#Japan #Osaka #Meta Heroes #eSports Academy #game creator

eSports Game Creator Academy 2026: Spring Edition

The highly anticipated fourth installment of the eSports Game Creator Academy, organized by Meta Heroes in collaboration with various partners including Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd. and e-Stadium Co., Ltd., is set to take place on March 21st and 22nd, 2026, at the Izumisano Ochi Arena in Osaka. Starting February 20th, 2026, registration will open for students in elementary and junior high schools to participate in this unique vocational experience event.

The Academy aims to foster an awareness of career opportunities in the eSports industry among the youth. This year's program includes exciting activities such as an exploration of Osaka Castle recreated using cutting-edge 3D CG technology and a game creator workshop using Blender software. These interactive experiences are designed to captivate the imagination of children and introduce them to the world of digital careers.

Background and Significance

In recent years, the interest among children in careers related to eSports, game streaming, and digital creation has surged. However, practical opportunities to engage with these professions remain limited. This gap inspired the first eSports Game Creator Academy held in March 2024, which has since received high praise for its innovative approach to career education, allowing children to learn about societal roles stemming from their passions.

The Academy not only nurtures the dreams and interests of children but also creates opportunities for parents to deepen their understanding of the digital sphere, thereby fostering a shared perspective on career paths within families. Our ongoing commitment is to cultivate the future digital talent of the community by establishing a cycle of learning and experience.

Event Overview

As interest in digital careers such as professional eSports players and game creators rises, this event aims to provide children with their first experiences related to these professions. Through hands-on activities, participants will expand their perspectives from merely being players to becoming creators, helping them envision their future in the industry.

The design of the programs promotes family involvement. Parents are encouraged to join their children, facilitating discussions about career goals and the vast potential within the digital landscape.

Event Details

• - Dates: March 21 (Sat) & 22 (Sun), 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• - Location: Izumisano Ochi Arena, 3 Rinku Orai, Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture
• - Participants: Elementary and junior high school students
• - Fee: Free (pre-registration required)
• - Registration Open: February 20, 2026, until March 15, 2026 (23:59)
• - Registration Link: Register Here
• - Contact: e-Stadium General Inquiry Form can be found here

Program Highlights

1. eSports Experience Booth: Aimed at introducing participants to the world of eSports through engaging gameplay. Children can explore a digitally recreated version of Osaka Castle while collecting coins, ensuring an age-appropriate environment free from violent content.
2. Game Creator Experience Booth: Participants will utilize Blender software to design characters, bringing their unique creations to life in a game environment, fostering creativity and technical skills.
3. Influencer Fan Meeting: A unique chance for children to meet popular gaming influencers and streamers, where they can participate in quizzes and Q&A sessions that create memorable experiences.
4. ENTER FORCE.36 Booth: Interact with professional eSports players from Osaka's renowned team, featuring activities like cooking challenges, drone flying experiences, and a raffle for exciting prizes.

Our Commitment

Meta Heroes, established with the theme of “Society 5.0 x SDGs x HERO,” focuses on addressing social issues by using technologies such as the metaverse and AI. Previously, we successfully hosted a major event at the Osaka Kansai Expo in May 2025, drawing over 14,000 attendees while receiving support from 153 local governments and educational institutions across Japan.

As we move forward with the eSports Game Creator Academy, we are dedicated to fostering the next generation of digital creators and ensuring a fun, educational environment for all participants. Join us for an unforgettable experience that could ignite a passion for digital creation in your child!