CREATIVE KIDS TOP CANVAS Thank you.

CANVAS

2013.06.04
Thank you.

The executive director of CANVAS has announced she’s stepping down.
Apparently, she just can’t get enough of the dog she’s welcomed into her family.
She says Merry’s remaining time is her own.
She says she’ll work at a local supermarket so she can spend time with Merry.
Yes, even though we’ve been deeply involved with her for about 10 years, just like family,
we were just casually cast aside.
Facing what’s truly important head-on
and pouring her utmost love into it—it’s a choice that’s so typical of her.

She’s like CANVAS’s “health room.”
Whenever we had worries, we’d all take them to her to vent.
Whenever something sad happened, we’d all run to her for comfort.
“We got a complaint—how should we handle it?”
“What should I do if my email tone sounds too feminine?”
“Things aren’t going well with my boyfriend…”
“A family member has fallen ill…”

She’s a great listener and always offers neutral advice.
She suggests the left to those leaning right, and the right to those leaning left.
And everyone regains their balance and walks back with a steady stride.

To me, she’s a genius at saying “thank you.”
She always expresses her gratitude with impeccable timing.
At the CANVAS office, we say “thank you” to each other so often it’s almost creepy.
Even though nobody really expects it.
That is undoubtedly the greatest gift she has given to CANVAS.

We’re all chanting, “Don’t quit!” but
I’m sure she’ll set out on a new path.
For once, I don’t want to say “thank you,” but
I pray from the bottom of my heart for her happiness.

But please stay in the CANVAS health room forever.


　

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.”