This post is part of our regular series of interviews with people across Asia-Pacific who’ve caught our eye, using the Internet to create, connect and grow.
Daigo Ikeya of Smart Education in Tokyo
(creators of Gocco Fire Truck and Kids'n Books)
How would you describe Smart Education in one sentence?
We are a start-up utilizing smart devices to the fullest to introduce young kids to education before they begin formal schooling.
Where did the inspiration for creating applications for education come from?
I got the idea while observing my three young kids passively consume applications on a tablet. Having spent years working with some of the world’s leading technology companies, I realized we needed to make it easier for children to interact with technology. It’s different to consuming television or a book. Technology can—and needs to—be responsive to children. So I set about creating what has become one of the world’s leading education app companies.
Your apps have been really successful, but do you think they’ve improved how your own kids interact with technology?
All three of my kids interact with apps regularly, but they also go outside and play games. It’s all part of the balance I try to set as a parent. They are also the biggest critics of the apps we build. They help us make big decisions, and when we get ranked number 1 on the Google Play store, they get very excited because they know they’ve helped us get there.
What’s your revenue model?
It’s largely subscription-based. Subscribers obtain unlimited access to all songs or books within the app for JPY 500 (around USD 5).
Where do most of your customers come from?
They’re from all over the world. The Internet presents vast opportunities to easily connect and unite kids all around the globe. We’re number 1 in Japan, but about 30% of people who download the application are overseas. While some of the apps are solely in Japanese, many are in both English and Japanese. The apps are for pre-school kids, designed to engage their parents and to stimulate their imagination.
What’s next for Smart Education?
We’re always looking for other partners that can help us venture into the world. Please get in touch with us if you are interested!
Posted by Daigo Ikeya, President, Smart Education
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