Think!Think! Cup 2025: A Celebration of Young Talent and Creativity
On September 14, 2025, the Japanese national science center, Miraikan, hosted the
Think!Think! Cup 2025, a festival dedicated to nurturing creativity and critical thinking among children. About
400 kids from across Japan, along with
13 representatives from Cambodia, gathered for a day filled with excitement and educational activities. This event, organized by
Wonderfy Inc., is notable for its emphasis on enhancing children's cognitive abilities through the innovative thinking app,
Think!Think!
A Larger Stage for Young Innovators
This year's event marked the
third edition of the Think!Think! Cup, and it showcased significant growth in both scale and content. Children had an array of activities designed to promote collaboration and learning, making the event even more engaging and fun. In addition to the main competition, attendees enjoyed various experiential booths, collaboration activities with Miraikan, and opportunities for parents and children to engage together.
Participants could take part in family missions, hands-on activities featuring new puzzle games, and a collaborative quest called the
Wonder Rally. The level of energy at the venue was palpable, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement throughout the day.
During the 'Family Mission', families worked together on quizzes, and it was heartwarming to witness the cooperation between parents and their children in this exciting pre-event activity. Meanwhile, at the 'Booth Missions', various sponsor booths displayed innovative products, and the children were drawn to these new experiences with bright, eager eyes.
The Main Event: Competitive Intelligence
At the heart of the day was the
main competition, where young participants were segmented into four categories according to their school years, from preschoolers to middle schoolers. The excitement peaked as children donned their official event
T-shirts and took their places, a mix of nerves and enthusiasm evident on their faces as they awaited the challenge ahead.
Questions were determined by a roulette, leading to moments of suspense and laughter as the kids reacted to the challenges. With each new question, the auditorium filled with cheers and gasps, reflecting the thrill of competition. Concentration was palpable among the participants as they tackled the problems, with some expressing deep emotions, including tears of frustration or joy as the event concluded.
Celebrating Achievement
After a day full of challenges, awards were given to the top five from each category. As names were called out, the recipients made their way to the stage to accept their certificates and trophies amidst loud applause. The celebratory atmosphere illustrated the shared excitement and pride felt by all the participants.
Akane Ueno, winner of the Preschool category, expressed her joy, stating how participating independently was a thrilling experience.
Kiharu Nakada, the winner from Grades 1-2, credited her previous year's participation as a major motivator. Other winners like
Yuma Yasui and
Haruki Takeda shared that their preparation and practice played a crucial role in their success, illustrating how dedication leads to achievement.
Bridging Cultures: The Cambodian Delegation
A highlight of this year’s event was the participation of the
Cambodian representatives, who earned high placements in the previous competition held in Cambodia. Their presence emphasized a spirit of global learning and cooperation, as these young talents competed alongside their Japanese counterparts, demonstrating what can be accomplished when diverse minds come together.
Kei Kawashima, the representative of Wonderfy, shared insights on the importance of experiences in the Think!Think! app, emphasizing how events like this inspire children to love the act of thinking. Creating connections around learning is akin to making friendships, which plays an essential role in motivating children to engage in educational pursuits.
The event not only provided a fun-filled day of learning but also aimed to deepen children’s connection with critical thinking through fun, interactive formats.
The Mission Ahead
Wonderfy continues its mission to enhance curiosity and excitement about learning through events like the Think!Think! Cup, as well as through its innovative app and educational materials. With recognition from awards like the
Google Play Awards and ongoing engagement with international communities, Wonderfy looks forward to further developments in STEAM education, inspiring children globally.
For more information about the Think!Think! app and future events:
Join us in celebrating the intellect and creativity of our youth at future events, paving the way for the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow!