CANVAS [Research Institute Records] “Names and Portraits: You and Me” at the University of Tokyo 
Kids Creative Lab at the University of Tokyo (Preschool Class) “Names and Pictures: You and Me” The September session of the Kids Creative Lab at the University of Tokyo’s Hongo Campus was held online.We invited Mikiko Stou (choreographer and dancer), known for her pun-based exercise routines, to lead a physical expression program centered on the theme of “names” with the children and their parents!
First, we’ll have everyone write their names on a piece of paper and show them to the class. Then, each child will introduce themselves by saying their own name and their parents’ names! It feels a little fresh to hear and say your own name, as well as your mom and dad’s names, all over again. After that, we’ll try expressing the names written on the paper in various ways by tracing them.
Try tapping “tap-tap-tap,” tracing as if sprinkling sand “sprinkle-sprinkle-sprinkle,” tracing with your feet, tracing by blowing gently, or tracing while shaking your head… As you actually move your body more and more, by the end, regardless of names, try moving using the expressions you discovered this time.
Children and adults alike expressed themselves in all sorts of ways, as if they had been set free. Through the interaction between Ms. Stowe, the children, and their parents, a wide variety of forms of expression emerged.
Finally, here’s some homework and a message from Ms. Stowe. After the workshop, please talk with your family about the feelings behind the name they gave you.As you go through life, you’ll encounter all kinds of names. I’m sure each of you will also be on the giving end of names someday. I hope you’ll look forward to the names you’ll encounter and the names you’ll give!
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.”
