#Japan #Tokyo #STEAM education #Human Academy #Robot Contest

The 16th Human Academy Junior Robot Classroom National Championship

On August 22, 2026, a thrilling event will take place at the Yasuda Auditorium of the University of Tokyo. The Human Academy Junior, a leading educational initiative in robotics, will host its 16th National Championship. This year, 37 exceptional students, selected from a competitive pool across the nation, will gather to showcase their creativity and technical prowess in robotics.

Aiming for Victory: The Revenge Match

Among the contenders is Ryosuke Okita, a second-year junior high school student, who has finished runner-up for two consecutive years. This year, he is determined to secure his long-awaited first victory after falling short previously. Everyone is eager to see if he can turn his experience into a win this time around.

Unique Themes and Collaborations

A highlight of this year’s competition is a special collaboration with Morinaga & Co., a leading confectionery company. The technical contest will incorporate Morinaga's Chocoball as the target for competitors. Participants will be challenged to target Chocoballs, with the number of hits directly translating into Chocoball rewards. The event promises to be both entertaining and rewarding, as the champion will receive a year’s supply of 365 Chocoballs—definitely a sweet incentive!

Focus on Experience and Female Competitors

This year’s competition sees many seasoned participants, including award-winners from previous editions and multiple-time competitors. Participants like Kento Kobunato, a fifth grader who won last year, and newcomers like Shinru Suzumura—who is participating for the first time—are expected to bring fresh excitement. Another competitor to watch is Mirei Yukitake, who is transitioning from the idea contest to the technical contest this year and is set to make her mark among the contestants.

Competition Details

The championship will consist of two main categories: the Idea Contest and the Technical Contest. Students have worked hard in their respective robotics classrooms to prepare for both competitions. Each student will present their unique robot designs in the Idea Contest, while the Technical Contest will focus on the precision, speed, and functionality of their robots.

The event will also feature a special lecture by renowned robot creator Tomotaka Takahashi, who has significantly contributed to the field of robotics education in Japan. His insights and expertise will inspire young minds and encourage them in their future endeavors.

Event Information

• - Date: August 22, 2026
• - Time: 10:15 AM to 5:00 PM
• - Location: Yasuda Auditorium, University of Tokyo
• - Live Streaming: Available on the official YouTube channel of Human Academy

The Human Academy Junior Robot Classroom has been promoting STEAM education since its establishment in June 2009. Today, it involves over 2,000 classrooms nationwide, catering to children from preschool to middle school. The curriculum encourages children to engage with robotics actively, stimulating creativity and problem-solving skills essential for navigating an ever-evolving technological landscape.

This annual competition has been a platform for students to share knowledge and ideas while fostering a strong interest in science and engineering. As the event nears, anticipation builds not just for the competition itself but for the continued growth of STEAM education in fostering the next generation of innovators.

For more details and updates on the event, visit the official website at Human Academy Junior.