Elementary 4th Grader's Self-Planned Online Minecraft Contest to Be Held on July 4 — A New Form of Inquiry-Based Learning That Turns Children's 'Likes' into Tangible Creations

NIJIN Inc.'s after-school inquiry-based project school will host an online Minecraft contest titled 'Let's Build a Village Restaurant in Minecraft!' on Saturday, July 4, 2026, within a metaverse space. This contest was entirely planned by a 4th-grade elementary student attending the project school, representing an initiative to connect children's 'likes' to learning and realize student-led inquiry-based education. The judging panel will feature mmm, a popular Minecraft streamer, as a special judge.

'I want to ask mmm to be a judge' — turning a child's 'I want to try' into reality

The most distinctive feature of this event is that it was planned not by an adult, but by a single 4th-grade student enrolled in the project school.

A student who has long admired Minecraft streamer mmm decided to reach out directly. Inspired by the desire to have mmm as a judge, the child sent a message via X (formerly Twitter), leading to a Zoom meeting and ultimately securing mmm’s participation as a special judge.

A child's 'I want to try!' moved adults and became a real project—this event perfectly embodies inquiry-based learning that starts with passion and encourages independent thinking and action.

Connecting 'likes' to learning: A student-driven inquiry process

Participants will freely create a 'village restaurant' in Minecraft and present their creations to the judges on the final day. The theme is to build the ultimate village restaurant through creativity and building skills.

While deeply engaged in their beloved Minecraft, children naturally develop the following skills:

- Conceptualizing what kind of restaurant to create (planning and ideation) - Building it in Minecraft (design and expression) - Presenting their work effectively (slide creation and presentation)

Final presentations will be held on the last day. Through this event, children will learn (1) how to create slides and (2) how to deliver presentations. Starting from what they love, they will develop the ability to think, create, and communicate.

Held in a 'metaverse campus' connecting children nationwide

The event will take place online in a metaverse space (oVice), where participants gather to create their projects. The platform allows voice proximity—voices get louder when users are close and fade when apart—enabling face-to-face interaction and emotional expression through reactions, fostering connection even when physically apart. This also offers opportunities to make friends across Japan. This metaverse campus is also used by NIJIN's alternative school, which has over 700 enrolled students.

Special Judge: mmm (Minecraft Streamer)

A Minecraft streamer active on the YouTube channel 'mmm Gaming'.

Focusing on Minecraft, mmm creates gameplay videos and live streams of various games, gaining popularity among many children.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mmmgaming_yt

Having their work reviewed by a beloved streamer serves as strong motivation for children and encourages self-directed learning.

Event Overview

Let's Build a Village Restaurant in Minecraft! Judged by a Minecraft Streamer! (For elementary and middle school students)

Schedule

- June 26 (Fri) 16:30–17:30 Presentation Preparation - July 1 (Wed) 16:30–17:30 Presentation Preparation - July 4 (Sat) 11:00–12:30 Contest Day

Location

Online metaverse space (oVice)

Target Participants

Elementary and middle school students

Required Materials

PC or tablet (Canva will be used for slide creation)

Participation Fee (tax included)

- External participants: 2,200 yen - NIJIN Academy students: 1,100 yen - Project School students: Free

Capacity

10 participants

Application Deadline

June 25 (Thu) 18:00

Application Page: [Link]

◼️ After-School Project School

An inquiry-based after-school program where elementary and middle school students from across Japan can participate online. A new learning space where children launch and execute real-world projects based on their interests and curiosities.

Centered on 'practical learning connected to society,' 'dialogue with professionals,' and 'student-led project advancement,' it provides 'real-world experiences' not found in textbook-based education. As a third learning space beyond school and home, it connects each child’s individuality and curiosity to social value.

Through the process of identifying challenges, planning, and realizing ideas, children develop the ability to 'think independently, take action, and deliver value to society.' The school aims to create a future where every child can challenge themselves authentically, free from the constraints of traditional education.

▶ Official Website: https://project.nijin.co.jp/

NIJIN Inc.

A 'JAPAN EDUCATION COMPANY' that aims to solve educational challenges through systemic innovation, guided by the mission 'Illuminating the Nation Through Education.' Founded in April 2022 by Tatsuro Hoshino, a former elementary school teacher, who sensed a national crisis in the large number of children unable to express themselves in today’s schools. The company operates 13 initiatives (businesses) addressing various educational issues such as school non-attendance, teacher shortages, teacher workloads, and the future of schools.