Innovative 'Manazashi Project' Wins 19th Kids Design Award

Asuka Co., based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has recently been honored with the prestigious 19th Kids Design Award for its 'Manazashi Project,' an innovative initiative designed to visualize the perspectives of preschool teachers. This project is part of their broader Child Connection Laboratory initiative, aimed at enhancing connections among children, their future, and society.

The Kids Design Award, organized by the Kids Design Association and supported by various government entities, acknowledges products and services that contribute to a safer, more nurturing environment for children and families. The 'Manazashi Project' specifically excelled in the category addressing designs that promote easier child-rearing.

In a message from Tsuyoshi Suehiro, the head of the project and director of Asuka, he expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We aim to create opportunities for preschool teachers to actively enhance the quality of care while sharing their essential perspectives with society.” His words reflect a commitment to connecting early childhood education with broader societal needs.

Celebrating Two Years of the 'Manazashi Project'

As a testament to the project's success, the 'Manazashi Project' is approaching its second anniversary, having started in 2023 and set to celebrate on August 2025. The initiative addresses the growing demands for sustainable and high-quality childcare in light of Japan's declining birthrate and the diversification of childcare needs. It empowers preschool teachers to improve their technical skills and organizational strength, which is crucial for nurturing children's overall development.

The project employs wearable cameras to capture the real-time interactions of preschool teachers during their duties, enabling a unique reflection and feedback loop among educators. This innovative approach enhances the quality and appeal of childcare by fostering a collaborative environment where teachers can review and enhance their skills based on objective footage of their practices. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with educators expressing satisfaction over the insights gained into their colleagues' teaching methods and strategies.

Voices from Participants

Educators involved in the project have shared their experiences, noting, “I appreciated learning how other staff distribute their attention and engage with the children. I realized that awareness also comes from auditory cues.” Another remarked, “The project has benefited our staff by expanding our repertoire of verbal interactions and playful activities, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange among our team.” Such testimonials underline the project's effectiveness in reinvigorating the teaching methods within the childcare environment.

Looking ahead, the 'Manazashi Project' aims to maintain its focus on bridging the gap between educational frameworks and societal needs, further accelerating its initiatives to support the future of childcare.

How the 'Manazashi Project' Works

1. Wearable Camera Installation: Preschool teachers wear the cameras during their sessions.
2. Video Editing: The captured footage is then edited for review purposes.
3. Collaborative Learning: Teachers utilize the edited videos for peer reviews, in-house training, and development activities, further applying these insights to recruitment and staff development.

Call for Collaboration

Asuka Co. is actively seeking collaboration with licensed childcare facilities that are interested in implementing the 'Manazashi Project.' They offer support in video capturing, editing, and training within facilities to enhance internal skills and practices. Interested parties can reach out via their designated contact email.

About Kids Design Award

Established in 2007, the Kids Design Award recognizes remarkable innovations, services, and research that significantly contribute to creating a safer and more nurturing environment for children, thus promoting the healthy growth of the next generation.

About Child Connection Laboratory

The Child Connection Laboratory aims to connect the essential elements of child care, education, and creativity, working towards a future where children thrive in a supportive and engaging environment. The platform also provides various insights and services related to childcare and education.

For more details about the initiative, visit Child Connection Laboratory. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected].