CREATIVE KIDS TOP Workshop [Report] Kids Creative Lab in Shibuya

Workshop

2015.07.08
[Report] Kids Creative Lab in Shibuya

From a CANVAS Facebook post

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[Kids Creative Lab in Shibuya]
On July 7, the Kids Creative Lab in Shibuya held a workshop for children and adults. The program for
this session was “Let’s Dance Our Names!” featuring choreographer Mikiko Stow as the instructor.

First, let’s all check attendance together! Even the adults who are usually called “Dad,” “Mom,” “Papa,” or “Mama” will be addressed by their first names today. Some people have the
same name, and others have similar names… Names are really interesting, aren’t they?

As they move their bodies—whether by imitating Ms. Mikiko, exploring the venue, or shouting at the top of their lungs—their spirits seem to lift.
Both children and adults find themselves smiling more and more.

What does it mean to “dance your name”? I found it puzzling, but instead of just thinking about it, I tried it out—and it all made sense. First with my fingertips, then using my hands and arms, and finally my whole body—as I formed my own name or someone else’s, each one became its own unique dance. There were even moments when
children and adults exchanged these names created with their bodies as gifts.

“A name is the very first gift everyone receives from their mom and dad.
So I’d be happy if everyone cherished their own name and grew to love it!” Ms. Mikiko’s words left a deep impression on me.
Please cherish your own name—the one you’ll live with for a very, very long time—as well as all the other names you’ll encounter from now on!


　

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.”