Learning and Playing Week
NIKKEI THE PITCH Special Seminar Leaning to Work Through Play
NIKKEI
In the morning, we will host a session titled “Learning Words Through the Body: A Revolution in Education with Play, Learning, and Neuroscience.” Through presentations and talk sessions, we will explore how education can better nurture young talent. We’ll take a close look at cutting-edge approaches like Zoo-phonics, which uses sound and movement to teach language.
In the afternoon, as part of our efforts to foster future entrepreneurs, we will hold the U-18 Idea Contest “Mirai Kaigi.” Six finalist teams from across Japan will present bold ideas for the future of Japan and its regions in the year 2055.
*Due to circumstances, the end time of this program will be changed from 15:30 to 16:00.
Discussion
- Youth independence
- EDTEC
- Individually optimised learning
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
-
Agenda2025
Participation Programme
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.07.22[Tue]
11:00 ～ 15:30
(Venue Open 10:45)
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Nikkei Inc.
Programme details
Morning Session
Together with experts, we will explore how to shape education that nurtures young talent who will lead Japan’s future. Dr. Charlene A. Wrighton, a highly respected early childhood education specialist from the U.S., will deliver the keynote speech. Afterward, participants can join a hands-on session of “Zoo-phonics,” the innovative language learning method she developed using sound and movement.
A talk session titled “What Does It Mean to Learn Through Play?” will follow, featuring Manabu Murata (The International School Times), Shiro Ojima (Waseda University), Jun Tabei (Jonan Shingaku Kenkyusha), Ai Haori (Eigo Jizai), and Tatsuro Hoshino (NIJIN). Together, they will explore the future of language education from diverse, expert perspectives.
Afternoon Session
As part of our efforts to foster future entrepreneurs, we will host the U-18 Idea Contest “Mirai Kaigi.” Under the theme “Japan and Its Regions in 2055,” we received a wide range of submissions from teens across the country. Six passionate finalist teams were selected to present their bold visions for the future. These students will take the stage at the Expo’s “Theme Week Studio” to share their ideas with the world.
Cast
Moderator
©Murata Manabu
Murata Manabu
The International School Times
Born in the U.S. and raised in Japan, he is the editor-in-chief of The International School Times and co-owner of an international school in Tokyo. He has undergone International Baccalaureate training and conducts related research and interviews. He is involved in launching top overseas boarding schools and developing international programs at private schools in Japan. He also serves as the director of the international education think tank, International Education Lab.
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Speakers
©Charlene A. Wrighton
Charlene A. Wrighton
Co-developer, author, and CEO of the Zoo-phonics Mnemonic and Multisensory Language Arts Program
A highly respected early childhood education expert in the U.S., she is the co-developer and CEO of the Zoo-phonics language program. With 21 years of experience teaching in special education, she holds a doctorate in education and multiple teaching credentials. In 2007, she founded a preschool with her daughter. Her contributions to education have earned her awards such as "Woman of the Year" and "Teacher of the Year."
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©Ojima Shiro
Ojima Shiro
Center for English Language Education, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University
Professor at the Center for English Language Education, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University. He holds a Ph.D. in Language and Linguistics from the University of Essex, UK. His research focuses on second language acquisition, neurolinguistics, and early English education, aiming to understand how Japanese learners acquire English and apply those findings to educational practice. Recently, he has been studying "home-based English learning," examining how factors like age of exposure, amount of input, and methods of interaction influence language development.
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©Tabei Atsushi
Tabei Atsushi
Children’s English Education Division, JOHNAN ACADEMIC PREPARATORY INSTITUTE, INC.
Since 2019, she has led the expansion of Zoo-phonics Academy in Japan, offering the U.S.-originated early childhood English program "Zoo-phonics" at multiple directly managed and franchise schools for preschool and elementary children. Guided by the motto "If it’s fun, children learn on their own," she focuses on creating learning environments where children naturally acquire language through physical movement.
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©Haori Ai
Haori Ai
Eigo Jizai Co., Ltd. / EEYC (a certified non-profit organization)
A specialist in children's language education dedicated to reforming English education in Japan. She has studied domestic and international methods and literature to develop effective approaches to teaching English. In 2013, she founded SUNNY BUNNY Language Education Co., Ltd. (now Eigo Jizai Co., Ltd.), followed by the establishment of the certified NPO Early English Education Research Council (EEYC) in 2019. Her proven method is now implemented in 15 schools across Japan, including 4 directly operated in Tokyo and 11 franchise locations.
