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Yomiuri Shimbun
04-07-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Flexible Curriculums Foster Well-being at Schools
To ensure that all students in Japan receive a high-quality education regardless of their school, the national government sets curriculum standards. These standards specify what must be taught at each grade and for how many hours. Textbooks and class schedules are strictly aligned with these standards. However, within this rigid system, more and more students are losing sight of why they are learning, and they are struggling to engage with their studies. A once-in-a-decade revision of the curriculum standards is now underway, with the aim of creating schools where everyone can enjoy learning and lead a happy school life. With special permission from the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, public elementary and junior high schools in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward have changed their allocation of class hours since last year. The schools divide their days into two parts: Mornings are devoted to core subjects like Japanese, math and science, while afternoons are focused on inquiry-based learning including 'integrated studies time.' Inquiry-based learning is a process aimed at developing the problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an unpredictable future. Integrated studies employ cross-disciplinary, inquiry-based learning and form an integral part of the current national curriculum standards. Since Shibuya's approach was presented as a model in discussions at the Central Council for Education, I visited the ward's Jinnan Elementary School at the end of May. With the school set to be rebuilt next year, the sixth-grade classes chose 'the school of the future' as their shared theme for this year's inquiry-based learning. Students have been envisioning the ideal learning environments, school events and classroom designs for their new school. Their results will eventually be presented to the local government and could bring real changes. On the day I visited, a class was held in the gymnasium and an employee of tech giant DeNA was working alongside teachers as a guest instructor. At the students' request, DeNA prepared a video introducing overseas education systems. The video was paused at intervals for the class to discuss it. Watching American high school students go from passive learning to active exploration, some children remarked, 'It's similar to what we're doing.' Inquiry-based learning for Shibuya's elementary and junior high students is comprised of three parts: 'foundations,' a 'grade-level shared theme' and 'personal themes.' During the first 30–50 hours, students develop foundational skills, learning among other things how to use graphic organizers to structure and analyze information, how to give effective presentations and how to leverage digital tools for research and sharing ideas. Simultaneously, students spend another 70–90 hours exploring a theme shared across their grade. At Jinnan Elementary, for instance, while sixth graders plan 'the school of the future,' fifth graders focus on disaster prevention and fourth graders on welfare. By working on these common themes, students learn the process of problem-solving: defining a question, gathering information, analyzing it and presenting the results and findings. While many schools focus only on common themes, students in Shibuya explore both common and individual themes, and ample instructional time is provided to this end. Students spend 15–35 hours on 'my inquiry learning.' At Jinnan, each student has a small pouch attached to their desk in which they can deposit notes with questions or topics they are curious about. These help form the questions each student should explore. For example, students who learned how to draw portraits in art class explored online techniques to improve their work. Others, inspired by their history class, researched their favorite era more deeply. According to Principal Nobutada Yamaguchi: 'The questions that students hit upon in class tend to be topics worth exploring. Many students now look forward to the afternoons because they can ask their own questions and learn at their own pace.' The students have acquired a variety of skills. 'I naturally developed thinking skills, communication skills and the ability to express myself,' said sixth-grader Koki Itano. Another sixth grader, Kohei Denda, added: 'Once you find a conclusion, a new question arises. This built up my ability to keep learning and to keep pushing ahead.' Hanako Nakamura, 11, said: 'Digital devices are only there to support people in what they're doing. There are many ways they can help with inquiries, but we shouldn't forget that it's still us doing the investigating.' To provide this enriching learning, the schools partner with outside groups. Shibutan, a support organization founded by former and current PTA leaders, works with the local board of education and connects schools with businesses, universities and organizations. Yusuke Yamada, a 45-year-old company employee and the organization's executive director, noted: 'We've heard from some schools that children who were reluctant to come to school now attend regularly. That may be because they can do what they want to do.' 