#Japan #Tokyo #DeNA #e-Craft #Programming Zemi

A Summer Workshop That Sparkes Creativity

e-Craft, led by CEO Kazutoshi Nukada, and DeNA, headed by CEO Tomoko Namba, are excited to announce an engaging collaboration on a programming workshop for elementary school students. Scheduled for August 2, 2026, the workshop titled "Let's Challenge Game Development and Robotics!" aims to foster creativity and introduce kids to the world of programming.

The workshop showcases DeNA's educational tool, Programming Zemi, designed for public elementary schools, which originated from programming classes. Meanwhile, e-Craft offers embot, a robot programming educational tool that emerged from a new business creation program by NTT Docomo. Both organizations share a common goal: to provide creative experiences through programming for young learners, making it a perfect blend for their upcoming event.

This collaboration began back in 2024, resulting in successful workshops over the years. With an impressive satisfaction rate of 95.8% in the first year and a perfect 100% last year, the initiative has resonated well with children and parents alike. Participants from previous sessions noted, "It was so much fun; the time flew by," while parents expressed gratitude for the supportive environment. "The staff were fantastic, and my child's eyes sparkled with excitement," one parent shared. These testimonials highlight the workshop's effectiveness in stimulating children's imagination and interest.

The event will feature notable contributors, including Akiyuki Suehiro (developer of Programming Zemi) and Kazutoshi Nukada (developer of embot). They will provide direct instruction, ensuring that even those who are learning game development and robotics for the first time feel comfortable participating. Moreover, this workshop can serve as an excellent opportunity for students to reference for their summer homework.

Workshop Details

• - Date: August 2, 2026 (Sunday) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• - Location: 2nd Floor, DOCOMO Yoyogi Second Building, "docomo STARTUP NEXUS"
• - Cost: Free
• - Capacity: 30 participants
• - Co-hosts: e-Craft and DeNA
• - Supported by: Kids VALLEY

Workshop Agenda

Part 1: Introduction to Game Development and Robotics
Participants will get hands-on experience of both game creation and robotic construction together as a group.
Part 2: Focused Research
The participants will split into two groups for independent research and project creation in either gaming or robotics.

Examples of Projects

• - Game Development: Creating an interactive game using various programming skills and creativity.
• - Robotics: Building and programming a robot using cardboard and electronic parts with the embot system.

For those interested in the workshop on August 2, you can register here.

About embot

Embot offers a unique approach where children learn the fundamentals of electronics and creative construction using cardboard and electronic parts. Accompanied by a specially designed app, kids can easily program and operate the robots they build. The curriculum is designed to guide them through basic to advanced programming concepts in a fun and intuitive manner.

About e-Craft

Founded as a venture by NTT Docomo, e-Craft's mission is to cultivate a society where everyone can engage in creative production. Their primary focus is developing the embot robot programming educational tool, alongside workshops that promote the joy of creation and foster non-cognitive skills across various age groups.

About DeNA's Programming Education

DeNA has been advocating for programming education since 2014 as part of its societal contribution activities, including the development of the Programming Zemi app. Launched in October 2017, this app is widely utilized in many public schools across Kanagawa, Tokyo, Kumamoto, and Saga, providing programming experiences for over 25,000 children. DeNA is committed to enhancing programming education in schools to prepare the next generation for a tech-driven future.

About DeNA

Established in March 1999 and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (stock code: 2432), DeNA operates under the mission to exceed each individual's expectations through a range of businesses, including gaming, live communities, and healthcare. Its innovative approach combines a passionate workforce with AI and data analysis to create high-value services tailored to customer needs.