Promoting Children's Learning Spaces through STEAM in Kaga City: Announcement of the Establishment of "Creative Net Kaga"

Minna no Code (NPO Minna no Code, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative Director: Akiko Suginohara, hereinafter "Minna no Code") announces that Creative Net Kaga (General Incorporated Association Creative Net Kaga, Representative Director: Ami Murakami, hereinafter "Creative Net Kaga"), established in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, will take over the activities of its regional base in Kaga City.

This transition will shift the primary responsibility for the technology x children's creative learning spaces, which Minna no Code has operated in Kaga City, to community-led management, leading to the establishment of a sustainable operational system.

Background

In 2019, Minna no Code opened Computer Clubhouse Kaga in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, as Japan's first base modeled after the U.S.-born learning center network "Computer Clubhouse." Since then, it has worked to create spaces where children can engage with technology, regardless of regional or family circumstances, while leveraging the characteristics of each region.

• 2019: Computer Clubhouse Kaga (Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture *to be suspended in March 2025)

• 2020: Mimimi Lab (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

• 2021: Teku-Tech Susaki (Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture)

Regarding these initiatives, a research study published by Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting in January 2026, titled "Development of Evaluation Methods for Children's Places ~Development and Trial of Evaluation Methods (SROI and Radar Chart Evaluation) for Regional Projects Expected to Have Cross-Sectoral and Cross-Organizational Policy Effects~", evaluated Computer Clubhouse Kaga using Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, demonstrating its multifaceted value as an environment where children can engage in creative activities.

In fiscal year 2025, Computer Clubhouse Kaga will be suspended, and efforts will be made to create creative learning spaces utilizing technology as a "STEAM Club," challenging to build a new model that supports children's learning in the region.

To further promote community-based activities, Creative Net Kaga has been established to take over the activities previously developed in Kaga, and will expand its activities under a new system. Through the activities of this organization, we aim to enhance opportunities for children's creative learning in the region.

About the New Organization, General Incorporated Association Creative Net Kaga

Creative Net Kaga will operate with the vision of "aiming to create an environment where children in Kaga can joyfully utilize technology and grow into creative individuals who open up the future of the region through creative and inquiry-based learning and activities."

It will contribute to creating an environment for children's creative learning using technology in Kaga City, based on the following activities:

• Create: Provide an environment where children can freely create using technology such as programming, video production, generative AI, and robots.

• Connect: Connect local young mentors, companies, and educators with children, creating opportunities for learning to spread into the local community.

• Nurture: Foster a creative learning community where children can safely challenge themselves outside of school and home.

• Expand: Deliver children's activities to society through local events and dissemination, creating a cycle of learning in the region.

【Organization Overview】

• Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Creative Net Kaga

• Representative Director: Ami Murakami

• Location: Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture

• Business Activities: Creating an environment for children's creative learning using technology.

• Officers: Ami Murakami, Hiroki Oguri, Yuki Kawanishi

Comment from Ami Murakami, Representative Director of General Incorporated Association Creative Net Kaga

Since 2023, I have been involved in creating a learning space called "STEAM Club" with children aged 10-18 in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Utilizing my experience in design and video work, and being involved in the operation of the former Computer Clubhouse Kaga, I strongly felt the desire to establish an environment in the community where children can proactively think, "I want to try this on my own initiative."

Through activities such as 3D printing and video/music production, children are developing the ability to create things with their own hands and collaborate with peers, even through repeated failures. As a social education specialist, I value "thinking together while having fun" rather than just "teaching unilaterally."

Furthermore, I want to foster a learning environment that values "space for thought," allowing children to deepen their interests and ideas without being overwhelmed by excessive input or output.

By taking a new step as a new organization, I hope to continue fostering an environment where children can safely challenge themselves, together with everyone in the community.

Comment from Akiko Suginohara, Representative Director of Minna no Code

Minna no Code has been working to create an environment where children in the region can creatively enjoy technology. The spin-off of the Kaga base into a community-led organization is a major milestone for us, and we are delighted that the activities we have conducted internally will continue in a new form.

Having local players take the lead in fostering sustainable learning spaces is one of the important approaches in future social education. Minna no Code will continue to be involved as a partner, expanding opportunities for children to cultivate creativity.

About NPO Minna no Code

Minna no Code is a non-profit organization that promotes the spread of technology education nationwide, with the mission of "making Japan a country where everyone creatively enjoys technology." We engage in a wide range of initiatives, including policy proposals for expanding technology education in public education, empirical research in collaboration with academic institutions, development and provision of programming teaching materials, planning and hosting various training programs for teachers responsible for programming education, and creating "third places" where children can freely engage with technology.

Representative Director: Akiko Suginohara, Established: July 2015