Canon, Oita Canon and Oita Canon Materials jointly sponsored "The Summer Vacation Canon Factory Kids' School," held on August 20, at Canon's Oita Manufacturing Training Center.

This was the inaugural holding of this Kids' School, whose objective was to have children become interested in "monozukuri (making things/manufacturing)" and science. The school presented nine programs, including "Experiencing Photography That Explores Nature: Capturing Nature," the "Camera Lens Production Classroom," "Printer Disassembly Classroom" and "Electronic Workshop Classroom." One hundred fifty elementary and middle school pupils of schools in Oita Prefecture participated on this day and took on the challenge of this kind of hands-on learning experience that only Canon can provide.

The children participating in "Experiencing Photography that Explores Nature: Capturing Nature" explored the forest on the grounds of the Oita Plant of Canon Oita. Using digital cameras they familiarized themselves with nature as they each in their own way photographed their discoveries, such the rare stick insect that mimics tree branches and flowering plants found in the forest. After this, they then used a photo printer to print out the photos they had taken and created their own original photo books.

In the "Printer Disassembly Classroom" the children learned about the construction of a printer and recycling through taking apart and reassembling a home inkjet printer.

In addition, the participants greatly enjoyed doing things they usually would not be able to experience, such as making their own original pen case using a resin molding machine and playing a maze game to learn how to use a lathe.

Furthermore, "The Summer Vacation Canon Factory Kids' School" was introduced in various media, as reporters from the local newspaper and television station also visited the Manufacturing Training Center on the day of the event to cover it.

The Oita Canon Website also features this project with photos of the children earnestly engaged in "monozukuri (making things/manufacturing)." To view them, please click here.