#Japan #Kobe #HDL LLC #Yoshida Kohei #CoDrone EDU

HDL CEO Yoshida Kohei's Visiting Researcher Role

In a significant step for educational innovation, Yoshida Kohei, the CEO of HDL LLC, has been appointed as a visiting researcher at the National University Corporation University of Electro-Communications (UEC) starting April 1, 2026. This role marks a pivotal connection between hands-on educational practices and academic research at a leading institution.

HDL LLC, based in Kobe, Hyogo, focuses on enhancing programming education through the use of drones, developing and selling educational materials, curricula, and organizing various educational events tailored for schools. The company's hands-on approach has been instrumental in promoting programming skills among students, particularly through the use of the CoDrone EDU, an educational programming drone that has gained popularity in classrooms across Japan.

Yoshida’s new engagement with UEC's International Societal Implementation Center, under the leadership of Professor Haru Ishigaki, aims to bridge practical knowledge gained in classrooms and educational events with research perspectives. The goal is to refine and develop this knowledge to better contribute to educational practices across broader contexts.

The Educational Mission of HDL

HDL's mission revolves around providing students with opportunities to learn programming concepts and logical thinking through engaging activities like drone-based education. One of their notable initiatives is the D-TYPE program, focusing on creating classroom environments where students can thrive in learning.

In addition to classroom support, HDL organizes the Drokatsu National Competition, a drone programming competition that encourages students to showcase their skills and connect practical experience with challenging contests. This contributes to a culture of celebration and achievement in education.

Through these initiatives, Yoshida and HDL have witnessed children immerse themselves in learning, experimenting, and growing. By linking these classroom experiences to research initiatives at UEC, there is an opportunity to create a cycle of knowledge where academic insights inform practice and vice versa.

Vision for Future Endeavors

Yoshida emphasizes that engaging with UEC facilitates a deeper connection between practical and theoretical aspects of education. He believes that these research initiatives will ultimately help streamline educational practices, making them more effective and accessible.

As a visiting researcher, he will focus on consolidating and enhancing the insights gained from the D-TYPE classrooms, school engagements, and the Drokatsu National Competition. The aim is to share these findings widely within the educational community to inspire further development and implementation.

In comments about his new appointment, Yoshida stated, “I have seen how children engage with learning through hands-on activities and competitions. By connecting these practices with university research, we can enrich the educational landscape more effectively.”

Conclusion

Yoshida Kohei’s appointment as a visiting researcher at UEC signifies an exciting intersection of educational practice and research. This partnership is anticipated to facilitate the advancement of programming education while contributing richly to the broader community through comprehensive educational frameworks.

With the continued commitment of HDL LLC, along with the collaboration with UEC, there is a promising horizon for innovative and impactful educational methods that prepare students for a tech-driven future.