石戸奈々子 Nanako ishido

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.”

●Public Service, etc.
《Government》
・Member, “Youth Protection Working Group,” Study Group on Addressing Various Issues in Information Flow in the Digital Space, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Oct. 2025–)
・Member, Study Group on Improving Literacy for ICT Utilization, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Nov. 2022–)
・Member (Chair) of the Study Group on Digital Skills Standards, commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (December 2021–March 2022)
・Member of the Expert Committee on the Informatization of School Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (September 2021–December 2022)
・Temporary Member, Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (July 2021–March 2023)
・Member, Study Group on the Future Direction of Digital Textbooks, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (September 2020–June 2021)
・Expert Member, Council for the Promotion of Regulatory Reform, Cabinet Office (December 2019–July 2021)
・Member, Expenditure Reform Working Group, Council for the Promotion of Administrative Reform, Cabinet Secretariat (April 2019–March 2020)
・Member, Research and Development and Innovation Subcommittee, Industrial Technology and Environment Subcommittee, Industrial Structure Council, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (December 2018–December 2022)
・Member, ICT Global Strategy Roundtable for the Era of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (December 2018–May 2019)
・Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTP)
Member, ICT, Analytics, and Services Subcommittee of the 11th Science and Technology Forecasting Survey (November 2018–June 2020)
・Member, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Study Group on the Future Direction of L-Alert (July 2018–December 2018)
・Judge, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2nd National Competition for “UN Wall Newspapers by Elementary and Junior High School Students” (June 2017–)
・Member, Study Committee of the Consortium for the Promotion of Intellectual Property Creation Education, Cabinet Office (Jan. 2017–Mar. 2022)
・Member, Expert Panel of the Council for the Revitalization of Education, Cabinet Secretariat (Nov. 2016–May 2017)
・Member, Council for the Promotion of Programming Education, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (July 2016–March 2018)
・Judging Committee Member, “New Tohoku” Information Dissemination Project, Reconstruction Agency (July 2016)
・Judge, “STAT DASH Grand Prix 2016” Application and Idea Contest for the Utilization of Statistical Data, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (March 2016)
・Member, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Expert Panel on Fostering Logical Thinking, Creativity, and Problem-Solving Skills in Elementary Schools and Programming Education (April–August 2016)
・Member, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Industrial Structure Council, Subcommittee on New Industrial Structures (September 2015–June 2017)
・Cabinet Secretariat: Member, Working Group on Promotion of Utilization, Practical Working Group on e-Government and Open Data (Feb. 2015–Apr. 2016)
・Cabinet Secretariat: Member, Council for the Promotion of IT Utilization for Regional Revitalization (Feb.–June 2015)
・Member, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Roundtable on Strengthening the Outreach of Locally Produced Broadcasting Content (December 2014–April 2015)
・Member, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Research Committee on Programming Education (December 2014–May 2015)
・Member, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Study Group on the Utilization of Telework, Wi-Fi, and Other Technologies to Unlock Regional Potential (Oct. 2014–Jun. 2015)
・Member, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Roundtable on the Promotion of ICT-Based Education (Apr.–Aug. 2014)
・Member, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) “ICT Dream School” Roundtable (June 2014–March 2015)
・Member, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) Information and Communications Council, Special Subcommittee on 2020-ICT Infrastructure Policy, Basic Policy Committee (March–October 2014)
・Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Member, Study Group on the Ideal Form of a Common Infrastructure for Information Transmission during Disasters and Other Emergencies (March–July 2014)
・Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Member, Study Group on the Role of Subtitles and Similar Features in the Smart TV Era (January–June 2014)
・Cabinet Office: Overall Reviewer for the Innovative Research and Development Promotion Program (ImPACT) (2014)
・Cabinet Secretariat: Member, “Roundtable on the Role of the State and Public Administration” (October 2013–October 2014)
・Member, Innovation Creation Committee, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Feb. 2013–Jun. 2014)
・Member, Information and Communications Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2013–Jan. 2021)
・Member, Information and Communications Technology Subcommittee, Information and Communications Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2013–January 2021)
・Member, Information and Communications Policy Subcommittee, Information and Communications Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2013–January 2021)
・Member, Telecommunications Business Policy Subcommittee, Information and Communications Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2013–January 2021)
・Member, Wireless LAN Business Study Group, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (March–July 2012)
・Member, Happiness Subcommittee, Frontier Subcommittee, National Strategy Council, Cabinet Office (Feb–May 2012)
・Member, Expert Survey Committee on Regulatory and Institutional Reforms for the Utilization of Information and Communications Technology, Cabinet Office (Oct 2010–Mar 2011)
・Member, Public-Private Practitioners’ Roundtable on Countermeasures Against Illegal and Harmful Information, Cabinet Secretariat (2008)
・Regional Information Technology Advisor, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2007–2023)