'We must value children's interests and their curiosity,' said Superintendent Rintaro Ito, sounding hopeful about expanding inquiry-based learning, and not so concerned about core subjects getting less time. 'Teachers are helping students to tackle challenges they have set for themselves, and so we are shifting from traditional 'teaching' to 'learning together' or 'running alongside' students. Some students have even visited central government offices as part of their inquiries.' Following a request by the education minister last December for a review of curriculum standards, the Central Council for Education has begun in-depth deliberations, aiming to introduce a revised curriculum in fiscal 2030 or later. At issue for this revision is the growing number of students who cannot learn on their own because they do not understand the reasons for learning. Some find classes too difficult or too easy. Others are absent from school altogether. Recently, there are students who have academic potential but who struggle with Japanese due to their international background, as well as those who only excel in specific areas. Even students without notable challenges have diverse interests and needs. To embrace this diversity, the education ministry has proposed a two-tier curriculum. In the first tier, all children — regardless of their background — can enjoy and engage in active learning. This includes flexible decisions about what is learned at which grade and for how many hours. Where that isn't sufficient, the second tier allows for special exceptions. In the first tier, schools may introduce new subjects or even use part of class time for teacher training. Expanding inquiry-based learning, as in Shibuya Ward, is also viewed as a viable option. The current curriculum standards already emphasize inquiry-based learning together with 'education open to society' to prepare children for unpredictable times. However, this emphasis has been limited in impact due to obstacles like the COVID-19 pandemic. The council is looking at how to further enhance inquiry-based learning, especially through integrated studies, and how to cultivate skills like effective information use in the age of generative AI. Not only does inquiry-based learning allow for spontaneous problem-solving — it also has great potential to include diverse learners. If lessons are designed based on individuals' interests, strengths and traits, they can be made enjoyable for everyone, helping to build inclusive and welcoming classrooms. For teachers, this approach can be fulfilling and reduce stress. Even students who need Japanese language support can now participate in discussions using AI translation tools, fostering a richer, more multicultural learning environment. With inquiry-based learning likely to expand under flexible curriculum standards, teachers are starting to think about what they want to do in their classrooms. In late June, I visited Yamagata City for the national conference of the Japanese Association for the Education for Living Studies and Integrated Studies. Among the more than 700 people who attended this event, it was the young participants who stood out. High school students invited as panelists impressed researchers and teachers with their insights on learning. In themed workshops, young teachers listened intently to presentations, and in some cases even made presentations themselves. In many places, young teachers could be seen exchanging information and views about inquiry-based learning. To ensure that all students can enjoy learning and have a happy school life, we must at the very least avoid obstructing their passions. And similarly, enthusiastic young teachers should be supported in shaping this kind of learning through policy and systems. If students acquire a taste for learning, they will be able to take charge of their own lives in uncertain times and ultimately blossom into a wealth of possibilities. Political Pulse appears every Saturday. Makoto Hattori Makoto Hattori is a staff writer at the Yomiuri Research Institute


CNET
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Eevee Grove Expansion Has Convinced My Partner to Play
I've been locked in on Pokemon TCG Pocket since day 1, and despite some reservations about how quickly new set expansions have been released, I log in at least twice a day to open my free packs. My girlfriend, on the other hand, stopped playing the game shortly after it came out. I was hoping that I could keep her engaged as my trading card buddy -- we met through playing Pokemon Go on the same college campus, and I pulled out my physical card collection during one of our first dates (I know, very romantic). Alas, I've had no such luck when it comes to hooking her on Pokemon TCG Pocket, which launched in October 2024 as another way for fans of the franchise to get their collecting fix (especially those who've invested in the real-life cards). She'll still get excited when I let her rip open one of the game's virtual packs on my phone, but I haven't been able to convince her of the joys of consistently opening her own packs. Now, developer DeNA is releasing its ultimate weapon: the Eevee Grove card packs. This expansion set is going to do gangbusters, because I'm using it to drag my partner back to the game (and you can, too). If you told me you thought this