Innovative Educational Workshop Utilizing Minecraft to Foster Creativity at Tokyo University of the Arts

Exploring Creativity through Minecraft

In a fascinating collaboration, the Digital Monozukuri Council, a non-profit organization based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, along with Tokyo University of the Arts, is set to showcase the results of their creative exploration workshop, "Let's Create a Digital Mikoshi with Minecraft!" This exhibition will take place from November 21 to 30, 2025, at the Tokyo University of the Arts Museum, as part of the Art Future Research Station Exhibition.

Workshop Overview

The workshop employs the Education Edition of Minecraft, allowing local children to immerse themselves in the fusion of art and technology. The initiative aims to nurture creativity, collaborative skills, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on learning experiences.

Background: The Symbol of Creativity at Tokyo University of the Arts

The Mikoshi, or portable shrine, is emblematic of Tokyo University of the Arts, crafted by students through unrestricted creativity and community involvement. This program uses the Mikoshi as a subject, encouraging children to learn about art, culture, and science technology while shaping their own "creations." University students act as facilitators, guiding the children to understand the cultural context of the Mikoshi before designing their versions of it in Minecraft. The project integrates diverse perspectives from architecture, design, and intellectual property, embodying the principles of art thinking, STEAM education, and the preservation of regional culture.

From Pilot to Full Program

This marks the second round of this workshop. It builds upon the first pilot edition held in June 2025 at the university's facility. During the initial session, two alumni artists, Hiroki Ihara and Ayaka Abe, delivered lectures highlighting the value of interdisciplinary art exploration and the notion that while research may conclude in other fields, art continues to raise inquiries without definitive answers. Participants experienced the joy of ongoing exploration and were encouraged to recognize that creativity does not have a limit. The second edition is an evolved model that deepens this learning through practical experiences and collaborative creation, allowing participants to engage in a cyclical process of inquiry and creativity.

Details of the Second Edition

The workshop consists of three main sessions, with Days 1 and 2 focusing heavily on learning and creation.

Day 1 (August 22): Immersive Cultural Learning

Participants received a lecture on the cultural significance of the Mikoshi, followed by a visit to witness the actual Mikoshi production for the university festival. Additionally, they had a special tour of the normally private plaster room, enriching their understanding of the art-making environment. This exposure fostered a sense of artistic inquiry, and participants engaged in team-building exercises to strategize for the next creation step.

Day 2 (August 24): Designing Digital Mikoshi

On this day, each child brought their sketches and models of the Mikoshi they wanted to build. They divided into groups to choose themes, with university students again facilitating the process. Guided by lectures from architects and university faculty, Junpei Mori, Ryohei Akita, and Kō Tsutsuda, discussions included spatial design and intellectual property rights concerning their projects. Feedback from the participants reflected a sense of achievement in collaboration, with remarks about managing roles despite being strangers and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.

Day 3 (November 24): Public Exhibition of Works

During the exhibition's opening days, children will present their creations to visitors, conducting interactive viewing sessions. They will incorporate elements like 3D printing and QR codes to blend digital and physical expressions.

Educational Significance

This workshop is part of the "J-PEAKS" initiative led by Tokyo University of the Arts, specifically under the "Well City Project". In collaboration with the Digital Monozukuri Council, it seeks to forge a new educational model rooted in the community. By using art as a medium, this initiative empowers children to pose questions, think critically, and shape their ideas into tangible forms. The project serves as a practical model for STEAM education, testing new forms of collaboration between education, community, and culture.

Event Summary

- Exhibition Title: Workshop at The University of the Arts: Creating a Digital Mikoshi with Minecraft!
- Exhibition Dates: November 21 (Friday) to November 30 (Sunday), 2025
- Location: Tokyo University of the Arts Museum (12-8 Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo)
- Admission: Free, open to the public

About the Organization

The Digital Monozukuri Council is an NPO based in Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo, dedicated to managing the Minecraft Cup and carrying out educational, research, and outreach initiatives that utilize digital tools. They provide opportunities for digital creation experiences to a wide age range, serving as a hub for learning and interaction within the community.