#Japan #Tokyo #Ericsson #STEAM education #KDDI

Revolutionizing Education through Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative, KDDI Corporation and Ericsson Japan have teamed up to launch a remote programming class connecting students from Sendai and Tokyo using cutting-edge 4K video technology. Supported by the educational board of Sendai City, this collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation in education, especially in the realm of remote learning.

The programming class is part of the “KDDI Mirai Co-creation Program,” which seeks to support the dreams and aspirations of future generations. By fostering co-creation with partners, KDDI is committed to providing opportunities that inspire hope and expand possibilities for children. This initiative also aligns with Ericsson's global project, “Connect to Learn,” which provides digital education environments for over 570,000 children across 45 countries, emphasizing the importance of ICT skills.

This innovative remote programming class took place on September 27, 2025, connecting the KDDI Takawana Headquarters and the Ericsson Japan Sendai Office. On the day of the event, 25 students from middle and elementary schools participated actively, guided by instructors stationed at both locations. They engaged in hands-on robot programming using AI camera control technology, enhancing their coding skills in an immersive learning environment.

The use of high-quality 4K video and realistic audio allowed students to seamlessly observe each other's robot movements and engage in interactive activities such as rock-paper-scissors and quizzes, fostering a sense of camaraderie despite the physical distance. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the experience, with one parent sharing, “It was so much fun to see Tokyo and Sendai connected,” while a student said, “I became more interested in programming.” Educators, like Hiroki Goshima from Yokohama Municipal Minowa Elementary School, noted that remote classes could alleviate the burden of programming instruction and improve students’ comprehension of programming concepts, potentially impacting their future career paths.

The significance of introducing programming into the educational curriculum was highlighted as of 2020, leading to increased workload among teachers. KDDI and Ericsson's ongoing efforts aim to incorporate remote learning solutions into education to address these social challenges and enhance the digital learning landscape.

Looking Ahead

In line with their commitment to enriching the future of children, KDDI and Ericsson are set to hold the second event, a remote game creator class on January 24, 2026. This upcoming session is designed to further engage students in learning programming through game development.

Details of the Remote Game Creator Class:

• - Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• - Locations:

- KDDI Takawana Headquarters, Tokyo
- Ericsson Japan Sendai Office, Miyagi

• - Eligibility: Students from elementary to middle school (accompanied by one guardian per participant)
• - Fee: Free
• - Activities: Programming for game creation
• - Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Instructions for application can be found on the respective event websites. Due to limited slots, a lottery may be conducted, with successful applicants notified by mid-January.

KDDI and Ericsson continue to focus on delivering high-quality remote educational experiences that bridge geographical gaps, empowering learners to collaborate and share knowledge. Their efforts represent a significant step towards creating an educational ecosystem where every child can learn freely, anytime, and anywhere.

Conclusion

By harnessing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration between educational entities, KDDI and Ericsson are not only addressing the immediate needs of students but laying the groundwork for a brighter, more digital future. Their collective mission aligns with the broader goals of promoting STEAM education, integrating the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to develop well-rounded skill sets for the next generation.