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Japan Wagamama Awards 2026: A Platform for Teen Innovators

On March 1, 2026, a groundbreaking event will take place as IRODORI launches the Japan Wagamama Awards 2026, bringing together teens from across the nation. This competition is centered around the educational philosophy of Computational Action, proposed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Following fierce presentations, the grand prize winner will earn the opportunity to represent Japan at an AI summit hosted by MIT in July 2026.

A Unique Approach to Problem-Solving

More Than Just Programming

Unlike a typical coding contest, the Japan Wagamama Awards begins with the inner desire of each teen to solve the problems faced by those close to them. The core concept of this award is that “even a single whim can spark societal change.” By transforming personal motivations into actionable technology projects, the event seeks to foster impactful changes, no matter how small.

The ambition is to elevate these individual whims to a concrete form of Computational Action, utilizing technology as a means of making significant impacts within society. One of the main goals of the awards is to increase the number of practitioners nationwide.

Two-Month Development and Community Engagement

Building Real-World Solutions

The awards place a strong emphasis on validating solutions within the community. Over the course of two months, participants, guided by mentors, will engage in the following processes:
1. Listening Intently: Rather than relying on generalizations, participants will immerse themselves in truly understanding the voices of those affected, defining their genuine needs.
2. Creating Prototypes: Each participant will develop a smartphone application aimed at solving the identified issues. They will gather real user feedback to refine their solutions.
3. Community Testing: The final step involves field-testing their applications across schools, homes, and local communities, continuously improving based on local engagement and responses.

Participants are encouraged to view this process as an ongoing journey rather than a final goal, embracing the iterative nature of problem-solving.

A Global Stage Awaits

Connecting with MIT Experts

The awards, officially linked with the App Inventor Foundation, are designed as a pathway to the global competition at MIT. On the event day, notable figures from the foundation, including CEO Natalie Lao and Director Kelly Shiohira, will join as judges, witnessing the teens' efforts to address universal challenges.

The ultimate winner will secure a spot in the MIT AI and Education Summit in Boston in July 2026, marking a significant achievement on a global platform.

Event Details

Japan Wagamama Awards 2026 Final Presentation

• - Date: March 1, 2026 (10:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
• - Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
• - Venue: AKKODiS Innovation Lab, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free
• - Registration: Prior registration required through this link

Awards and Recognition

Grand Prize and Division Awards

The grand prize winner will not only represent Japan on the world stage but will also be supported by the IRODORI scholarship for travel expenses. Additional awards will be given across various categories, supported by audience votes and sponsorships.

A Call to Support

In a new initiative, the awards are inviting T-shirt sponsors to showcase their logos on shirts worn by finalists and staff during the event. This opportunity allows companies to visibly demonstrate their commitment to youth innovation and next-generation education.

For more details on how to participate as a T-shirt sponsor, please reach out to [email protected].

About IRODORI

IRODORI's mission is to empower individuals to embrace their unique strengths and create value through diverse challenges. The organization collaborates with municipalities, businesses, and schools to engage communities in innovative projects aimed at societal improvement.

For more information, visit IRODORI’s website.