《Local Governments》
・Member, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Consultative Council on Enhancing the Appeal of Metropolitan High Schools (Nov. 2025–)
・Advisor on Human Resource Development for a New Era, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Aug. 2021–)
・Member, Kyoto Prefecture Council for the Promotion of Traditional and Cultural Manufacturing Industries (Sept. 2016–)
・Member, Kanazawa City Digital Transformation Conference (Apr. 2022–Mar. 2024)
・Member, Dazaifu City Comprehensive Strategy Promotion Committee (April 2021–March 2023)
・Representative Member, Ichikawa City Ichikawa Future Creation Council (April 2021–April 2022)
・Member, Mie Industrial Promotion Vision Advisory Board (March 2020–March 2021)
・Member, Gifu City Education Innovation Council (May 2017–December 2017)

《Corporate》
・Outside Director, Digital Garage, Inc. (June 2025–)
・Outside Director, Fuji Media Holdings, Inc. (June 2025–)
・Outside Director, Fuji Television Network, Inc. (March 2025–)
・Outside Director, Matsuya Co., Ltd. (May 2022–)
・Outside Director, FiNC Technologies Co., Ltd. (March 2023–March 2025)
・Outside Director, AmuseumParks Co., Ltd. (January 2020–March 2025)
・Outside Auditor, Gilia, Inc. (April 2019–May 2025)
・Member, Steering Committee, Mobility Transformation Consortium (September 2017–March 2023)
・Outside Auditor, UEI Co., Ltd. (August 2017–September 2020)
・Director, AZ Holdings Co., Ltd. (July 2014–June 2016)
・Director, Film Art Co., Ltd. (April 2014–June 2016)
・Representative, creative space amu (April 2014–June 2016)
・Commentator, CX TV’s “Tokudane!” (April 2013–March 2018)

《Public Interest Organizations》
・Executive Director, CiP Council (General Incorporated Association) (March 2025–)
・Board Member, Neurodiversity NPO (December 2024–)
・Member, Advisory Board, Information Processing Society of Japan (July 2023–)
・Member, Advisory Committee, Next-Generation Development Office, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo (March 2022–)
・Specially Appointed Professor, Professional University for Information Management and Innovation (June 2021–)
・Director, B Lab (June 2021–)
・Member of the Founding Preparatory Committee / Director, Japan Society for STEM Education (September 2017–)
・Selection Committee Member for “DX Stocks 2023” (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry × Tokyo Stock Exchange × Information Processing Society of Japan) (June 2023)
・Expert Member, Common Purpose Projects Committee, Association for the Administration of Compensation for Public Transmission for Educational Purposes (May 2021–June 2024)
・Vice Chair, NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council (June 2020–February 2022)
・Member, NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council (March 2018–February 2022)
・Member, Urban Development and Sustainability Committee, Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (June 2015–September 2021)
・Superhuman Sports Association Academy (June 2015–)
・Creative City Council Advisory Board Member (2015–)
・Director, Digital Textbook and Educational Materials Council (April 2014–September 2018)
・Director, Mobile Content Review and Operation Monitoring Organization (2008–May 2018)
・Director, Digital Signage Consortium (2008–)
・Council for the Promotion of a Safe Internet
Vice Chair, Public Awareness and Outreach Committee (2012–2018)
Member, Study Group on Internet Infrastructure Development (July 2018)
Chair, Applications Subcommittee (2020)
・Consortium for Future Learning: Endorser and Member of the Steering Committee (May 2017–December 2020)

《Judge》
・Judge, SoftBank Industry-Academia Collaboration Project AWARD (2024)
・Judge, “Docomo Future Lab” Programming Contest hosted by NTT DOCOMO, Inc. (2023, 2024)
・Judge, MM Research Institute Grand Prize (2023, 2024)
・Selection Committee Member for the National Personnel Authority President’s Award (2022, 2023, 2024)
・Judge for the Asahi Advertising Award (2023, 2024)
・Judge for the Maejima Hisoka Prize, Communications Culture Association (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
・U-22 Programming Contest Judge (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
・Platinum Grand Prize Judge (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
・Selection Committee Member for the Official Mascot Character of GEEEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Exposition) (2023)
・Judge for the Digital Agency’s e-Gov Data Contest (2023)
・Member of the JISA Award Selection Committee (2022, 2023, 2024)
・Judge for the Wakayama Prefecture “Kinokuni ICT Programming Contest” (2021, 2022)
・Judge for the Japan Game Awards “U18 Division” Finals (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
・Good Design Award: Judge and Focus Issue Director (2015, 2016, 2017)
・100BANCH Mentor (2020, 2021)
・LEGO Education Teacher Award 2018 Judge (2018)
・Amazon Educational and Learning Toys Awards Judge (2017, 2018)
・MESH Project “Design a ‘Like’” Contest Judge (2016)
・Judge for App Koshien 2016 (2016)
・Judge for Microsoft “Imagine Cup 2016” (2016)

