CREATIVE KIDS TOP Programming Education Backstage at the Japan Game Awards Judging Panel

Programming Education

2019.09.17
Backstage at the Japan Game Awards Judging Panel

I managed to get an autograph from Level-5 President Hino—known as "Hinogami" from *Yo-kai Watch*—whom I met at the Japan Game Awards judging panel.


Backstage, I asked Mr. Hino and Famitsu.com Editor-in-Chief Mitsukawa for their thoughts on how kids play games these days.
They start playing after checking all the walkthroughs on YouTube.For them, playing a game is simply a matter of verification. But is that really the right way to enjoy it?
“It’s like going on a trip after reading a travel magazine,” one person said, acknowledging the value of real-world experiences, while another remarked, “It reminds me of a school recital where you show off what you’ve practiced beforehand.” Others offered opinions such as, “With so many things they have to do these days, isn’t there a strong desire to get through games efficiently?”“Aren’t they afraid of the unknown? Don’t they want to play with peace of mind, knowing exactly what to expect?” Indeed,
with entertainment so abundant these days, it’s hard to spend a lot of time on each individual game, isn’t it?


Another thing I found interesting while observing the elementary school students was that even the kids who don’t own video games were joining in on the conversations about them—after watching YouTube, of course.
“It seems like the kids who don’t own video games are the ones watching YouTube the most intently,” said Mr. Hino.
That’s certainly true.
It was a really friendly and cheerful atmosphere backstage.


　

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.”