【Event】Recursive Co-founder & COO, Katsutoshi Yamada Leads Sustainability Seminar for Nursery School Children

On January 15, 2025, Recursive Co-founder and COO, Katsutoshi Yamada, visited Setagayadaita Jinji Hoyouen Nursery School (世田谷代田仁慈保幼園) in Tokyo to deliver a seminar on sustainability. The event was part of the nursery school’s commitment to raising awareness about global challenges like climate change among the next generation.

Educating the Youngest Minds on Global Warming

Over the course of three 30-minute sessions, Yamada spoke to children aged 3 to 6 about topics such as global warming, food loss, and the importance of sustainability. The children actively participated, surprising Yamada with their curiosity and knowledge.

Some children were already familiar with advanced topics like Tuvalu (the Pacific island disappearing due to climate change) and microplastics, and they were genuinely surprised to learn that Japan ranks as the second-largest contributor to food loss. Their questions, such as “Why does the sea water rise?” and “Why do some adults dump garbage?” sparked lively discussions, showcasing the thoughtful minds of this young generation.

Engaging Dialogue and Positive Impact

Teachers at the nursery school noted how effectively Yamada engaged the children, picking up on their comments and creating an interactive dialogue. One teacher shared, “The topic was very easy to understand, and both the children and we as teachers found it very thought-provoking. We may even ask for a different topic in the future to involve the community further.”

The seminar also encouraged the children to think about tangible actions they could take, such as reducing food waste during their school lunches.

Reflecting on the event, Yamada highlighted the role technology and AI can play in advancing sustainability. “This generation of digital natives is already interested in sustainability. I believe educating them about how technology and AI can be used to contribute to it will drive meaningful change,” he said.

Looking Ahead

This seminar was a meaningful step in Recursive’s ongoing efforts to leave a better world for future generations. The company plans to participate in similar events in the future, including opportunities for teachers and community engagement.

“Talking to these children and hearing their thoughts was not only fun but also enlightening. It’s clear that they are the future stewards of our planet.”