Kidzania is a vocational and social experience facility where children can learn about the workings of society through various work experiences such as pizza chefs, pilots, doctors, and bank clerks. Eiyoshi Sumiya, President and CEO of KCJ GROUP Co., Ltd., opened this facility, which originated in Mexico, in Japan in 2006 and established the concept of "edutainment" where children can have fun and learn about the workings of society. This is Einosuke.
The meaning of Kidzania for children and Japanese society
``At my previous job, WDI Co., Ltd., I attracted and expanded many overseas restaurants to Japan, including Capricciosa, Tony Roma's, Hard Rock Cafe, and recently Bubba Gump Shrimp. I was introduced to Kidzania, but I didn't really get the hang of it just by hearing about it, so I went to Mexico to see it.The sponsoring company was letting me experience what they were doing, but for adults, it wasn't really a job. This can sometimes be a source of pain, and I was drawn to the fact that the children seemed to be having so much fun doing it."
In the end, he visited Mexico again with his grandchildren, and after spending two days happily at Kidzania, he was convinced of its appeal.
In fact, another reason that moved Sumiya's heart was the issue of the increasing number of NEETs among young people, which was a hot topic in Japan at the time. ``I have long felt that young people's desire to work has declined.However, there is a limit to educating them after they become adults.While they learn the joy of work from a young age, they also believe that it is a duty and that they need to become independent.'' I had a vague idea that it would be difficult to learn about the basic social rule that children must work and earn their own food.In that sense, Kidzania's initiative was designed to help students learn about the fundamental rules of society that require them to work and earn their own living. I felt this was an opportunity to solve the problem."


Another thing that worried me was the strain on the educational and social structure in which Japanese children are placed. ``I feel really bad for people who have been judged based on their studies and scores since elementary school, and when they can't study, they feel like ``I'm no good.'' Even if they're not good at studying, there's music and sports, too. There is no one to encourage children that they can do something because they are good with their hands.In a society that relies on academic standards, parents have no choice but to do the same.
He also felt that this was a drag on globalization. “The same thing applies to the much-talked-about concept of ``global.'' In Japan, you often remember the other person's company or title but don't remember their name.However, overseas, even if you haven't seen each other in several years, I remember people's first names because they are connected not by the name of a company, but by their personal values.I believe that the origin of globalization is for each individual to live with an independent will.


Sumiya says that children need to realize their own potential and have confidence in themselves. This idea changed to my conviction when I opened Kidzania and saw the behavior of the Japanese children who visited there.
“Kidzania has so many jobs, and as the children gain experience, they realize that there is something they are good at. If they feel like, ``I did better than the kid next to me,'' then I think we've already achieved Kidzania's goal.It's hard to see, but just knowing that is enough.''
Experience gives children greater confidence
One of the side effects of the Kidzania experience is that children are more motivated to study. ``It's best if children understand the purpose of studying at school through work experience.For example, by experiencing a pilot's flight simulator, children can realize that flying an airplane can be quite difficult. Then, I feel that in order to do this job, I have to study.This is why it is important for children to experience real work, not just a game. I often hear stories about things becoming like this."


Children experiencing pilot flight simulator
Kidzania currently has 19 locations in 24 countries around the world, but in Japan they have a variety of unique projects.
One of them is "Junior Challenge Japan" for junior high school students. In addition to work experience, a popular event was the ``Social Party,'' where you could talk directly with specialists in various fields that you don't usually come into contact with, such as lawyers, announcers, and members of the Diet. ``I thought it would be difficult for junior high school students to talk about politics with members of the Diet, but surprisingly it wasn't.They talked about politics well with professionals.If you create the right opportunities, children will do just fine. It makes me look forward.”


A scene from the exchange project "Social Party". Around 4 to 6 junior high school students sit around a round table, surrounded by a social instructor from various industries, and can listen to a variety of stories.
In addition, the ``High School Internship'' is aimed at high school students who have graduated from Kidzania (target age group 3 to 15 years old). This is a one-week work experience as a staff assistant at Kidzania in Singapore. "I know the role of the staff from my experience at Kidzania in Japan, so even though I'm not good at English and only use gestures to communicate, it's not a problem.Language is secondary.For example, when it comes to making hamburgers, I've done it in Tokyo, so I don't have any problems. Even if they can't do it, they can be taught. That gives them confidence. Then, instead of having the teacher teach them English, the children will be able to think about their own way of learning."
If school scores are the only criterion, some children may think that they cannot go abroad because they do not meet the standards or cannot speak English perfectly.
"That creates a very high bar. Instead, if you actually have experience like an internship, you will understand that the content of the job comes first, and that English is just a tool." Mr. Sumiya believes that this is the beginning of a new era. Furthermore, knowing the culture of one's own country is important for globalization, and we are actively planning opportunities to experience Japan's excellent techniques through the ``Takumi Craftsmanship Fair,'' such as hands-on experience with tsumamizaiku and plastering craftsmen.
Knowing your potential gives you the power to live


Children having work experience at a hamburger shop
At Kidzania, Mr. Sumiya emphasizes that there is no one answer.
``The work that the children want to do when they come here is different, and what they feel will be different for each child.That's why I think it's important to find your own direction.And even if that changes later, It's okay. There are many adults who say, ``I used to want to be a pilot.'' Nowadays, companies are starting to allow people to take on side jobs. By knowing your potential, you can become an adult. I feel like my experience at Kidzania will give me some hints about how I live my life."


On this day, many children were in the building trying out the jobs they had chosen, their eyes shining brightly. "Children can make their own decisions and choose what they want to do. That may be the secret to Kidzania's popularity. Parents usually tell them to do this and that. But at Kidzania, they can do whatever they want.It's also an opportunity for parents to discover new possibilities for their children.
We help Japanese children realize their own potential and develop the ability to live with confidence. Here at KidZania, you have the chance to have fun while doing so. Adults should believe in the power of children and watch over them, and look forward to the future created by the children who have had this experience.
*The contents and information contained in this article are as of the time of publication.
Eishi Sumiya
Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1943. After he graduated from Keio University Faculty of Commerce, he joined Fujita Kanko Co., Ltd. He works in the hotel and restaurant industry. In 1969, he was invited by his university senior to participate in the management of WDI Corporation. In addition to overseas travel and study abroad businesses, he has been involved in the launch of many restaurant businesses, including the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise, Tony Roma's, Hard Rock Cafe, Capricciosa, and Wolfgang's Steakhouse. He retired as president in 2003. He founded KCJ GROUP Co., Ltd. in 2004 and became president and CEO. In 2006, Kidzania opened its first overseas facility, Kidzania Tokyo. In 2009, Kidzania Koshien also opened.
http://www.kidzania.jp/
Interview by Mio Shimamura Text by Yukiko Ushimaru
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