little guy isn't cute, I'd call you a liar. DeNA/Screenshot by CNET Eevee is a powerful marketing tool Pikachu might be the face of Pokemon, but Eevee is the electric rat's right-hand man. The adorable fox-dog-thing has universal appeal. They're cute, they're intrinsically tied to Pokemon's evolution mechanics, and they turn into so many different monsters that people love. Eevee can change into cool Pokemon like Jolteon and Umbreon, or they can become something more elegant, like Sylveon or Glaceon. My girlfriend's favorite Pokemon is Ralts, but she loves Eevee nonetheless -- so I've convinced her to open some packs and use up her wonder picks, at least for now. I already have her chasing the holographic Sylveon card. Only when she pulls it will I tell her about the even more rare full art versions, in order to keep the chase alive. It's hard to say if I'll be able to keep her momentum up as the set loses its novelty and luster, but I'm happy to share this small part of my daily routine with my partner until she falls off the game again. The release window of the Eevee Grove expansion doesn't seem like a coincidence at all, considering how many people the Eevee-themed Prismatic Evolutions set converted into physical Pokemon trading card collectors. That was a very expensive set to pull from, mostly because it was getting bought up by scalpers at an absurd pace. But you can't scalp digital trading cards, which means Pokemon TCG Pocket's Eevee Grove expansion might be an appealing alternative for casual fans. There's a whole Eeveelution rainbow included in this set. DeNA/Screenshot by CNET What is included in the Eevee Grove card set? Eevee Grove includes 69 base set cards for you to pull, including the Eeveelutions and some of their Generation One friends. There are 38 additional full art and secret rare cards for the luckiest players to stumble across. The card list primarily focuses on Eevee and its evolution rainbow. Several Eevee evolutions have multiple full art card variants in this set. Out of the master set's 107-card total, a whopping 29 cards are dedicated to the Eevee evolution lines and its associated items. There are also Pokemon Ex cards for Snorlax, Primarina and Dragonite, if you're looking for different options for your deck. The Eevee Grove expansion continues the trend of including special shiny Pokemon cards. These secret, rare alternate art cards have been included in every set since Shining Revelry. The latest expansion includes shiny full-art cards for Articuno Ex, Zapdos Ex, Moltres Ex and Gallade Ex. There are also shiny variants for Ralts, Kirlia and Gardevoir, so if my partner pulls every Sylveon, I think I know what to set her loose on next. Pokemon TCG Pocket's Eevee Grove expansion set update is available for free now on iPhone and Android devices. Next time you log in, you can spend your free packs and hourglasses to chase the Eeveelutions to your heart's content.


The Mainichi
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Baseball: BayStars end scoreless streak, beat Tigers
NISHINOMIYA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The DeNA BayStars ended their scoreless streak at 36 innings and went on to beat the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers 5-1 on Thursday. DeNA captain Shugo Maki's eighth home run of the season tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning. Toshiro Miyazaki's tiebreaking bases-loaded walk was followed by Taiki Ishikami's two-run single in the seventh, making it 4-1 at Koshien Stadium. Andre Jackson (5-1) pitched seven innings of one-run ball. Jon Duplantier (1-2) took the loss. In the day's other games, former Oakland Athletics left-hander Kyle Muller (1-3) picked up his first win in Japan after working seven innings as the Chunichi Dragons blanked the Yakult Swallows 6-0. The Rakuten Eagles defeated the Seibu Lions 6-3.


CNET
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Breakneck Expansion Releases Are Stressing Me Out
Pokemon TCG Pocket's next Alola-themed set is releasing on May 29. Extradimensional Crisis is a sister expansion to the recent Celestial Guardians set -- and it's introducing the wacky and weird Ultra Beasts to the game. Every Pokemon from another dimension now has a special Ultra Beast tag displayed just under its health point total. And certain Pokemon abilities and Trainer cards from the new set will only work on cards with this tag. While there are always new cards that shake up the metagame, this expansion looks ike it will largely introduce cards that play well with others in the set. Extradimensional Crisis is one of TCG Pocket's smaller base set expansions. These companion sets are often released a month or so after a big expansion. Mythical Island released after the massive Genetic Apex launch set, and Triumphant Light was the supplement to Space-Time Showdown. Normally, I'd love to rip into packs in order to hunt more than 100 new base set cards being added to the game. Buzzwole, Nihilego and Guzzlord are some of my favorite monsters from the seventh-gen Pokemon games and the art for their cards is gorgeous. This time around, I'm just not able to get as excited about the new drop. The Ultra Beasts are getting their first base set cards -- and some flashy full art alternatives. DeNA/Screenshot by CNET Pokemon TCG Pocket is releasing