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The Essential Skill of Programming for Today's Youth

In our rapidly advancing technological landscape, programming education has emerged as a critical skill for children and teens. A recent survey conducted by LUXGO Co., Ltd., which operates the "Kids Programming Lab" in Akihabara, found that more than 80% of parents with children in elementary to high school believe that learning programming is important for their kids. This survey sheds light on parents' perspective regarding skills essential for their children's future, expectations for programming education, and the impact of AI technology on career choices.

Background of the Survey

As AI technology progresses, careers in AI engineering have garnered considerable attention. Educational systems are evolving as well, notably with the adoption of "Information I" in university entrance exams, which has heightened interest in programming literacy. In this scenario, understanding how parental attitudes towards programming education have shifted in relation to their children’s career prospects is of significant societal interest. This motivated the efforts at the "Kids Programming Lab" to investigate parents' perceptions of programming education for their children.

Survey Highlights

Here are some key findings from the survey conducted from October 31 to November 4, 2025, involving 331 parents of school-aged children.

• - Top Three Skills Valued by Parents: Parents cited the top three skills they consider important for their children's future as: 1) Communication Skills (71.9%), 2) Logical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills (53.5%), and 3) Initiative and Self-Management Skills (52.0%). This indicates a significant emphasis on soft skills alongside technical knowledge.

• - Importance of Learning Programming: The survey revealed that over 80% of parents view programming as important, with 58.3% believing it is somewhat important and 22.7% asserting it is very important. This overwhelming support shows a collective recognition among parents of programming's relevance in preparing their kids for future challenges.

• - Expectations for Programming Education: When asked about the benefits they hope to see from their children's programming education, 50.2% of parents anticipate improvements in logical thinking and problem-solving skills, while 44.4% expect enhancements in creativity and expression. This reflects a desire for programming to bolster children's cognitive abilities in practical, real-world applications.

• - Impact of AI on Career Choices: More than 60% of respondents believe AI advancements will broaden their children’s future career options, indicating a forward-thinking attitude towards technology and employment. The reality of a tech-dominated job market influences parents’ hopes for their children’s adaptability.

• - Preferred Career Paths for Children: The survey found that the top three professions parents wish for their children to pursue are: 1) Public Service/Law (37.5%), 2) Creative/Entertainment Industries (35.7%), and 3) IT/Engineering/Scientific Careers (35.4%). This underscores the varied interests parents have beyond traditional paths, emphasizing the burgeoning fields of creativity and technology.

• - Investment in Programming Learning: Approximately 10% of parents currently allocate over 10,000 yen monthly for their children's programming education. While the majority spend less or nothing, this financial commitment showcases a readiness among some families to invest in future-ready skills.

Conclusion

The findings from this survey reveal a clear consensus among parents regarding the importance of programming education. Authorities at LUXGO recognize the urgent need to meet this demand through robust programming courses tailored for young learners at the Kids Programming Lab. They aim to cultivate a passion for innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities through individualized, engaging instruction in a small-class setting. The curriculum is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, ensuring that every child can find joy in learning while acquiring essential skills for the future. By nurturing a love for learning and providing practical, hands-on experiences, the Lab supports children in enhancing their career prospects and personal growth in a technology-driven society.

About the Survey Initiator

LUXGO Co., Ltd. is located in Asakusa-cho, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Under the leadership of CEO Keigo Nakagawa, the company specializes in programming education and software development. More information can be found at LUXGO's Website.

For further details on the Kids Programming Lab, visit Kids Programming Lab Akihabara.