Oita City Hosts Experience Event: 'Is it Just My Child?' - Answered with Data
Waseda University's Professor Hirokazu Hirose to Speak! Visualizing Developmental Challenges with Eye-Tracking and Information Theory Analysis. All Programs Free. Held on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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- 📰 Published: April 5, 2026 at 03:37
The Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association (Oita Prefecture) will hold an experiential seminar titled 'Is it Just My Child? Answering Your Worries with Data' on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Compal Hall Audiovisual Room in Oita City, targeting parents concerned about their child's development. Professor Hirokazu Hirose from the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Waseda University will be the speaker, and participation is free of charge.
Background: Children in the 'Gray Zone' are Being Left Behind
In Japan, approximately 5-6% of children are said to have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (according to DSM-5). Many cases are overlooked as merely 'clumsy' or 'restless,' and without appropriate support, they enter school, leading to learning difficulties, truancy, and decreased self-esteem as secondary issues.
On the other hand, accessing public developmental support services requires a doctor's opinion and a certificate of eligibility, posing significant psychological and procedural hurdles for parents. The needs of children in the 'gray zone,' who are 'not diagnosed but concerning,' and parents who want to grasp their child's condition early before health check-ups, have not been sufficiently met by the traditional support system.
This experience seminar is designed as a new approach for children and parents within these 'systemic gaps.'
Seminar Overview
Date and Time:
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM doors open - 12:30 PM (scheduled)
Venue:
Compal Hall Audiovisual Room (Funai-machi, Oita City)
Target Audience:
Parents with children aged 4-6 years old
Participation Fee:
Free (advance registration required)
Organizer:
Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association
Speaker:
Professor Hirokazu Hirose (Waseda University, Faculty of Sport Sciences)
Day's Program Content
Special Lecture: Professor Hirokazu Hirose (10:00 AM -)
'Viewing Children's Developmental Challenges Through Data: Early Detection of Developmental Disorders and Support You Can Provide at Home'
Based on the latest findings on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), this lecture will explain how to 'visualize' children's developmental challenges and how to engage with them at home.
Gymnastics Demonstration: 'Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses Through Gymnastics' (11:00 AM -)
Professor Hirose will demonstrate various coordination exercises with parents and children. Participants should wear comfortable clothing; everyone can join. This is an opportunity to enjoyably confirm your child's motor and sensory characteristics.
Assessment Measurement: Experience Three Types of Data Measurement
On the day, the following measurement menus will be conducted:
1. Behavioral, Sensory, and Motor Assessment
A 10-minute online check for 4-6 year olds for a simple screening.
2. Motion Analysis (Information Theory Analysis)
Analyzing smartphone videos to visualize coordination patterns with quantitative scores.
3. Gaze Analysis (Eye-Tracking)
Measuring eye movement and attention patterns with specialized equipment to quantify cognitive and sensory characteristics.
All three (1, 2, 3) are free, but each has a capacity of 10 people (first-come, first-served), so apply early.
Target Parents and Children:
Parents who want to understand their child's current developmental status before the 5-year-old health check.
Parents who are anxious about potential findings at health check-ups.
Parents who have been told their child has mild developmental delays but are hesitant about formal therapy.
Parents who want to resolve challenges before their child enters elementary school.
No doctor's opinion or certificate of eligibility is required. Anyone can participate easily.
Speaker Profile
Professor Hirokazu Hirose (Nori Kazu Hirose)
Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University
After obtaining a Ph.D. (Academic) from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School, he specialized in sports injury prevention, athletic training, and child physical development. As the physical coach for the Japan Women's National Football Team (Nadeshiko Japan), he contributed to their victory in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
He has been researching child motor therapy and developed the 'Be-You Program,' an early intervention program through play. He is promoting its dissemination in childcare and developmental support settings nationwide and building an early detection and support model starting from the 5-year-old health check.
About the 'Be-You Developmental Coordination Support Program' Behind the Event
This experience seminar is held as part of the 'Be-You Developmental Coordination Support Program' deployed by the Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association.
The Be-You Program, supervised by Professor Hirokazu Hirose, upholds the philosophy of 'building the foundation of children's minds and bodies through play.' Based on sensory integration theory and neuroscientific evidence, it comprehensively supports the development of sensory, motor, cognitive, and social skills.
Its greatest feature is its operation as a private-sector motor therapy service that does not require public support procedures. Program commencement is possible from the week following application, without the need for a doctor's opinion, disability certificate, or eligibility certificate. This system can widely accommodate children in the 'gray zone' who are 'not diagnosed but concerning,' as well as parents who wish to engage proactively before health check-ups.
Application and Inquiries
Advance Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Apply via the QR code or the contact information below.
Organizer: Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association
Operating Consignor: Livence Co., Ltd.
