Practical Lessons: “Momotetsu” Expands Kids’ IT Learning
- TOKYO (AP) — Konami Digital Entertainment is expanding its "Momotetsu Educational Edition" with a new feature designed to further engage elementary and secondary school students in learning about...
- The new feature, called "My Momotetsu," allows students to create their own virtual train stations within the game.this addition comes in response to requests from educators and students...
- “From the beginning, many teachers and students expressed a desire to have their nearest station included,” Okamura said.
Konami’s ‘Momotetsu’ Game Adds Feature to Boost Student Engagement
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TOKYO (AP) — Konami Digital Entertainment is expanding its “Momotetsu Educational Edition” with a new feature designed to further engage elementary and secondary school students in learning about Japan. The proclamation was made at the “Edutainment Festival” held at the university of Tokyo on March 23.
‘My Momotetsu’ Lets Students Create Custom Stations
The new feature, called “My Momotetsu,” allows students to create their own virtual train stations within the game.this addition comes in response to requests from educators and students who wanted to see their local areas represented in the game, according to Noriaki Okamura, senior producer at Konami Digital Entertainment.
“From the beginning, many teachers and students expressed a desire to have their nearest station included,” Okamura said. “’My Momotetsu’ is our answer to those passionate requests.”
The “Momotetsu Educational Edition,” initially released three years ago, is a free digital teaching tool used in approximately 35% of elementary schools across Japan, according to Konami. As of March 2025, more than 12,300 IDs have been issued for the game. The game allows students to learn about Japanese geography and industry by traveling around a virtual map, buying properties, and aiming to become the wealthiest player.
Starting April 10, 2025, the game will be available to new free schools, alternative schools, and international schools.
Classroom Applications Highlighted
Educators are already finding creative ways to integrate “my Momotetsu” into their curricula.
Rediscovering Local Charm in Aomori prefecture
Yuki Kawamura, a teacher at Shimonaga Elementary School in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, used “My Momotetsu” in a project called “Why You Got to Eight Meals?” Fifth-grade students rediscovered the appeal of their local Yasso Center food market, a popular tourist spot that many children were unfamiliar with.
Students created original stations and properties based on the Yashoku Center within the game.kawamura noted that having their own station appear in the game motivated the students and gave them a sense of accomplishment.
The students considered factors such as conveying the market’s charm,reflecting customer needs,and maintaining game balance when designing their stations. The classroom erupted in cheers when the Hachishoku Center station appeared in “Everyone’s My Momotetsu” mode, Kawamura said.
Kawamura plans to continue using “My Momotetsu” throughout the year, incorporating themes such as traditional crafts for fourth graders and local industry for fifth graders.
Financial Education in Nagoya
At Nagoya Municipal Shoki Elementary School, professor Koji Aoki used “My Momotetsu” to teach fourth-graders about financial literacy. Students researched the industry, culture, and characteristics of municipalities in Aichi Prefecture and created property stations based on their findings.
When students questioned the property prices and profitability rates in Toyota City, Aoki organized a financial education class with local business leaders. The class covered topics such as the purpose of money, sales contracts, and regional land values.
Following the class, students revised their property values, incorporating their new knowledge. Aoki emphasized that the activity fostered an attitude of acquiring knowledge about the region and finance.
Educational Benefits Confirmed
Toru Fujimoto, an associate professor in the Details Sciences Group at the University of Tokyo, presented a lecture on the educational effects of ”Momotetsu Educational Edition.” A survey of educators revealed that approximately 90% viewed the game as a fascinating teaching tool. The game is seen as increasing motivation for learning, providing useful information, and reinforcing existing lessons.
Hisayoshi Muto, Director of the Curriculum Division of the Primary and Secondary Education Bureau, discussed the role of gamification in education, emphasizing the importance of motivating students and making learning fun. Muto highlighted “Momotetsu Educational Edition” as an example of how
Konami’s ‘Momotetsu’ Game Adds Feature to Boost Student Engagement
TOKYO (AP) — Konami Digital Entertainment is expanding its “Momotetsu Educational Edition” with a new feature designed to further engage elementary and secondary school students in learning about Japan. The proclamation was made at the “Edutainment Festival” held at the university of Tokyo on March 23.
‘My Momotetsu’ Lets Students Create Custom Stations
The new feature, called “My Momotetsu,” allows students to create their own virtual train stations within the game.this addition comes in response to requests from educators and students who wanted to see their local areas represented in the game, according to Noriaki Okamura, senior producer at Konami Digital Entertainment.
“From the beginning,many teachers and students expressed a desire to have their nearest station included,” Okamura said. “’My Momotetsu’ is our answer to those passionate requests.”
The “Momotetsu Educational Edition,” initially released three years ago, is a free digital teaching tool used in approximately 35% of elementary schools across Japan, according to Konami. As of March 2025, more than 12,300 IDs have been issued for the game.The game allows students to learn about Japanese geography and industry by traveling around a virtual map, buying properties, and aiming to become the wealthiest player.
Starting April 10, 2025, the game will be available to new free schools, option schools, and international schools.
Classroom Applications Highlighted
educators are already finding creative ways to integrate “my Momotetsu” into their curricula.
Rediscovering Local Charm in Aomori prefecture
Yuki Kawamura, a teacher at Shimonaga Elementary School in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, used “My Momotetsu” in a project called “Why You Got to Eight Meals?” Fifth-grade students rediscovered the appeal of their local Yasso Center food market, a popular tourist spot that many children were unfamiliar with.
Students created original stations and properties based on the Yashoku Center within the game.kawamura noted that having their own station appear in the game motivated the students and gave them a sense of accomplishment.
The students considered factors such as conveying the market’s charm,reflecting customer needs,and maintaining game balance when designing their stations. The classroom erupted in cheers when the Hachishoku Center station appeared in “Everyone’s My Momotetsu” mode, Kawamura said.
Kawamura plans to continue using “my Momotetsu” throughout the year, incorporating themes such as traditional crafts for fourth graders and local industry for fifth graders.
Financial Education in Nagoya
At Nagoya Municipal Shoki Elementary School, professor Koji Aoki used “My Momotetsu” to teach fourth-graders about financial literacy. Students researched the industry, culture, and characteristics of municipalities in Aichi Prefecture and created property stations based on their findings.
When students questioned the property prices and profitability rates in Toyota City, Aoki organized a financial education class with local business leaders. The class covered topics such as the purpose of money, sales contracts, and regional land values.
Following the class, students revised their property values, incorporating their new knowledge. Aoki emphasized that the activity fostered an attitude of acquiring knowledge about the region and finance.
Educational Benefits Confirmed
Toru Fujimoto, an associate professor in the Details Sciences Group at the University of Tokyo, presented a lecture on the educational effects of ”Momotetsu Educational Edition.” A survey of educators revealed that approximately 90% viewed the game as a captivating teaching tool. The game is seen as increasing motivation for learning, providing useful details, and reinforcing existing lessons.
Hisayoshi Muto, Director of the Curriculum Division of the Primary and Secondary Education Bureau, discussed the role of gamification in education, emphasizing the importance of motivating students and making learning fun.Muto highlighted “Momotetsu Educational Edition” as an example of how