《Other》
・Chairperson, “Change Tomorrow” Executive Committee
・Chairperson, International Digital Ehon Fair Executive Committee
・Chairperson, Workshop Collection Executive Committee

● Publications
・“Picture Book Read-Alouds That Spark Dialogue: 15 Stories to Cultivate the Ability to Feel, Think, and Communicate” (Supervision) (Natsume Publishing) (June 2026)
・“Play Smart Coding Skill Builders” (Supervision) (Gakken) (April 2026)
・“Nande-kun’s ‘I Get It!’ Encyclopedia: Everyday Mysteries” (Supervision) (Sekai Bunka-sha) (February 2026)
・“Computer & Programming Character Encyclopedia (Taiwan Edition, Korean Edition)” (Supervision) (February 2023)
・“Disney·Pixar: First Steps in Programming” (Supervision) (Kodansha) (April 2022)
・“Computer & Programming Character Encyclopedia: Fun and Easy to Understand! Makes You Want to Try It!” (Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (March 2022)
・Daily Workbook: “First Steps in Programming” (Supervision) (Gakken Plus) (February 2022)
・Daily Workbook: “Programming” (Supervision) (Gakken Plus) (February 2022)
・“Nikkei Premier: What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?” (Nikkei Publishing) (July 2021)
・“An Introduction to Programming with Detective Argo: Useful for Class, Fun to Study on Your Own” Vol. 1: The Mystery of Regular Polygons—Programming Through Math (With Supervision) (Shiobunsha)(March 2021)
・“Fun Self-Study for Class: Detective Argo’s Introduction to Programming” Vol. 2: The Secrets of Automated Machines—Programming in Science (With Supervision) (Shiobunsha) (March 2021)
・“Detective Argo’s Introduction to Programming: Useful for Class and Fun to Study on Your Own” Vol. 3: The Challenge of Creativity—Programming in Language Arts, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Home Economics (With Supervision) (Shiobunsha) (March 2021)
・“Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: Exploring the Web—The History of the Internet (Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (January 2021)
・“Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: Chip Guides You—The Role of Hardware (Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (January 2021)
• “Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: The Stack Explains the Importance of Data Structures (With Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (January 2021)
• “Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: The Flow Shows How Control Flow Works (With Supervision) (Kumon Publishing)(January 2021)
・“Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: AND and OR Explain How to Use Logical Operations with Supervision (Kumon Publishing) (January 2021)
• “Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: Bugs and Challenges—How to Debug (With Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (January 2021)
• “Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: Introducing Zeros and Ones—Various Programming Languages (With Supervision) (Kumon Publishing)(December 2020)
・“Kumon STEM Navi Programming Series”: Thinking with Al—What Is an Algorithm? (Supervision) (Kumon Publishing) (December 2020)
・Gakken’s Science Picture Book, December Issue: “Let’s Make Robots and Pancakes” (With Supervision) (Gakken) (December 2020)
・“The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era” (Author and Editor) (Akashi Shoten) (September 2020)
・“Programming Girls!” Series, Vol. 4: “Erin: Discovering Talent, Talent Show” (Supervision) (Kaiseisha) (March 2020)
・“Understanding Programming for Beginners Through Illustrations” (Supervision) (Gakken Plus) (February 2020)
・“Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga” (Supervision) (Impress) (February 2020)
・“Programming Girls!” Series, Volume 3: “Maya: Liven Up the Dance Party” (Supervision) (Kaiseisha) (January 2020)
・“Programming Girls!” Series, Volume 2: “Sophia: Enter the Robot Race” (Supervision) (Kaiseisha) (November 2019)
・“Programming Workbook: Developing Logical Thinking Skills” (Supervision) (Gakken Plus)(September 2019)
• “Programming Girls!” Series, Volume 1: “Lucy: Chase the Mysterious Message” (Supervision) (Kaiseisha) (June 2019)
• “Hands-On Programming Picture Book” (Translated and with Supervision) (Gakken Plus)(March 2019)
・"The Secrets of Computers: A Picture Book for Elementary School Students (Flip the Pages and Discover)" (Supervision) (Gakken Plus) (November 2018)
・"What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know" (Jam House)(October 2018)
• “Adventures in Picture Books: Enjoying ‘Pictures’ and ‘Words’” (Contributor) (Film Art Co.) (June 2018)
• “Learn While You Play! Scratch Programming for Elementary School Students” (Supervision) (Natsume Publishing)(May 2018)
• “An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Programming Education” (Supervision) (Kodansha) (July 2017)
• “Turning On Children’s Creativity! Practical Applications of CANVAS: A Secret Base for Play and Learning” (Korean Edition) (CHUNGARAM MEDIA)(May 2016)
• “Turning On Children’s Creativity! Practical Applications of CANVAS, the Secret Base for Play and Learning” (Film Art) (February 2014)
・“Declaration on Digital Education: The Future of Children Who Play and Learn on Smartphones” (KADOKAWA/Chukei Publishing) (December 2014)
・“Do Children Dream of Electronic Sheep? [1] Digital Education Starting at Age 0” (BookWalker) (May 2013)
・“Do Children Dream of Electronic Sheep? [2] Tomorrow’s Education Transformed by Digital and Online Technologies” (BookWalker) (December 2013)
・“Do Children Dream of Electronic Sheep? [3] Reading, Writing, and Programming” (BookWalker) (July 2014)
・“How to Discover Your Own Way of Learning” (Opening Dialogue) (Film Art Co., Ltd.) (July 2014)
・“The Digital Textbook Revolution” (Co-authored) (SoftBank Creative) (September 2010)
・“The Digital Signage Revolution” (co-authored) (Asahi Shimbun Publications) (June 2009)
・“Next-Generation Media Driving Japan: Digital Signage Strategy—The Cutting Edge of Digital Signage” (co-authored) (ASCII Media Works) (April 2010)
・*Educating in the Arts: “The Power of Creation and Expression in Digital-Age Children”* (Author of Chapter 11) (Springer) (July 2008)

