#Japan #Tokyo #Children Education #Unconscious Bias #Hattonya Laboratory

Hattonya's Laboratory 2025: Discovering Unconscious Bias

On August 1, 2025, the Hattonya Laboratory's engaging event targeted at elementary school students drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 participants, including parents. Hosted by the Japan Unconscious Bias Research Institute in Tokyo's waterfront district of Koto, the event aimed to enlighten children about unconscious biases through a series of unique experiences known as the “Five Doors of Awakening.” Following the success of last year’s event, this year's gathering saw a significant increase in attendance, showcasing the growing awareness and interest in the topic.

Event Overview

The event occurred in two sessions: a morning segment from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and an afternoon segment from 1:30 PM to 4 PM, held at the Japan Science and Technology Agency. A total of 516 individuals participated, comprised of 287 elementary school students and their accompanying parents. The event emphasized accessibility by being free of charge and operated on a reservation-only basis. The support from various organizations, including the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office and UNESCO, was pivotal in this initiative.

Experiences that Ignite Awareness

Underpinning the event's premise was the belief that recognizing unconscious biases can broaden children’s future possibilities. The participating companies established five distinct experiences designed to provoke thought and encourage self-reflection. The children were divided based on a lottery system, each experiencing unique activities that challenged their perceptions.

1. The Taste Door by Aji Kaori Strategy Research Institute

This experience unveiled the mysteries of flavor through tasting challenges. Participants sampled odorless liquids and shared guesses about their tastes, learning that their perceptions might be influenced by unrecognized biases. The goal was to expand their palates and encourage adventurous culinary experiences, fostering an atmosphere of openness towards new tastes.

2. The Candy Door by Morinaga Confectionery Co., Ltd.

Children explored preconceived notions surrounding flavors using specially crafted Hi-Chew candies. After discussing their expectations based on appearance, they tasted the real flavors, allowing them to realize discrepancies between perceptions and reality. This interactive evaluation illustrated how biases shape their interpretation of experiences.

3. The Karuta Door by Panasonic Industry

Using a traditional Japanese card game known as karuta, children tackled questions that challenged notions of what is regarded as 'normal'. This interactive session facilitated discussions about personal biases, helping attendees recognize how unseen assumptions can harm others and prompt self-exploration.

4. The Momotaro Door by Hiroshi Yamazaki and Akane Obata from Hakuhodo

This creative storytelling session encouraged children to reassess well-known narratives, prompting them to empathize with characters outside the traditional perspective. Through engaging discussions based on the ancient tale of Momotaro, participants considered alternative viewpoints and recognized their biases in perceiving roles and identities.

5. The Authenticity Door by POLA

Exploring the entrepreneurial journey of women, children examined themes of identity and self-worth. Drawing insights from POLA's history, children shared what 'authenticity' meant to them and acknowledged their individual strengths. The aim was to inspire confidence and dismantle self-imposed restrictions on their capabilities.

Reflective Remarks and Future Plans

Participants shared incredible feedback about how the event shifted their perspectives and encouraged family discussions about unconscious bias. Many interested about hosting events in other regions expressed enthusiasm for taking these educational insights beyond Tokyo. Following this successful gathering, preparations are underway for future events, including a potential sequel next summer, possibly extending to regional cities.

The event not only fostered children's understanding but also empowered participating adults to confront their biases, shaping a conducive environment for shared learning. The Japan Unconscious Bias Research Institute remains committed to creating more avenues for children to navigate and recognize their biases, promoting inclusive dialogue across diverse communities.

For further details, interested parties can visit the official website at Hattonya Laboratory and stay updated on the mission to nurture a bias-aware generation.