expansions too quickly for me I've played Pokemon TCG Pocket every day since launch. With few exceptions, I've opened both of my free daily packs -- even if I have to stay up past my usual bedtime to do so. Ripping these suckers open has become a part of my daily routine, and I've been largely content to do so (even when I pull five common base set dupes). But these expansions are getting a little out of hand now. For most games, having too much content is a good problem to have, but struggling to keep up with a collectible game saps the fun. Extradimensional Crisis will be the seventh set released in the game over the course of eight months. Despite my diligence, I've only completed a single base set -- Shining Revelry -- and I've never completed a master set with all of the full art cards and shiny Pokemon. To be clear, I don't expect to be able to keep up with every expansion in the game. I don't even want to collect all of the secret cards -- I just want to put together the base sets. I'm a fully free-to-play TCG Pocket gamer, and developer DeNA Games needs to make money to keep the app running. New releases grease peoples' palms and keep the money flowing. I was lucky enough to pull the shiny Charizard full art card from Shining Revelry -- moments like that are what keep me hooked on TCG Pocket. DeNA/Screenshot by CNET Even still, these releases have been dropping at such breakneck speeds that I don't feel like I can return to past sets to finish collecting the cards I'm missing. It's disheartening to complete the majority of an expansion and then leave it behind with so many gaps. This sentiment seems to be shared among at least some parts of the Pokemon TCG Pocket community. It's probably not a great sign when a contingent of the top comments on the YouTube video of your next big reveal are asking you to stop revealing things. "Crisis? [The only] crisis is the one I'm having with so few hourglasses," said one commenter. Another person put things more plainly: "Honestly, I'd prefer if they'd slow the rollout of the expansions a little bit. Let the sets take hold for a few months and then drop bigger, higher quality sets." The joking hides real frustration, as many free players haven't been able to complete the game's full base sets. I'm not asking for these releases to be spaced out too far apart, but a single month between expansions is starting to feel untenable. Double the downtime between sets and let people breathe -- and maybe I'll finally be able to finish up Genetic Apex.


Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Everything you need to know about the Celestial Guardians expansion in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Image via DeNA. Pokemon TCG Pocket has announced yet another expansion, named Celestial Guardians. After being released on October 30, 2024, this mobile digital trading card game is showing no sign of stopping. The upcoming expansion marks the third set of releases in a row, that too in a single month. So far, Pokemon TCG Card Pocket has amassed nearly 900 cards in the game. And the upcoming expansion will add 200 more, which will feature Gen 7 Pokemons. As this is another full-set, Celestial Guardians is looking to form a foundation for a new meta in the game. Pokemon TCG Pocket: Celestial Guardians - An overview Pokémon TCG Pocket: Celestial Guardians | Coming April 30! Initially introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon, Celestial Guardians will concentrate on Pokemon. With Solgaleo and Lunala as the booster pack mascots, the new set will have more than 200 cards, scattered between two booster sets. The Pokemons in this expansion are going to be of Gen 7 as well. Since Gen 7 is currently underrepresented in Pokemon TCG Pocket, it makes fitting that the game would finally give Alola some much-needed attention. Celestial Guardians: All confirmed Pokemons Among the upcoming Pokemons, 88 ones are confirmed to be from the 2016 RPG title named Pokemon Sun and Moon and 18 from the Alolan regions. Here are the confirmed cards fans will get their hands on in this upcoming expansion: Alolan Meowth Alolan Raichu ex Alolan Vulpix Alolan Marowak Solgaleo ex Lunala ex Rowlet (two forms) Litten (two forms) Popplio (two forms) Oricorio (two forms) Lillie (Immersive Art) Alolan Marowak (Illustration Rare) Alolan Raichu ex (Special Illustration Rare) First Immersive card in the game Shining Revelry, the previous set from TCG Pocket, has already started a new trend by releasing uncommon non-Pokemon card variations. Players were taken aback by the expansion's first-ever crown-rarity Poke Ball card. And with Lillie's arrival, it appears DeNA will continue that pattern. It distinguishes itself with a novel rarity kind called "immersive." The featured figures on these cards are brought to life via brief animations. Celestial Guardians: Release date and timings The official date of Celestial Guardians' release is April 30, 2025. The new cards will be live at around 2 AM ET on April 30th, following an update to the app on the previous day (April 29th), according to prior set releases. When it launches, players can begin opening card packs in either the Celestial Guardians-Lunala or Celestial Guardians-Solgaleo sets. Read More: All Gen 7 Pokemons revealed for the Celestial Guardians expansion in Pokemon TCG Pocket