KMD Visit to Aoshima Bunka Kyozaisha (Shizuoka City × Keio University “STEAM Education Project Using Models”) The "STEAM Education Project Using Models," a collaboration between Shizuoka City and Keio University.
Bringing Shizuoka’s world-renowned model-making culture into the next generation of learning.
I visited Japan's leading model manufacturers: Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Aoshima!
First, we’ll visit the Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd., founded in 1924.
I discussed the past and future of model making with President Aoshima.
So “Dekotora” and “Gattai” are registered trademarks of Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd., aren’t they!
The techniques and culture of model-making, cultivated over a long history.
At the same time, the company is taking on a series of new challenges, including the “Raku-Pura” series—which requires no painting or glue and is easy for even beginners to enjoy—collaborations with IPs such as “Initial D,” and “Kemo-Pura,” which brings the joy of model building to a whole new audience.
And what really surprised me was "The Barker"!
It's on display right at the entrance to our office, and apparently, when they made a model of it, it sold about 60 times as many units as the regular product.
Model-making is not only a form of meticulous craftsmanship but also a creative world that begins with feelings of “I like this,” “This is fun,” and “I want to try making this.”
How can we connect this sense of “enjoyment” and “the joy of creating” to STEAM learning?
Bringing the knowledge and culture of Shizuoka’s model-making industry—accumulated over 100 years—to the education of future generations.
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.”
