To all the winners of the 7th National Programming Contest for Elementary and Junior High School Students and the 1st National Programming Contest for High School Students: Congratulations once again!

If it's held every year, just like in the world of college entrance exams,

It seems that formats (which are thought to be) more likely to be well-received are becoming established.

While this trend significantly raises the overall level,

I did feel, to some extent, that the sense of awe I had felt in the early days—regarding the choice of themes, the depth of exploration, and the strength of the presentation—was beginning to fade.

However, what the outstanding works that emerge every year have in common is that they all convey a sense of “insane immersion.”

The ability to lose oneself in something. As I look at this work, I feel deeply how important that is.

If we haven't reached that level yet, we might end up being replaced by AI.

I suppose we’ll start seeing AI-generated works at elementary and middle school competitions in the future, too.

To all the presenters, judges, and members of the organizing committee: Thank you for all your hard work! Thank you very much.

There was a lot of buzz about how the opening remarks by Professor Masahiko Inami of the University of Tokyo, the chair of the organizing committee, sounded like they were generated by AI (*^^*)

[Grand Prix]

Natsushou Hiramatsu, 9th Grade, Kamei Development Support Unit

[Runner-Up]

Sosuke Kawaguchi, 4th Grade: The Sounds of Insects

[Honorable Mention, Elementary School Division]

Kokubo Koya, 6th Grade: Connect the Wires

[Excellence Award, Middle School Division]

Akihito Yagi, 9th grader ObotShooter

[High School Student Category: Excellence Award]

Akira Tagata / Takumi Shibata (High School Sophomore / 4th Grader) Keishibato

[Special Award]

Natsuki Yokota, 5th Grade Elementary School Foreign Currency Trading Game: Battle Against AI