Phone: 080-5256-0499
Email: takayuki.s0456@gmail.com
*This is a private-sector motor therapy service. Measurement results are not a substitute for diagnosis.
Background: Children in the 'Gray Zone' are Being Left Behind
In Japan, approximately 5-6% of children are said to have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (according to DSM-5). Many cases are overlooked as merely 'clumsy' or 'restless,' and without appropriate support, they enter school, leading to learning difficulties, truancy, and decreased self-esteem as secondary issues.
On the other hand, accessing public developmental support services requires a doctor's opinion and a certificate of eligibility, posing significant psychological and procedural hurdles for parents. The needs of children in the 'gray zone,' who are 'not diagnosed but concerning,' and parents who want to grasp their child's condition early before health check-ups, have not been sufficiently met by the traditional support system.
This experience seminar is designed as a new approach for children and parents within these 'systemic gaps.'
Seminar Overview
Date and Time:
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM doors open - 12:30 PM (scheduled)
Venue:
Compal Hall Audiovisual Room (Funai-machi, Oita City)
Target Audience:
Parents with children aged 4-6 years old
Participation Fee:
Free (advance registration required)
Organizer:
Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association
Speaker:
Professor Hirokazu Hirose (Waseda University, Faculty of Sport Sciences)
Day's Program Content
Special Lecture: Professor Hirokazu Hirose (10:00 AM -)
'Viewing Children's Developmental Challenges Through Data: Early Detection of Developmental Disorders and Support You Can Provide at Home'
Based on the latest findings on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), this lecture will explain how to 'visualize' children's developmental challenges and how to engage with them at home.
Gymnastics Demonstration: 'Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses Through Gymnastics' (11:00 AM -)
Professor Hirose will demonstrate various coordination exercises with parents and children. Participants should wear comfortable clothing; everyone can join. This is an opportunity to enjoyably confirm your child's motor and sensory characteristics.
Assessment Measurement: Experience Three Types of Data Measurement
On the day, the following measurement menus will be conducted:
1. Behavioral, Sensory, and Motor Assessment
A 10-minute online check for 4-6 year olds for a simple screening.
2. Motion Analysis (Information Theory Analysis)
Analyzing smartphone videos to visualize coordination patterns with quantitative scores.
3. Gaze Analysis (Eye-Tracking)
Measuring eye movement and attention patterns with specialized equipment to quantify cognitive and sensory characteristics.
All three (1, 2, 3) are free, but each has a capacity of 10 people (first-come, first-served), so apply early.
Target Parents and Children:
Parents who want to understand their child's current developmental status before the 5-year-old health check.
Parents who are anxious about potential findings at health check-ups.
Parents who have been told their child has mild developmental delays but are hesitant about formal therapy.
Parents who want to resolve challenges before their child enters elementary school.
No doctor's opinion or certificate of eligibility is required. Anyone can participate easily.
Speaker Profile
Professor Hirokazu Hirose (Nori Kazu Hirose)
Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University
After obtaining a Ph.D. (Academic) from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School, he specialized in sports injury prevention, athletic training, and child physical development. As the physical coach for the Japan Women's National Football Team (Nadeshiko Japan), he contributed to their victory in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
He has been researching child motor therapy and developed the 'Be-You Program,' an early intervention program through play. He is promoting its dissemination in childcare and developmental support settings nationwide and building an early detection and support model starting from the 5-year-old health check.
About the 'Be-You Developmental Coordination Support Program' Behind the Event
This experience seminar is held as part of the 'Be-You Developmental Coordination Support Program' deployed by the Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association.
The Be-You Program, supervised by Professor Hirokazu Hirose, upholds the philosophy of 'building the foundation of children's minds and bodies through play.' Based on sensory integration theory and neuroscientific evidence, it comprehensively supports the development of sensory, motor, cognitive, and social skills.
Its greatest feature is its operation as a private-sector motor therapy service that does not require public support procedures. Program commencement is possible from the week following application, without the need for a doctor's opinion, disability certificate, or eligibility certificate. This system can widely accommodate children in the 'gray zone' who are 'not diagnosed but concerning,' as well as parents who wish to engage proactively before health check-ups.
Application and Inquiries
Advance Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Apply via the QR code or the contact information below.
Organizer: Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association
Operating Consignor: Livence Co., Ltd.
Phone: 080-5256-0499
Email: takayuki.s0456@gmail.com
*This is a private-sector motor therapy service. Measurement results are not a substitute for diagnosis.
FAQ
What is the purpose of this experience seminar?
The seminar aims to help parents concerned about their child's development objectively assess their child's developmental status using data analysis technologies like eye-tracking, leading to early support.
Do I need any special preparation to attend?
Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended. Some measurement sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis, so early pre-registration is advised.
What does 'gray zone' refer to in this context?
It refers to children exhibiting developmental characteristics or difficulties that are concerning but do not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis, often leading to a lack of appropriate support.