Smart Education to Host 'Hoiku Hack 2026' Early Childhood Education Conference on Creativity and Dialogue
Smart Education Co., Ltd. will host 'Hoiku Hack 2026' at the University of Tokyo on August 29, 2026. Featuring speakers like author Noritake Suzuki and economist Makiko Nakamuro, the conference focuses on ICT, inclusive education, and the future of childcare.
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Smart Education Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Daigo Ikeya) will host 'Hoiku Hack 2026' on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Ito International Academic Research Center, University of Tokyo Hongo Campus. This marks the first time in two years that the conference has been held.
### What is 'Hoiku Hack'?
In a rapidly changing society, childcare and education are entering a new stage. 'Hoiku Hack' is an early childhood education conference centered on the keywords 'creativity' and 'dialogue,' providing hints to enrich daily childcare and 'hack' (innovate) for the future. In addition to lectures by prominent figures such as picture book author Noritake Suzuki and inclusive education practitioner Yasuko Kimura, there will be workshops where participants can deepen their learning through thinking and dialogue. A special screening of 'Minna no Gakko' (Everyone's School), a documentary about Osaka Municipal Ozora Elementary School, will also be held in the morning. This event offers a co-creative opportunity for participants to gain insights for their daily practice.
### Event Overview: Hoiku Hack 2026
**Date:** Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Special Screening: 10:00–12:00 (Reception starts at 9:30)
- Conference & Workshops: 13:00–19:30 (Reception starts at 12:00)
*17:30–19:30 is a Communication Session with light snacks and drinks.
**Venue:** University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
- Special Screening: Fukutake Hall
- Conference & Workshops: Ito International Academic Research Center
**Fee:** 20,000 yen (tax included) per person
**Registration:** Apply via the special site: https://smarteducation.jp/hoikuhack
**Organizer:** Smart Education Co., Ltd.
**Contact:** Tel: 03-6431-8910 / Email: info@kdkits.jp
### Conference Speakers
- **Noritake Suzuki:** Author of the hit book 'Dai-Pinch Zukan.'
- **Kazunori Tomano:** Professor at Kumamoto University, exploring the essence of education.
- **Makiko Nakamuro:** Professor at Keio University, author of 'The Economics of Education.'
- **Yasuko Kimura:** Founding principal of Ozora Elementary School, expert in inclusive education.
- **Tatsuya Ozawa:** CEO of PUMPMAN Co., Ltd., developer of 'Dotcon' concrete.
### Workshop Leaders
- **Noritake Suzuki:** Drawing out children's everyday moments.
- **Sumika Tsuda:** Atelierista, expert in Reggio Emilia approach and digital environments.
- **Makoto Izumi:** CEO of Kodomo Nato, integrating art into childcare.
- **Daisuke Kitaoka:** Associate Professor at Wakayama University, specialist in special needs education.
- **Taiyo Imazu:** CEO of Taiyo Sun, reimagining developmental support through play.
### Special Screening: 'Minna no Gakko'
A documentary capturing the inclusive education practices at Osaka Municipal Ozora Elementary School, where the goal is zero truancy. It follows children with and without special needs learning together in the same classroom.
### What is 'Hoiku Hack'?
In a rapidly changing society, childcare and education are entering a new stage. 'Hoiku Hack' is an early childhood education conference centered on the keywords 'creativity' and 'dialogue,' providing hints to enrich daily childcare and 'hack' (innovate) for the future. In addition to lectures by prominent figures such as picture book author Noritake Suzuki and inclusive education practitioner Yasuko Kimura, there will be workshops where participants can deepen their learning through thinking and dialogue. A special screening of 'Minna no Gakko' (Everyone's School), a documentary about Osaka Municipal Ozora Elementary School, will also be held in the morning. This event offers a co-creative opportunity for participants to gain insights for their daily practice.
### Event Overview: Hoiku Hack 2026
**Date:** Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Special Screening: 10:00–12:00 (Reception starts at 9:30)
- Conference & Workshops: 13:00–19:30 (Reception starts at 12:00)
*17:30–19:30 is a Communication Session with light snacks and drinks.
**Venue:** University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
- Special Screening: Fukutake Hall
- Conference & Workshops: Ito International Academic Research Center
**Fee:** 20,000 yen (tax included) per person
**Registration:** Apply via the special site: https://smarteducation.jp/hoikuhack
**Organizer:** Smart Education Co., Ltd.
**Contact:** Tel: 03-6431-8910 / Email: info@kdkits.jp
### Conference Speakers
- **Noritake Suzuki:** Author of the hit book 'Dai-Pinch Zukan.'
- **Kazunori Tomano:** Professor at Kumamoto University, exploring the essence of education.
- **Makiko Nakamuro:** Professor at Keio University, author of 'The Economics of Education.'
- **Yasuko Kimura:** Founding principal of Ozora Elementary School, expert in inclusive education.
- **Tatsuya Ozawa:** CEO of PUMPMAN Co., Ltd., developer of 'Dotcon' concrete.
### Workshop Leaders
- **Noritake Suzuki:** Drawing out children's everyday moments.
- **Sumika Tsuda:** Atelierista, expert in Reggio Emilia approach and digital environments.
- **Makoto Izumi:** CEO of Kodomo Nato, integrating art into childcare.
- **Daisuke Kitaoka:** Associate Professor at Wakayama University, specialist in special needs education.
- **Taiyo Imazu:** CEO of Taiyo Sun, reimagining developmental support through play.
### Special Screening: 'Minna no Gakko'
A documentary capturing the inclusive education practices at Osaka Municipal Ozora Elementary School, where the goal is zero truancy. It follows children with and without special needs learning together in the same classroom.