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Gaiax Launches Entrepreneurship Workshops for Kids in Hyogo

In an inspiring initiative, Gaiax Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has teamed up with Hyogo Prefecture to conduct a series of one-day entrepreneurship workshops aimed specifically at elementary school students. The program, titled "Hyogo Entrepreneurship Seminar for Kids," is set to engage 4th to 6th graders who either reside in or attend school within Hyogo Prefecture.

The Program's Objectives

The workshops are designed to provide young participants with a hands-on experience of the entrepreneurial process. Throughout the day, students will identify a problem in their daily lives, generate creative solutions, create prototypes, and finally present their ideas to their peers. The workshops emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship and the excitement it can bring to young minds.

Importance of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is crucial for individuals to foster resilience and adaptability. It encourages young learners to think outside the box, act beyond their immediate environment, and create new value. In Japan, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need for entrepreneurial skills, not just for budding entrepreneurs but as essential capabilities in various life scenarios.

Background of the Initiative

Hyogo Prefecture has been actively promoting entrepreneurial education for youth, aiming to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs. Starting from fiscal year 2024, Gaiax collaborated with the Hyogo Prefecture's New Industry Division and the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education to provide entrepreneurial learning opportunities in middle and high schools. The program's reach has grown significantly, expanding from 13 schools in fiscal 2024 to an anticipated 22 schools in fiscal 2026. With this year's initiative, the focus extends to younger students, enabling them to brainstorm and develop solutions to problems they encounter in daily life.

Workshop Details

Overview:

• - Name: Hyogo Entrepreneurship Seminar for Kids
• - Description: Participants will discover "problems in schools," devise solutions, create prototypes (illustrations or mock-ups), and present their ideas in a one-day workshop.
• - Target Group: 4th to 6th-grade students residing or attending school in Hyogo Prefecture.
• - Fee: Free

Schedule:

The workshops will be held across six locations in Hyogo, including:

• - July 25, 2026: Entrepreneurship Plaza Hyogo, Kobe
• - August 1, 2026: Jibasan Tajima, Toyooka
• - August 2, 2026: Tanba Sasayama City Community Center
• - August 8, 2026: Entrepreneurship Plaza Hyogo, Himeji
• - August 9, 2026: Amagasaki Research and Incubation Center
• - August 11, 2026: Sumoto City Cultural Sports Hall

Activities on the Day

The workshop will follow a structured timetable, including:

• - Introduction and Ice-breaker: To help participants feel comfortable and engaged.
• - Identifying Problems: Students will analyze everyday products and services to understand the issues they address.
• - Solution Development: Through examples, students will learn how new ideas can stem from existing concepts.
• - Prototype Creation: Participants will use various materials to create their prototypes.
• - Presentation Preparation: They will learn about the importance of pitching ideas and prepare their presentations.
• - Final Presentations: Each participant will present their idea to their peers, followed by group voting to select the most innovative solutions.
• - Reflection: Students will recap their key learning points from the program.

Application Process

Interested participants can register through an online form available from June 15, 2026, until three days before each workshop. As spaces are limited to 25 students per session, early application is encouraged.

Feedback from Previous Participants

Past workshops have garnered positive feedback from children and parents alike. Students reported that the experience demystified the concept of entrepreneurship, showing them that becoming an entrepreneur is an attainable goal. Parents expressed their appreciation for the clarity of the program, noting the significance of such initiatives in broadening their children’s future career horizons.

About Gaiax Corporation

Established in March 1999 and led by CEO Yuji Ueda, Gaiax is at the forefront of educational entrepreneurship programs. The company is committed to fostering entrepreneurial skills in collaboration with various educational institutions and local governments. For more information, please visit their official website: Gaiax Education.

By engaging young minds in creative problem-solving and innovation, Gaiax is paving the way for a new generation of entrepreneurs eager to face the challenges of tomorrow.