Cracking the Code: Computer Programming is Fun in Japan

Japanese kids are practicing coding in the classroom and learning that computer programming can be fun.

Would you like to build and program a robot? Or maybe design a video game? Then you should learn how to code. Japanese children are learning coding and creating simple programs at elementary school. What's more, they can practice what they learn with fun toys and games at home. Many Japanese companies are developing toys—from simple robots to musical instruments—that you can control by writing code.

What is code? Code is a way to give instructions to computers. Think of it as a language, like English or Japanese. Unfortunately, computers can’t understand our languages. They only understand machine language, which is a series of zeros and ones. So we could say that coders are interpreters, helping humans and machines talk to each other. With code, humans can make computers perform tasks such as turning on a light or putting a satellite into orbit.

Japan’s new generation of software engineers

Japan is famous for its robots, computers, cars, and cool gadgets. But behind this technology are people with coding skills who create the programs that make these things work. As software-based technologies like AI and the internet become a bigger part of our daily lives, the need for programmers will continue to grow.

To encourage more people to learn programming skills, coding is taught at elementary schools in Japan. Starting in fifth grade, students learn the basics, with fun projects that involve digitally drawing shapes and making LED lights blink using simple commands. Learning to control a robot or design a computer game is cool, but programming also teaches you how to solve problems and think creatively.

Learning a new language

The common image of coding is complicated and confusing strings of numbers and letters that can only be understood by really smart people. But you don’t even need to be able to read that well to start programming! Many young kids in Japan start with a coding language that uses pictures and colored blocks. By moving the blocks around, you can create commands to make animations, control small robots, and design structures in popular sandbox video games.

Helping to share the fun of coding

All over Japan, coding clubs help students build on the skills they learn at school. Some are operated by non-profit organizations and are staffed by volunteers. Some kids go after school or join summer camps where they can design their own game or smartphone app.

According to recent surveys, many Japanese parents want their children to learn to code because they think it will be useful in the future. They also say they want their children to find something fun to enjoy. In some cases, parents even take classes with their children to learn programming.

Japanese children’s dream jobs

What is your dream job? According to a recent online survey, “computer programmer” ranked as the top dream job for junior high school boys. It also ranked in the top ten list of dream jobs among junior high school girls. The results suggest that Japanese children, both boys and girls, enjoy learning how to code and understand that programming is an important job for the future. Other dream jobs among boys included “baseball player,” “soccer player,” “businessman,” and “doctor.” For girls, the most popular jobs were “pastry chef,” “teacher,” “nurse,” and “doctor.”

Anyone can learn computer programming

Can you imagine your grandma developing an app for your smartphone? In Japan, an 81-year-old woman gained fame for learning to code and creating a game for elderly people. The game involves arranging traditional Japanese dolls on a hinadan doll stand. She hopes her experience will encourage elderly people worldwide to learn the potential benefits of new technology. In interviews, she talks about the joy of learning something new and says it is never too late to start learning.

So, as you can see from the exciting things happening here in Japan, learning to code isn't just about computers. It's about having fun, solving problems, and building the future! Whether making a robot dance or designing a cool game, coding lets you bring your ideas to life. And because computers are becoming a bigger part of everything we do, knowing how to code can open up amazing opportunities for you when you grow up.