#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Agency #Open Data #CoderDojo

CoderDojo Open Data Officially Adopted into Japan's Well-Being Index

The open data collected and published by the non-profit organization CoderDojo Japan, which operates over 200 coding dojos across the country for children, has been officially adopted as part of the Digital Agency's Well-Being Index, specifically influencing the Digital Life Index. This milestone reflects the importance of accessible data in assessing community wellness and digital engagement.

Understanding the Well-Being Index

The Well-Being Index, developed by Japan’s Digital Agency, provides a comprehensive overview of community life through subjective experiences and objective living conditions. Designated as a valuable resource, the open data from CoderDojo Japan is now included as a component of the objective data that informs this index. This initiative allows residents and policymakers to better understand the dynamics of their local environments by integrating tech-driven insights.

For more details, individuals can explore the official Well-Being Index website at Well-Being Digital, where subjective surveys and objective data reflect the quality of life across various regions in Japan.

Enhanced Access to Historical Data

In addition to the recent adoption, one of the key benefits is the ability to access historical data related to CoderDojo activities. Previously, information was available only for the most recent events, requiring users to manually maintain records or convert them into machine-readable formats such as CSV or JSON. Starting August 2025, past data will also be available in these formats, leading to enhanced usability and transparency.

For example, data from as far back as 2017 can now be retrieved in a way that makes it easier for researchers, educational institutions, and community planners to utilize.

What is CoderDojo?

Founded in Ireland in 2011, CoderDojo is an international initiative providing coding workshops for children ages 7 to 17. In Japan, over 200 dojos are active, facilitating more than 1,200 events annually. These events are powered by a diverse coalition of programmers, designers, educators, and volunteers committed to nurturing young talent in technology.

At CoderDojo, participants engage with various programming tools, including Scratch and micro:bit, but are encouraged to explore their creative ideas without restriction to specific technologies. This unique approach fosters innovation and allows children to develop their coding skills through projects that genuinely interest them.

To see the initiative in action, viewers can watch a brief introductory video on YouTube.

About CoderDojo Japan

CoderDojo Japan, situated in Shinjuku, Tokyo, serves as the official Japanese arm of the global CoderDojo movement. By collaborating with over 25 partner organizations, it continues to bolster the non-profit activities of coding dojos nationwide. Their efforts aim to ensure children across Japan have valuable opportunities to learn programming in exciting and supportive settings. Recent developments from CoderDojo Japan can be tracked through various official social media channels:

• - YouTube: CoderDojo Japan
• - X (formerly Twitter): CoderDojo Japan
• - Facebook: CoderDojo Japan
• - GitHub: CoderDojo Japan
• - Podcast: CoderDojo Podcasts

Organizations interested in supporting or collaborating with the CoderDojo community are welcome to inquire via the partnership page at CoderDojo Japan Partnerships.

This collaborative approach not only supports the local tech scene but also promotes a change in perceptions toward digital literacy and its role in achieving overall community well-being.