#Japan #Tokyo #STEAM education #MetLife #MIT Japan

MetLife Life Insurance Supports STEAM Learning for Students in Japan

In an inspiring initiative, MetLife Life Insurance Company, led by CEO Dirk Osteen, has teamed up with the MIT Japan Alumni Association and the MIT-Japan Program to sponsor STEAM workshops aimed at elementary and middle school students. This collaboration aims to cultivate young minds and inspire aspirations in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

MetLife has set a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) theme focusing on “supporting a more reliable future for children.” By providing opportunities for STEAM experiences, the company aims to nurture dreams and aspirations among the youth. The workshops were launched in 2023, marking the 150th anniversary of MIT’s first female graduate, focusing initially on female students in Tokyo.

As part of the 2024 workshops, which celebrate the 150th anniversary of the graduation of Ichiro Honma, MIT’s first Japanese graduate who significantly contributed to the development of technology in Japan, the events will take place nationwide, including Fukuoka, Honma's hometown. During this year’s third workshop, events will be held in three locations across the country, targeting fifth and sixth graders from elementary schools and first-year students in middle schools.

Current students and alumni from MIT will take on the role of facilitators, guiding participants to engage in hands-on activities such as DNA extraction experiments and egg drop challenges. The objective is to instill a sense of excitement about STEAM and group work while highlighting the real-world applications of experiments. Feedback from past workshop attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments like “It was a valuable experience to think and collaborate with peers, and the children’s eyes were sparkling with excitement.” Notably, Yoichiro Iwashima, the chairman of the MIT Japan Alumni Association and an executive officer at MetLife, will also facilitate the workshops.

In Japan, students often make decisions about their academic paths in their first year of high school, making early exposure to STEAM essential for broadening their future aspirations and potential. Consequently, participants in the workshops are limited to ages 10 to 13.

Workshop Details

1. Fukuoka Workshop
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Fukuoka City Science Museum, 4-2-1 Rokubonmatsu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka

2. Kumamoto (Yamaga City) Workshop
- Date: July 27, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Yamaga BASE, 4187 Chida, Yamaga City, Kumamoto

3. Tokyo Workshop
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Science Tokyo (Kuramae Hall), 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro Ward, Tokyo

For further details and the latest updates about the workshops, please visit the MIT Japan Alumni Association's website.

About MetLife Life Insurance

MetLife Life Insurance began operations in Japan in 1973 as the first foreign life insurance company and now stands as part of one of the world’s leading life insurance groups, providing tailored solutions to help customers select the best coverage. Through diverse sales channels, the company strives to offer innovative products that meet a wide range of risks for both individual and corporate clients. More about MetLife Life Insurance here.

About MIT Japan Alumni Association

The MIT Japan Alumni Association consists of graduates from MIT, including undergraduates, master’s and doctoral degree holders, educators, and short-program participants, totaling over 2,000 members and establishing itself as the second largest association after the U.S. The organization aims to deepen connections among individuals who have had various experiences at MIT and contribute to society while maintaining ties to MIT. It operates under the volunteer spirit of its board members and has a history spanning more than 110 years. Find out more about MIT Japan Alumni Association.