CREATIVE KIDS TOP Other “The ‘Online Advertising That Changed the World’ Series” by Kotaro Sugiyama

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2020.06.15
“The ‘Online Advertising That Changed the World’ Series” by Kotaro Sugiyama

Although it’s a bit late, Kotaro Sugiyama’s “Online Advertising That Changed the World” series in the Nikkei Shimbun, which ran through last week, was excellent. I wish it had continued longer. For anyone who felt the
same way, I recommend this book.

Discovering Ideas: 50 Ads That Changed the World, as Seen by Kotaro Sugiyama

I had actually begged Mr. Sugiyama before, saying, “I want a sequel to this book!” (*^^*)
It was a truly blissful time to sit down with Mr. Sugiyama—who had conducted research alongside Professor Seymour Papert at the MIT Media Lab—over a drink and have a lively discussion about Professor Papert’s theories on education.
So, if asked which piece in this series is my favorite, I would choose this one without hesitation.

■ The Nikkei: Online Ads That Changed the World (4) “ecotonoha”
— Kotaro Sugiyama, Creative Director

“From now on, people will be freed from brushes and paints and will begin to create through programming.”
The fourth session begins with these words from Professor John Maeda, my deeply revered mentor. If you can’t write
code, you can’t create anything with a computer. When creating with existing software, you cannot transcend the boundaries set by others’ creations.
I was deeply moved by Professor John Maeda’s philosophy of “creating from tools.” And
from there, I was introduced to “ecotonoha.” I was interested in the research of Professor Judith Donas, who was developing systems that visualize
online interactions and community relationships, allowing for an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing understanding of them.I was planning to focus on information visualization for my master’s thesis at the time,
and since CANVAS—which I had already started working on—was receiving tremendous support from NEC’s CSR Office, I vividly remember the impact I felt when I first saw Yugo Nakamura’s “ecotonoha.”


　

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.”