#Japan #STEAM education #Odawara #MIRIDE #Tomi Mizu

Introduction to STEAM at Tomi Mizu Kindergarten

In a groundbreaking initiative starting in April 2025, Tomi Mizu Kindergarten in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, has officially integrated STEAM education into its curriculum in collaboration with MIRIDE, a prominent company specializing in early childhood STEAM programs. The project aims to standardize early childhood STEAM education across Japan, with significant contributions from experts like Kazufumi Kawamura—known for his scientific consultation in the film "Doraemon: Nobita and the Ideal Sky"—and Naomi Kobayashi, a specialist in early childhood STEAM education.

Program Structure

This innovative program is designed specifically for five-year-old students, offering a comprehensive approach to learning. Each month, students engage in themed explorative activities that interlink experimentation, observation, and programming. Unlike traditional lessons where the focus is simply on content delivery, this initiative emphasizes creating an environment where STEAM education naturally influences children's interactions and expressions.

Key Components of the Program

1. Encouraging Questions: The classroom environment is designed to make it easy for children to ask questions like “Why?” and explore their curiosities without hesitation.
2. Engaging Instructors: Teachers play a crucial role by fostering a fun atmosphere where students feel encouraged to think and express themselves. This is achieved through strategic questioning and meaningful interactions.
3. Ongoing Inquiry: The program ensures that the exploration continues beyond classroom walls. Parents are kept in the loop, creating pathways for discussion at home that encourage inquiry.

First Theme: The Mystery of Hydrangea Colors

The inaugural theme of the program was "The Mystery of Hydrangea Colors." Through hands-on experiments and observations, children learned how the pH level of soil affects the color of hydrangeas. They not only witnessed this transformation in real-time but also used tablets to code their own unique digital flowers, marrying creativity with programming.

Children in the class were brimming with curiosity, voicing questions such as, “Why does the color change?” and “What happens if we mix acidic and alkaline solutions?” This moment sparked a wave of inquisitive energy in the room.

Teacher’s Insight

One of the teachers noted, "Incorporating STEAM education into daily activities seems to encourage students to enter a 'thinking mode' naturally. During the hydrangea color activity, I heard a lot of questions like, 'Why?' and 'Look at this, teacher!' Their genuine engagement and enthusiasm were remarkable. The MIRIDE instructor's timely questions blended seamlessly with the flow of our teaching, maintaining appropriate challenges for the students. After the session, many expressed a desire to continue exploring these topics at home, fostering conversations with their parents."

Comments from Leadership

Takane Tateno, Director of Tomi Mizu Kindergarten

"At Tomi Mizu Kindergarten, we strive to create an environment where children can take on various challenges. We believe that a spirit of inquiry and experience nurtures life skills and individuality. Observing children’s excitement as they engage in STEAM education and wonder ‘Why?’ while experimenting is a testament to the valuable learning opportunities we provide. We aim to cultivate their ability to explore from an early age to develop globally-minded individuals."

Kota Hanamatsu, CEO of MIRIDE

"I believe it is essential for STEAM education to become a culture embedded in both childcare and home life. We are inspired by institutions like Tomi Mizu Kindergarten that integrate exploration as a part of daily routines. Moving forward, we aim to methodically document the growth of non-cognitive skills and curiosity, working towards visualizing this progress. Ultimately, we aspire to collaborate with local governments and research institutions to share practical knowledge gained from early education throughout society."

Invitation to Educators

Educators and school administrators interested in witnessing the STEAM educational practices at Tomi Mizu Kindergarten are encouraged to contact MIRIDE for a tour. Observations will be scheduled based on the kindergarten's operational calendar to ensure a smooth experience.

Media Inquiries

Our initiative welcomes inquiries from media representatives for interviews and on-site coverage. We would appreciate any opportunity to showcase this innovative inquiry-based education happening in our community.