CREATIVE KIDS TOP Programming Education “Programming as a Form of Expression” Science Agora

Programming Education

2022.11.06
“Programming as a Form of Expression” Science Agora

“Programming as a Form of Expression” @ Science Agora.

We sat down with Satoshi Endo and Ryo Shimizu, who co-founded the National Elementary and Junior High School Programming Contest (JJPC), along with Yuki Mitsuhashi, the Grand Prix winner of the 3rd contest (currently a freshman in college; a third-year junior high student at the time), and Ayato Maniya, the runner-up of the 3rd contest(currently a freshman in college; in 9th grade at the time), we looked back on the entries from the past six competitions while discussing this year’s theme: “Programming as a Form of Expression.” We also invited Sosuke Konagai, the 4th Grand Prix winner, who had come to listen, to join us on stage—albeit on short notice.

One of the appeals of this contest is that it allows us to follow the winners' journeys of growth.

Mr. Mitsuhashi continued to use “Connecting,” the title and theme of his Grand Prix-winning work, as his guiding concept, and has continued to create a variety of works and products ever since. He was also selected as a Mitou Super Creator! I was surprised to learn that Mr. Mitsuhashi was the one who created the “AI Inspiration Maker”!

Mr. Manya, who also won the Runner-Up Prize, continued his creative work by incorporating AI into the world of music and programming. At JJPC, he won an award for “Magical Guitar,” which he created with the goal of realizing a world where “anyone can play the guitar.” His latest project is a tool that uses AI to transcribe bass lines by ear.Although he was a member of a music club in college, transcribing by ear takes time, and buying sheet music costs money. It’s truly impressive that he decided to create a service where AI does the transcribing for him.


　

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.”