Wednesday, December 2: I will be speaking at the “Japan Electronic Publishing Association (JEPA) Seminar.”

Reprinted from the website below.

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With the widespread adoption of tablet devices, “digital picture books”—a form of rich media—are gaining attention.
We will hear from three leading companies in this field.

● Gakken’s initiatives regarding “digital picture books” and future developments
http://kids.gakken.co.jp/ehon/
Mr. Tsuyoshi Murata, General Manager, Content Production Department, Book Beyond Co., Ltd.
From the “Piyo-chan” picture book app series to the operation of the “Gakken’s Picture Book Store,” we’ll introduce Gakken’s “Digital Ehon” initiatives, which aim to create “excitement and anticipation.”

● The Potential of Digital Ehon as a Character Business
http://zubon.co.jp/
Mr. Masafumi Kumada, Representative Director, ZUBON Co., Ltd.
New characters are born from digital picture books! We’ll discuss characters and stories that captivate children—made possible precisely because they’re digital. A completely new form of content proposed by ZUBON.

● Nurturing Children’s Imagination and Creativity Through Digital Picture Books
http://digitalehon.net/
Ms. Nanako Ishido, CEO of Digital Ehon, Chairperson of the NPO CANVAS, and
Associate Professor at Keio University
She founded the NPO CANVAS in 2002 and has since promoted initiatives to create creative learning environments for children in the digital age through collaboration among industry, government, and academia. Recognizing changes in the environment surrounding children, she launched the “Digital Ehon” initiative in 2011. Through “Digital Ehon” and other initiatives, she is fostering the skills necessary for children living in the digital age.She will also introduce international initiatives undertaken as part of her organization’s efforts to pioneer and advance the field of “Digital Ehon.”

■ Overview
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 2, 15:00–17:30 (Registration begins at 14:30)
Fee: JEPA member companies: Free; Non-member companies: 3,000 yen (payable on the day of the event; receipts will be issued)
Venue: Iidabashi: Kenkyusha English Center
Organizer: Japan Electronic Publishing Association (JEPA)

*JEPA member companies are limited to the companies and organizations listed at the URL below.
http://www.jepa.or.jp/member_company/
The corporate structures of member companies have become increasingly complex, making it difficult for the secretariat to keep track of them. Since affiliated companies may be registered as members individually, any company or organization not listed by name on the JEPA member list will, in principle, be considered a “non-member.”
JEPA members registered as part of a corporate group should apply under the name of the registered member company.
*Non-members must pay 3,000 yen at the venue reception desk on the day of the event. A blank receipt (without the payee’s name) will be issued.
*Kenkyusha English Center