Students from Kyoto Computer Guraduate Institute of Informatics (KCGI) and Kyoto Computer Gakuin (KCG) created a video and slides for a storytelling event to commemorate the publication of an original character picture book by a major handicraft manufacturer, Hamanaka Corporation (Headquarters: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, President: Tomoko Hamanaka).
The artists who created the work were Mr. Wang of KCGI, Mr. Iwasaki and Ms. Shimomoto of KCG, and KCG alumnus Mr. Huang.Under the guidance of KCGI Professor Saoko Otsuki, the students faced the picture book, interpreted its contents, and created a worldview by weaving in original music, making full use of ICT learned at school.The Japan Hobby Show is the world's largest comprehensive event for handmade and handcrafted hobbies, where the latest trends in handicrafts, crafts, and DIY are gathered and visitors can experience the "joy of making" through a variety of workshops and products.On a special stage, President Hamanaka, the author of the picture book "Neko no Mana-chan to Yu-kun Korokoro Keito ga Korokoro" (Cat Mana-chan and Yu-kun, dolls and mascots made of knitted yarn), in which the company's official characters are active, read the book to the audience, and the students' video and slide works were projected on a large screen.This initiative is part of the company's "Industry-Academia Collaboration Project" aimed at fostering the next generation of creators.
Reflecting on their work, the students said, "Since we were all working toward the same goal, but in different tasks, I learned the importance of communication even more than in previous group work," and "I am grateful for the valuable experience I had.Mr. Hamanaka, president of the company, commented, "I was struck by the sincerity of the students.The director of the onsite production also commented, "The world of the picture book was well expressed, and it was impressive that the visitors looked at the amigurumi as if they were devouring the book.I was very impressed with the students who were able to create that much content, as well as the teachers and Mr. Hamanaka who guided them," commented one of the participants.