● Contributions to Book Jackets
・“Let’s Play with Biscuit: Programming for Preschoolers and Elementary School Students” (Shoeisha)
・“Exciting Programming for Elementary School Students, Vol. 2” (Nikkei BP)
・“Have Fun! Learn! Everyone’s Introduction to Programming: Kids, Gather Round!” (Rick Telecom)
・“Children’s UX Design: Digital Experiences Through Play and Learning” (BNN Shinsha)
・“Exciting Robot Programming for Beginners with Studino” (Nikkei BP)
・“The Learning Revolution: The ‘$100 PC’ Project from MIT That’s Changing the World” (Eiji Publishing)
・“Exciting Programming for Beginners with Raspberry Pi” (Nikkei BP)
・“Exciting Programming for Elementary School Students” (Nikkei BP)

● Major Awards
2018: Parenting Award 2018, “Koto” Category
2017: Rakuten Technology & Innovation Award 2017, Concept Award: Heart (Human Resources & Education Category)
2016: Bungeishunju, “New Qualities of Leaders”“125 Talented Individuals Revitalizing Japan”
2013: Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award—Commendation for Individuals Contributing to the Promotion of Information Technology (CANVAS)
2013: Good Design Award – Best 100 (Workshop Collection)
2012: Good Design Award (tap*rap Series)
2012: Kids Design Award (tap*rap Series)
2011: Selected as one of “AERA’s 100 People to Rebuild Japan” (AERA)
2007: Kids Design Award (CANVAS)
2002: Recipient of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Hatakeyama Award (Graduated at the top of the department)

● Major Media
• “Parents Should Try Programming Too: Children Are Inspired by Seeing Their Parents Learn,” Nihon Keizai Shimbun “Ikumu” (May 20, 2024)
• “I Hope They’ll Take on Challenges They Enjoy While Embracing Change in This Era of Fluidity,” Nikkei Shimbun Morning Edition, “The Nikkei Magazine” (October 20, 2023)
• “Generative AI: Let’s Learn How to Use It Wisely,” Mainichi Shimbun Morning Edition (July 25, 2023)
• “Parents Must Let Go of Outdated Values: An Interview with Nanako Ishido, Chairperson of the NPO CANVAS, on How to Engage with ICT,” Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition “EduA July Issue” (July 11, 2021)
• “Nurturing Logic, Creativity, and Programming Skills: Nanako Ishido,” Nihon Keizai Shimbun Morning Edition, “Personal Views and Insights” (July 25, 2018)
• “Infants and Smartphones: Is It Okay?”, Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition, “Debate” (July 12, 2018)
・Asahi Shimbun GLOBE “The Power to Break Through” (January 7, 2018)
・Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition “People” (January 6, 2015)
And many others. Please see our Media.
https://creativekids.jp/media/