Supporting each student’s inquiry-based learning through hands-on experiences with programming and generative AI

Tokyo, Japan, August 4, 2026 — MIXI, Inc. hereby announces that, as of June 12, 2026, it has begun providing support for Shibuya City Yoyogi Junior High School’s programming seminar. This seminar is one of the inquiry-based learning programs that the school is implementing in the 2026-27 school year.
For this school year, the school has adopted the following inquiry themes: “Aiming for Authentic Inquiry-Based Learning” and “Aiming for Inquiry-Based Learning Related to Society (Fostering Practical Skills).” Based on these themes, students choose a topic that interests them from among several seminar options, such as programming, video production, and cooking. They engage in individual inquiry activities, working on self-defined projects leading up to the final presentation of their results in December.
As part of this initiative, MIXI is leading the programming workshop. Over the course of approximately 10 sessions from June through December, we support each student in bringing their ideas to life by introducing IT engineering work, providing hands-on experience with HTML and Python, and showcasing examples of how generative AI is used.

About 25 students are participating in the programming seminar, and we held three sessions during the first semester. The first half of the seminar is devoted to lectures and working on assigned tasks, while the second half is dedicated to the students’ own research projects. The activities MIXI carried out during the first semester are as follows.

　
Classes taught by a MIXI employee

　
Students working on assignments and individual research projects

Example of a page made by a student

In the second half of the seminar, in addition to HTML, students will work on creating mini-applications, games, and tools using Python, as well as experimenting with sample code that utilizes generative AI. In the final session in December, students will create and present their projects.

Comment from Akira Tanabe, MIXI engineer leading the seminar

During the first semester, I talked with students and used surveys to find out what each student was aiming for. “Games” frequently came up as one of the things they wanted to try, so I could really relate to how everyone felt. Since many students chose to work on something related to Minecraft, I provided a variety of activities, such as a Minecraft quiz, while also gauging their engagement. I hope that they’ll develop an interest in programming through their other interests.

Comment from Shoichi Komazaki, Principal of Shibuya City Yoyogi Junior High School

At Yoyogi Junior High School, we conduct individual inquiry-based learning tailored to each student’s interests. These integrated studies go beyond the traditional boundaries of grade levels and classrooms. Students with similar interests form teams to engage in collaborative inquiry-based learning to deepen their knowledge together.

For the teams working on programming, a collaboration was established with MIXI, a company with whom we’ve been collaborating with for the “Kids VALLEY Future Learning Project.”

The programming seminar is a truly authentic learning opportunity where highly motivated students can learn directly from industry experts. As education shifts from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that nurtures individual potential, this initiative serves as an invaluable opportunity to cultivate students’ passions and hone their talents, helping to foster outstanding individuals.

It is said that innovation is sparked when outstanding individuals collaborate and form new connections. We hope to expand initiatives like this one in order to build a secure future society.

As part of our efforts to nurture the next generation, we have been implementing initiatives such as corporate visit programs for junior high and high school students and providing support for programming education at junior high schools in Shibuya Ward. We will continue to provide opportunities for learning and discovery for the younger generation who will one day shape the future, as we strive to nurture their interest and curiosity in technology and creation.