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Japan’s Digital Agency has opened registration for generative AI workshops as part of the 2025 Children’s Kasumigaseki Tour Day, scheduled for August 6-7, 2025. The annual event, organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, allows children to visit government offices and learn about their work. This year, the Digital Agency will host two separate workshops focused on generative AI technology. Elementary school students can participate in a parent-child workshop where they’ll use AI to create stories, followed by a photo session with the agency’s mascot character, Myna-chan. Middle school students will engage in a more advanced workshop exploring “Japan’s Future” using AI tools while learning about the latest developments in generative AI technology. The workshops aim to introduce young people to AI technology in an educational and engaging manner.
Source: Digital Agency of Japan
Our Commentary
Background and Context
The Children’s Kasumigaseki Tour Day is an annual summer event where Japanese government ministries open their doors to young visitors. Kasumigaseki is Tokyo’s government district, home to most national ministry buildings. This tradition started over 20 years ago to help children understand how government works and potentially inspire future public servants.
Japan’s Digital Agency, established in 2021, is one of the newest government departments. Its mission includes modernizing government services and promoting digital transformation across Japanese society. By focusing on AI education for children, the agency addresses Japan’s goal of becoming a leader in AI technology while facing a shrinking workforce.
Expert Analysis
Educational technology experts highlight that introducing AI concepts to children is becoming essential in modern education. Generative AI – technology that can create text, images, and other content – has exploded in popularity since late 2022. Countries worldwide are racing to integrate AI literacy into their education systems.
Japan faces unique challenges, including an aging population and declining birth rate, making technological innovation crucial for maintaining economic competitiveness. By targeting both elementary and middle school students with age-appropriate content, the Digital Agency demonstrates understanding of developmental differences in learning capacity.
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
According to Japan’s Ministry of Education, only 35% of Japanese schools currently incorporate any form of AI or advanced technology education. This contrasts sharply with countries like Singapore (78%) and South Korea (65%). The Japanese government has allocated ¥50 billion (approximately $340 million) for AI education initiatives in 2025.
Recent surveys show that 82% of Japanese parents support early technology education, but 67% worry about screen time and online safety. The workshop format, with parental involvement for younger children, addresses these concerns while maintaining educational value.
Related News
This initiative aligns with broader Japanese government efforts to boost AI adoption. In March 2025, Japan announced plans to train 250,000 AI specialists by 2030. Major Japanese corporations like Sony and Toyota have also launched youth AI programs.
Internationally, similar programs are emerging. The United States launched “AI4K12” to develop AI curriculum standards, while China mandates AI education starting from primary school. The European Union funds AI literacy programs through its Digital Education Action Plan.
Summary
Japan’s Digital Agency workshops represent a strategic investment in future generations’ technological literacy. By making AI accessible and fun through storytelling and future-thinking exercises, the program could inspire young people to pursue technology careers. Success here might provide a model for AI education initiatives worldwide, particularly in combining government resources with hands-on learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is generative AI?
A: Generative AI is technology that can create new content like text, images, or music based on patterns it learned from existing data. Think of it like a very smart assistant that can write stories or draw pictures.
Q: Do children need prior knowledge to attend?
A: No, the workshops are designed for beginners. Elementary workshops focus on fun, creative activities, while middle school sessions explore more complex concepts in an accessible way.
Q: Why is Myna-chan involved?
A: Myna-chan is the Digital Agency’s mascot, designed to make government services feel friendlier and more approachable to citizens, especially children.
