#Japan #Tokyo #programming contest #Junior Programming #Zero-One Grand Slam

Announcing the 2025 National Elementary School Programming Championships

This year, the excitement is palpable as we announce the forthcoming National Elementary School Programming Championships titled the Zero-One Grand Slam 2025. Organized by Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, this competition has established itself as one of the largest programming contests for elementary school students nationwide. The Zero-One Grand Slam, backed by the Junior Programming Promotion Organization, has seen over 5,000 participants in previous years, culminating in a grand finale held at the renowned Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.

Overview of Zero-One Grand Slam 2025

The competition is open to any elementary school student eager to showcase their programming prowess. The preliminary rounds and the first round of the contest will be conducted online, allowing participants to challenge their programming skills multiple times. Successful contenders will progress to the second round, which will transition to an on-site format. Competitions will be divided into visual programming and robotic challenges, with top competitors ultimately vying for the title of Japan’s best elementary programmer at the grand finale.

Key Dates:

• - Online Preliminary Rounds: August 25, 2025 - September 23, 2025
• - First Round: October 4-5, 2025
• - Second Round: Mid-October to Early November 2025 (specific venues in Kanto and Kansai regions will be announced)
• - Grand Finale: December 7, 2025, at Sunshine City Water Fountain Square (Alpa B1, Ikebukuro)

Entry Fee: Free

Note: The images used are from the 2024 tournament.

Connecting Young Minds to the Future of Programming

This event is pivotal for elementary school students learning programming, allowing them to test their skills in a competitive environment. Although educational settings for programming skills are gradually improving, a lack of platforms to showcase their achievements and the scarcity of role models have hindered many young learners. The Junior Programming Promotion Organization aims to create a sports-like environment where elementary students are encouraged to actively participate in programming through contests.

Through the challenges presented in the Zero-One Grand Slam, participants will experience a blend of tasks requiring analytical thinking and timely problem-solving, enriching their programming capabilities. Beyond technical skills, the event nurtures logical reasoning and critical thinking, essential skills for the future.

New for This Year: Unlimited Attempts in the Web Preliminary Rounds!

This year, we’re excited to announce that the Web Preliminary Rounds will allow students from across the country to compete repeatedly, enhancing accessibility. Whether students are seasoned programmers or just starting, every elementary student is invited to test their skills and participate with greater ease compared to past years.

Exciting Robot Competitions Featuring Three Unique Robots!

The robotic challenges stand out due to the unique opportunity they offer. Unlike many other competitions that focus on a single model, this event features three different robots: Artek Robo, KOOV, and SPIKE Prime, competing under the same rules. This unprecedented mix allows students who typically learn about different robot models to connect and engage, creating a vibrant community to showcase their skills—truly a "mixed martial arts" battle of the programming world.

Entry for the 2025 Championships Now Open!

From July 1, 2025, entries for the upcoming competition will be accepted. Participation is entirely free and open to all elementary school students.

• - Eligibility:

1. Must be an elementary school student learning programming, born between April 2, 2013, and April 1, 2019.
2. Must be able to participate on-site from the second round onwards.

Entries can be made through the official website, and we wholeheartedly invite everyone to be a part of this exciting event.

For the latest updates, information, and archives of the previous year's competition, check out the official websites and social media channels:

• - Official Site: Zero-One Grand Slam
• - Official X: @01_grandslam
• - Official YouTube: YouTube Channel

Organizing Committee:

• - Sponsored by: Junior Programming Promotion Organization
• - Operated by: Zero-One Grand Slam Executive Committee (Shogakukan, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, TV Tokyo, Hakuhodo DY ONE)

Contact

For inquiries, please reach out to the Zero-One Grand Slam Administrative Office at [email protected].