TOKYO: The opening ceremony took place on Monday 3 August, following a soft launch over the weekend. Students from Shibayama Primary School were among the first to try the activities, which include flight simulators, a flight engineering challenge and an experiment exploring kinetic energy.
The ceremony began with a media briefing and a tour of the learning area. Eric G. John, President of Boeing Japan, Per-Arild Konradsen, Founder and CEO of FIRST Scandinavia, and Naoki Fujii, President and CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation, addressed the guests. Toshihito Kumagai, Governor of Chiba Prefecture, attended as a guest speaker before the opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and photographs.
Toshihito Kumagai, Governor of Chiba Prefecture, Naoki Fujii, President and CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation, Eric G. John, President of Boeing Japan, and Per-Arild Konradsen, Founder and CEO of FIRST Scandinavia and local students at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Boeing
A warm welcome in Japan
Per-Arild Konradsen and Silje Kumeus, COO of FIRST Scandinavia, travelled to Tokyo to attend the official opening. Both were pleased with the reception Newton has received in Japan.
“The opening of Newton in a Box Japan was extremely well organised, and our concept was very well received by everyone present. Our team from FIRST Scandinavia has done a fantastic job, not only with the set-up and training, but also in developing a strong working relationship with our partners,” says Per-Arild Konradsen.
“There is a strong interest in education in Japan, and the project fits well with the increased focus on STEM here. The opening ceremony was also very well arranged, with great engagement and many thoughtful speeches,” says Silje Kumeus.
Newton in a Box offers a temporary introduction to the Newton Concept. The activities are based on Newton Modules taught in Newton Rooms and have been adapted for a temporary learning area at the airport.
From 3 to 23 August, children and families visiting Narita Airport can take part free of charge.
Per-Arild Konradsen, Founder and CEO of FIRST Scandinavia, spoke during the official opening at Narita Airport. Photo credit: Boeing
Great response
The learning area opened to its first visitors during a soft launch on Saturday and Sunday. Project Manager June Moltubakk says seeing the response from children and young people was one of the highlights of the project.
“It was a real highlight to see that Newton creates such strong engagement among children and young people in Japan too. Our time here has been marked by close cooperation and a shared commitment to giving children and young people meaningful STEM learning experiences. We have also had an exceptionally good working relationship with our partners,” she says.
The FIRST Scandinavia team has spent almost two weeks setting up the learning area and training local volunteers. From the left, Per-Arild Konradsen, Ørjan Snoen, Silje Kumeus, Ole Morten Mortensen, June Moltubakk and Axel Storli. Photo credit: FIRST Scandinavia
June Moltubakk has spent almost two weeks in Tokyo together with Ørjan Snoen, Ole Morten Mortensen and Axel Storli. The team has built the full learning area and trained the volunteers who will guide participants through the activities.
Around 80 volunteers will be involved during the three-week event. They include pilots and aircraft mechanics from ANA, as well as students studying air traffic control, aerodynamics and other aviation-related subjects.
Newton in a Box Japan is made possible through a partnership between FIRST Scandinavia, Boeing, Narita International Airport and the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.
