#Japan #Tokyo #Law Education #Media Literacy #Kodomo Roppo

Symposium on Law Education and Media Literacy

On May 2, 2026, the Kodomo Roppo School, led by Soichiro Yamasaki, will commemorate its fifth anniversary with a significant symposium in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The event aims to address the crucial intersection of law education and media literacy in today's AI-driven society.

Background of the Symposium

Established in May 2021, the Kodomo Roppo School is the only law education academy directly managed by Soichiro Yamasaki, who is also the author of the renowned bestseller "Kodomo Roppo." The school has welcomed students from across Japan and abroad, offering classes focused on developing the "power to choose one's life" through law education, media literacy, and drama education.

Over the past five years, rapid advancements in social media and generative AI have subjected children to various risks, including challenges in discerning the truth of information and unintended rights violations. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2024 revealed that 46% of youths have experienced some form of trouble while using the internet. Students from the Kodomo Roppo School have shared incidents of disputes arising from interactions with friends in online games, indicating that these issues are becoming increasingly relevant in their everyday lives.

The understanding of "what the issues are and how to address them" through law education has transformed from mere knowledge acquisition to an essential part of navigating the information society—integral to media literacy.

The Kodomo Roppo School seeks to share insights gained from practical experiences over the past five years and to provide a platform for discussing how to safeguard and nurture children through collaboration between schools, families, and communities.

Remarks from Soichiro Yamasaki

Soichiro Yamasaki, the CEO of Art&Arts and a pioneer in children’s law education, remarks, "While law education and media literacy initiatives have not yet reached every school and child, the challenges they address have evolved significantly during the five years since the establishment of the Kodomo Roppo School. At this milestone event, I hope to share valuable insights and deepen our understanding of the educational possibilities that empower children to protect themselves as they navigate life."

Event Details

• - Event Name: Kodomo Roppo School 5th Anniversary Symposium
• - Date: May 2, 2026, 13:00–17:00
• - Venue: Bunkyo Civic Center 2A Conference Room, 4-15-14 Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
• - Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 150 participants (Pre-registration required)
• - Organizer: Art&Arts

Program and Speakers

• - Keynote Report: "Five Years of Trial and Error at Kodomo Roppo School"

- Soichiro Yamasaki, CEO of Art&Arts and author of "Kodomo Roppo"

• - Lecture 1: "Current Status and Future Challenges of Law Education"

- Tsuyoshi Fujii, former special professor at Meiji University and advisor on sovereign education (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

• - Lecture 2: "Future Education Needs in the AI Age"

- Daisuke Fujikawa, Professor at Chiba University

• - Panel Discussion: "The Intersection of Law Education and Media Literacy in the AI Era"

- Participants: Tsuyoshi Fujii, Daisuke Fujikawa, Soichiro Yamasaki

Speaker Profiles

• - Tsuyoshi Fujii: A leading figure in political and economic education with over 40 years of experience, Fujii has contributed significantly to the promotion of citizen education.

• - Daisuke Fujikawa: An expert in media literacy education and responses to bullying, Fujikawa has held various positions, including being a member of the Ministry of Education's committee for formulating bullying prevention policies.

• - Soichiro Yamasaki: Besides being the author of the bestselling book "Kodomo Roppo," Yamasaki is an educator who blends academic pursuits with artistic expression, furthering the cause of law education and children's rights advocacy.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Art&Arts
• - Established: April 25, 2019
• - CEO: Soichiro Yamasaki
• - Location: 1-15-17 Funado, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
• - Website: Art&Arts

The Kodomo Roppo School represents a critical intersection between education and empowerment, paving the way for a generation that is both informed and resilient in the face of modern challenges. Join the conversation on May 2, 2026, in Tokyo, as we explore how best to equip our children for their future.