#Japan #Tokyo #Gamification #Sega XD #Learning Pen

Recognizing Innovation: Gamification Award 2025

On November 21, Sega XD, a pioneering company in gamification, held the "Gamification Conference QUEST" at Tokyo Innovation Base. This conference was part of their commitment to promote the development and acceptance of gamification through the efforts of the "Gamification Institute." During the event, they presented the prestigious "Gamification Award 2025." An extensive collection of over 600 innovative projects submitted between October 2024 and September 2025 was evaluated by a panel of four experts in the field of gamification.

The Gamification Award comprises three distinct categories:
1. Best Solution Award
2. Future Award
3. Challenge Award

Each category awarded one initiative that demonstrated exceptional use of gamification principles to engage users.

Best Solution Award: KOKUYO's Shukudai Yaruki Pen

The Best Solution Award was conferred to KOKUYO's "Shukudai Yaruki Pen." Kyoshi Kishimoto, a gamification designer from the Play and Learning Research Institute, noted, “This initiative transformed the negative connotation of 'homework' into a positive experience for children and parents alike, showcasing the true essence of gamification.” The representative, Nobuhiko Nakai, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “While we never labeled our efforts as 'gamification', this acknowledgment empowers us to continue fostering motivation in learning.”

Product Overview

The Shukudai Yaruki Pen is an IoT-enabled tool that motivates children by allowing them to progress on a board game by completing homework tasks. The pen attaches to ordinary pencils, linking to a smartphone app that visualizes their ‘efforts’ as “motivation power”, aimed at increasing children's desire to learn.

Evaluation

The judges commended its high social recognition and its innovative approach to transforming homework into a mutually beneficial experience for both children and parents. The synergy of functional and emotional value in the pen's design is noteworthy.

Future Award: Action Board by Team Mirai

The Future Award went to the Action Board by Team Mirai, designed to lower barriers to political participation and create an enjoyable environment for engagement. The judges recognized this initiative as a model of how technology can facilitate civic dialogue, especially noting its successful evolution of techniques made famous in US presidential elections.

Award Statement

The development team expressed their happiness at receiving this recognition and their commitment to making political activities more accessible and enjoyable for supporters.

Challenge Award: Shizuka na Osoji by Kao Corporation

Kao Corporation’s unique promotional campaign called “Shizuka na Osoji,” which merges horror gaming with cleaning products, garnered the Challenge Award. This exceptional initiative creatively uses storytelling in a game format to promote effective cleaning methods through engagement.

Judges’ Remarks

The judges were thrilled with the innovative merging of classic adventure game techniques and the unique theme of cleaning, emphasizing the promotional impact of combining entertainment with practical solutions. Team representative Taka Nishi expressed gratitude, highlighting their belief in gamification’s potential in marketing.

Highlights of Gamification Conference QUEST

The Gamification Conference epitomized the theme, “Making Engagement a Norm in Society.” Experts, including Professor Toru Fujimoto from the University of Tokyo, shared insights on the potential of gamification in addressing societal challenges. The conference featured participatory events, booths from eight exhibitors, and original Sega XD games that allowed participants to experience the power of gamification firsthand.

By celebrating such innovative contributions, the Gamification Award 2025 reinforces the importance of gamification in enhancing user experience across various fields. This event not only fostered recognition of pioneering projects but also envisioned a future where gamification becomes integral to societal norms, promising a more engaging and participatory world.

Conclusion

The inaugural Gamification Award showcases remarkable advancements in the field, demonstrating how gamification can positively impact education, civic engagement, and beyond. As the gamification landscape evolves, it heralds a future where these principles drive innovation and change in ways previously unimagined.