#Japan #Tokyo #HADO #Tokyo Gakugei #Meleap

Meleap's Groundbreaking Initiative in School Sports

In a significant advancement for school sports, Meleap Inc., the company known for developing the AR sport HADO, has officially teamed up with Tokyo Gakugei University to participate in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's '2023 School Sports Structure Support Initiative'. This initiative seeks to enhance and improve teaching methods for physical education, promoting a more inclusive environment for a diverse range of students.

Overview of the Initiative

This initiative is part of the Sports Agency's broader efforts to cultivate a new model of physical education that considers the varying needs and abilities of students. Tokyo Gakugei University aims to establish an inclusive PE curriculum by developing and validating a next-generation learning support system named MaNavi for PE, which incorporates XR (extended reality) technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, alongside AI applications.

Role of Meleap

Meleap's involvement in this project revolves around the following key aspects:

• - Development and Testing of PE Curriculum: Utilizing the AR sport HADO to create and implement a fresh physical education curriculum.
• - Technical Support: Providing technical assistance for the introduction and management of HADO in schools.
• - Integration of XR Content: Exploring technological aspects of sharing and coordinating XR content with smartphone devices.

HADO involves participants wearing goggles and arm sensors to engage in exciting battles using energy balls and shields. This AR sport serves as an engaging educational tool, allowing both skilled and less skilled students to partake in a shared, enjoyable experience.

Anticipated Outcomes

The initiative plans to collaborate with ten schools across Japan, including elementary, junior high, and high schools, along with relevant education boards. The focus will be on demonstrating effective teaching practices in physical education, assessing the outcomes, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the XR and AI-integrated teaching methods. Specific results and case studies utilizing HADO will be shared in due course, providing insights into the program's success.

Company Background

Tokyo Gakugei University

Location: 4-1-1 Nakano, Koganei City, Tokyo
President: Mitsuru Kokubun
Overview: A national university focused on teacher training, engaged in research and practice related to XR, AI, and inclusive education in physical education.

Meleap Inc.

Location: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Aqua City Odaiba, 5F
CEO: Hiroshi Fukuda
Scope: Development, management, and expansion of the AR sport HADO, alongside event organization. Meleap is dedicated to creating a society where everyone can enjoy physical activity, contributing to mental and physical health through exciting experiences brought to life by AR technology. HADO is now launched across more than 39 countries, promoting an exciting new way of engaging with physical activities that transcend age and athletic ability.

Conclusion

Meleap is committed to broadening the horizons of both entertainment and sports. With its innovative approach to physical education, it aims to create an environment where the joy of moving and connecting with others is accessible to all, championing inclusivity in sports and education alike. HADO represents not only a new form of sport but also a method of fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and decision-making skills among participants. Through this partnership, the future of school sports looks transformative and inclusive.