video Production Course nationwide! iU students who took the Practical Video Production Course—taught by Captain ★ Zako—created videos introducing recommended spots in Sumida Ward, which were broadcast on BS Yoshimoto Co., Ltd.’s program “Cheekies a GoGo! ~Go, See, Taste, and Enjoy Japan~.”

Research conducted by students belonging to the virtual laboratory led by Professor Taisho Saito—titled “Exploring the Use of VR for Entertainment for People with Physical Disabilities”—was featured on the media site CNET Japan.

We’ve launched the EduFilm Lab Instagram account! This project supports anyone in expressing themselves and conveying their thoughts to others through video media.

Bunka Junior High School Community Interaction Festival Project
At a community exchange event held on March 12 and organized by the Bunka Junior High School Community Youth Development Committee, we were in charge of creating promotional posters and planning and designing game booths (such as a photo-matching game)!

Project to Bridge the Digital Divide for Seniors
This project addresses the digital divide among the elderly by planning and implementing initiatives targeting approximately 10,000 members of Sumida Ward’s senior citizens’ clubs.On March 10, an iU student (Yuki Makino) presented a report on our activities at the “Senior Citizens’ Club Report Meeting,” and on March 25, Tsubasa Sato and Yuki Makino participated in the “Senior Citizens’ Club MinChalle Exchange Meeting” at the Sumida Ward Office!


◆ News from B Lab Chapters: B Lab chapters are spreading across the globe, both virtually and in person. This month, we bring you updates from two chapters: B Lab Hiroshima and B Lab Nagasaki♪
◎ B Lab Hiroshima: At the end of
March, we began a pilot project for bivalve aquaculture using the single-seed method off the coast of Kabe Island in Hatsukaichi City. We are also developing peripheral equipment to advance automation. Starting in May, we plan to introduce oceanographic buoys and real-time data analysis software.

On Sunday, April 9, B Lab Nagasaki and Edufilm Lab co-hosted an “MV Workshop” for middle and high school students in Nagasaki! After writing storyboards, teams filmed their music videos in a park, and at the end, each team screened their own video. Although many participants were creating videos for the first time, every one was a masterpiece!! Also, we’ve also launched accounts on Instagram and YouTube, so please check them out.

◆ Announcements
from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● We gave a presentation on the metaverse at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications!
(Taisho Saito, CEO of Steins Co., Ltd., and Visiting Professor at iU)
At the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ “ Study Group on the Utilization of the Metaverse and Related Technologies for the Web3 Era (8th Meeting),” I gave a presentation titled “New Forms of Education and Humanistic Knowledge Brought About by the Metaverse.”

● Hosted a conference at the G7 Gunma Takasaki Digital and Technology Ministers’ Meeting!
(Digital Policy Forum)
We will host “ Realizing Global Collaboration in Digital Policy” at the venue of the G7 Gunma Takasaki Digital and Technology Ministers’ Meeting. This event is open to everyone, and we are actively seeking participants, so please join us.
●What Matters
Most Is With Ono-kun: Connecting the World.
(Ono-kun Project)
[Inspiration × Purpose = A Meaningful Way of Working] We learn from “Ono-kun,” created by a mother who narrowly escaped death after being swept away by a tsunami. We prioritize feelings over conditions and support the courage to take that first step.

● Online Symposium
(Learning of Tomorrow)
We will host an online symposium during lunch hour (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・April 27(Thu) “New Learning Created by Virtual Spaces—Utilizing the Metaverse”
Naoto Kato, Representative Director and CEO, Cluster Inc
. ・May 10 (Wed) “Why Inclusive Education Is Important—Toward Creating Inclusive Schools and Societies” Akina
Noguchi, Director, UNIVA General Incorporated Association
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April 2023, Vol. 10
Publisher: Nanako Ishido
Editor: Chika Masuda
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.”