A new kids web community has been launched that aims to provide a place that encourages global communication between Japanese and international children in order learn about the environment and each others cultures. Miracle Miracle is a collaboration project from non-profit organization Japan For Sustainability (JFS) and NIPPONKOA Insurance company described as “A Place for Global Kids to Create the Future”.
The site is a nice initiative from the two groups attempting to foster more international communication from Japanese children at a young age with those around the world, something that some Japanese companies could also learn from. “It is such a unique website in Japan to enable cross-lingual communication between children living in different parts of the world” comments Junko Edahiro the Chief Executive of JFS. The website looks to allow children to learn from each others lifestyles and cultures with a focus on the environment and communication.
In typically insular Japan it is interesting to see these moves at bilingual communication being encouraged at an early age obviously aimed at encouraging international collaboration and stimulating Japanese children to look outside of their own shores whilst sparking interest in Japan with those oversaes also. “English messages are translated and posted in Japanese, and Japanese messages are translated and posted in English. We hope this will also excite children’s interest in Japan.” says the press release announcing the launch of the site.
Questions are posted on the site through curators but also submitted from the site’s users which are meant to then spark conversations between children addressing the answers, “Our wish is that through this site, children will be able to learn ideas from friends around the world, learn to think for themselves, and discover that they really can communicate their ideas.” The site also features basic information on global environmental problems and also information on different initiatives and activities happening around the world. Although a little dry it would be nice to see this kind of international community communication site developed further as we often forget how important it is to get young children used to learning about other cultures from an early age which can then be carried through in the future.
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Darrell is a native of the U.K. and has been in Japan since 2002. He consults on innovation and strategy at the 
