Uncategorized
- 2022.03.25
- Zorori the Problem-Solver: Virtual Zorori Castle
It looks like they're building a virtual Zorori Castle! I can't wait!
We spoke with Mr. Kato of Poplar Publishing, the company behind hit series such as “The Zorroli Series” and “Greg’s Diary.”
I think I first met Mr. Kato around 2012. I was with Mr. Sakai, who was the president of Poplar at the time.
When I approached him about wanting to produce a Digital Ehon, President Sakai got angry and said, “I’m against digital!”
(After that, the conversation really took off, and—after being told it was a “special exception”—I was actually allowed to create the Digital Ehon!)
However, Poplar Publishing is now incredibly advanced in the digital space, with offerings like Yomokka!—an all-you-can-read e-book service for elementary, middle, and high school students—the digital encyclopedia Sagasokka!, and the virtual Zorori series!
It reads: “From books to IP,” “From domestic to international,” “From reading to the reading experience,”
And, “From a company that makes children’s books to a company that shapes children’s futures”
It seems there was a major shift.
I'm looking forward to seeing how things unfold.
*Since I had the chance, here's a photo I took with Mr. Yutaka Hara, the creator of Zorori!
Profile
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Digital Picture Book Author Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVASAfter 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.”
