#Japan #3D Printing #Tokyo #SonoSaki #Maki Nishiyama

Unleashing Young Innovators: The 3D Printing Showcase

The Mirai Onendo Class, run by SonoSaki, is set to host a creative showcase on August 15, 2026 at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo. This event is part of a broader educational initiative aimed at fostering creativity and exploration in students from elementary to high school levels through the innovative use of 3D printing technology.

This competition, themed "Recreate", encourages students to revisit their past creations. Participants are asked to reflect on their work, consider potential improvements, analyze reasons for previous failures, and explore new discoveries during the process of re-creation. By engaging in this cycle of inquiry, students will hone their creative and critical thinking skills.

In an age where AI and digital technology have simplified access to knowledge, the significance of learners taking initiative to formulate their own questions and navigate the trial-and-error process becomes more pronounced. The event on the day will feature not only the exhibition of 3D printed works but will also include student-led presentations, making the experience interactive and engaging.

Welcoming Maki Nishiyama, a well-known model and actress, as a special guest judge adds an extra layer of excitement to the showcase. Nishiyama, recognized for her support among parent communities and active involvement in various media, will be evaluating not only the final products but also focusing on the creative process behind them. Her feedback will provide invaluable insights into the nature of creativity and investigative learning among children.

In collaboration with Wacom, students have previously participated in rehearsal sessions where they could practice their presentations in a setting reminiscent of the real world. This hands-on experience is designed to cultivate their ability to communicate effectively and solve challenges, thereby developing crucial skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors.

Event Details

• - Competition Name: Mirai Onendo Class 2026 Competition
• - Date & Time: August 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• - Venue: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
• - Participants: Students from the Mirai Onendo Class (Elementary, Middle, and High School students)
• - Activities: 3D Printed Artwork Exhibitions, Student Presentations, Judging by Guest Judges
• - Guest Judge: Maki Nishiyama (Model, Actress, Talent)
• - Jurors Include: Masahiko Matsuura (Advisor at GK Dynamics, Designer), Katsuya Toda (CEO of SonoSaki and Healthcare Bank Corporation)
• - Organizer: Mirai Onendo Class, operated by SonoSaki
• - Support: Wacom Corporation

The Need for Inquiry-Based Learning

Growing advancements in generative AI and digital technologies underscore a significant shift in the skills required of children today. Traditional educational frameworks have primarily focused on the acquisition of knowledge and the ability to derive correct answers. However, in an era where AI can instantly gather information and produce responses, the significance of self-directed thinking, experimentative learning, and the generation of novel ideas is paramount.

As highlighted in recent academic research published in Societies, there is concern that increased reliance on AI tools correlates with a reduction in critical thinking skills, particularly among younger populations compared to older generations. The Japanese Ministry of Education is currently examining ways to ensure that learning nurtures independent thought and problem-solving capabilities, allowing children to become creators capable of navigating the uncertainties of the future.

During this competition, there will be an emphasis on the restorative creativity theme of "Why recreate? How did you innovate? What mistakes did you encounter?" The aim is to provide participants with the opportunity to solidify their ideas through creation and presentation experiences, nurturing the creative, critical, and investigatory skills that are essential for their futures.

A Message from the Organizers

Katsuya Toda, a member of SonoSaki's executive team, emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of independent thinking among students. With the convenience offered by AI, it becomes increasingly vital to create environments that encourage experiences where children think for themselves. He believes that in this age of instant answers, the growing importance lies not just in memorizing responses but in learning to pose questions, ideate, physically create, and articulate to others.

This upcoming showcase represents a major opportunity for students to challenge themselves. It focuses not merely on the final product's quality, but also on the processes that led them there, from initial brainstorming to ultimate presentation, highlighting the importance of learning through experience.

About Mirai Onendo Class

The Mirai Onendo Class stands as a frontier STEAM education school leveraging 3DCG and 3D printing technologies. Through unique programs, it aims at developing students' creativity, inquiry, and critical thinking while expanding their knowledge base. The program was awarded the 19th Kids Design Award in 2025 and became a member of the New Economic Federation in 2026, contributing to discussions about future-facing educational policies.

To learn more about Mirai Onendo Class, visit their website: sono-saki.jp