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©Hoshino Tatsuro
Hoshino Tatsuro
NIJIN Co., Ltd.
After graduating from Chiba University’s Faculty of Education, he served as an elementary education volunteer with JICA in Guatemala. Upon returning to Japan, he taught elementary school in Aomori Prefecture for seven years. Concerned by children’s gloomy faces at school and worried about Japan’s future, he founded a company to tackle educational challenges at the systemic level. Since then, he has launched 13 projects and operates an alternative combined elementary and junior high school with 500 students, supported by a network of 500 teachers.
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©Yokogushist Co., Ltd.
Iyoku Miwako
Yokogushist Co., Ltd.
A pioneering female intrapreneur at NTT, she launched multiple services and businesses over 20 years. Beyond internal offerings, she catalyzed market creation and industry-wide DX by establishing industry associations and engaging diverse stakeholders. Currently, as a "Yokogushist®," she produces new collaborations by bridging organizational and societal boundaries, supporting various companies and local governments. She also serves as an external director for several listed companies.
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©︎ Regional, Talent and Future, Inc.
Ito Yoshinari
MTG-Ventures、Regional, Talent and Future, Inc.
Born in Aichi, graduated from Nagoya City University. Gained experience in investment banking at a securities firm and IPO/M&A at a startup before moving into venture capital. At Global Brain, supported startup investments and corporate CVC establishment. Joined MTG Ventures in 2020, and in 2022, became Representative Partner of Central Japan Seed Fund, a seed fund addressing regional challenges. In 2025, established and became Representative Director of Chiiki to Hito to Mirai Inc. Aims to create new industries with entrepreneurs, leveraging experience in both finance and startups. Holds an MBA.
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©Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Maekawa Takuro
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Graduated from Kyoto University, Faculty of Economics, then joined Sumitomo Bank (now Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation). Engaged in IPO support at Daiwa Securities SMBC, followed by M&A advisory services in the Corporate Advisory Division at the same bank. Dispatched to Kyoto University's Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Headquarters, contributing to the establishment of the university's industry-academia collaboration system. Upon returning to the bank, successfully closed 20 deals. Served as Deputy General Manager of the Kyoto Corporate Business Division II, responsible for universities in the Kansai region. Since October 2023, appointed General Manager of the Kansai Growth Strategy Department.
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©Sachiko HABU
Habu Sachiko
HABU Production CO., LTD
Graduating from Kyoto University's Faculty of Agriculture and then the Faculty of Integrated Human Studies, she studied under Seigow Matsuoka and contributed to "1000 Nights, 1000 Books." In 2005, she joined Nikkei BP, where she launched and became Editor-in-Chief of "Nikkei DUAL" and "Nikkei xwoman." She has actively voiced the concerns of working women, participating in discussions such as the Cabinet Office's Council on Measures for Declining Birthrate. In 2022, she became President and Representative Director of Hanyu Pro. Her recent appointments include Producer for the Expo WA talks and Chair of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Kyōiku Project."
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©JFR & KOMEHYO PARTNERS Co.,Ltd.
Shimogaki Noritaka
JFR & KOMEHYO PARTNERS Co.,Ltd.
Joined Daimaru Co., Ltd. in 2007. Led the planning and launch of the JFR MIRAI CREATORS Fund, the first CVC fund of J. Front Retailing Co., Ltd.
In March 2025, appointed President and CEO of JFR & KOMEHYO PARTNERS Co., Ltd., a joint venture for the group’s reuse business.
With extensive experience in co-creation with startups, he is actively engaged in shaping a more exciting future under the theme:
"Business growth through collaborative innovation."
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Co-organiser
JOHNAN ACADEMIC PREPARATORY INSTITUTE, INC.
More Information
Learning and Playing Week
NIKKEI THE PITCH Special Seminar Leaning to Work Through Play
In the morning, we will host a session titled “Learning Words Through the Body: A Revolution in Education with Play, Learning, and Neuroscience.” Through presentations and talk sessions, we will explore how education can better nurture young talent. We’ll take a close look at cutting-edge approaches like Zoo-phonics, which uses sound and movement to teach language.
In the afternoon, as part of our efforts to foster future entrepreneurs, we will hold the U-18 Idea Contest “Mirai Kaigi.” Six finalist teams from across Japan will present bold ideas for the future of Japan and its regions in the year 2055.
*Due to circumstances, the end time of this program will be changed from 15:30 to 16:00.
-
2025.07.22[Tue]
11:00～15:30
(Venue Open 10:45)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
Nikkei Inc.
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
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Learning and Playing Week
