Press Releases
From Hiroshima: Car-Shaped Programming Learning Kit Now on Sale
"Learn by seeing, building, and moving." The "Digihaco Programming Car," which transforms conventional programming education that tends to stay confined to the screen, goes on sale on the official website from December 12 (Fri).
World Area Networks Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Hiroshima City; CEO: Ayumu Mitani) will begin selling the "Digihaco Programming Car" on its official website from December 12 (Fri). With this kit, learners assemble a wooden car body, program it, and watch it actually drive.
This product is a learning kit developed to help address Japan's long-standing shortage of IT talent and to offer opportunities to learn through trial and error. Designed to be easy for beginners to use, it supports a wide range of uses, from individual learning to B2B deployment for companies and educational institutions. From Hiroshima, a region with deep roots in the automotive industry, we are proposing a new model for IT education.
Background: "A way of learning that comes naturally while working with your hands"
In Japan, the shortage of IT talent has become a long-term issue as DX advances, and it has been reported that 79.6% of large companies with 1,000 or more employees feel a shortage of such personnel*1.
Meanwhile, even now that programming education has become compulsory in elementary schools, some point out that there is still not enough "learning where children actually work with their hands and can see the results."
As more and more people call for experiences that go beyond on-screen operations and lead to an understanding of how things work, the need for learning materials that let children enjoy getting familiar with making things and programming had become increasingly clear.
*1) Survey by Human Resocia Co., Ltd., July 15, 2025
"About 80% of large companies say they feel an 'IT talent shortage'; about 60% also predict the IT talent shortage will widen in five years"
URL: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001851.000005089.html
A hands-on learning kit that combines assembly, programming, and driving
The "Digihaco Programming Car" is a hands-on programming learning kit in which learners assemble a wooden car body, fit it with an IchigoJam microcomputer (a small computer) and various modules, and run driving programs using BASIC, a programming language designed for beginners.
Learners experience "build → program → drive" as one continuous learning process, naturally gaining an understanding of how things are made and the joy of trial and error. All you need to get started is a keyboard and a display, and plans that include peripheral devices are also available.
The e-learning materials include videos covering everything from assembly to the basics and advanced topics, along with review question sets, so even beginners can learn without getting lost.
This kit was developed with the aim of linking Hiroshima's manufacturing culture with IT education to offer a new learning experience.
Benefits: Hands-on, making-centered learning that even beginners can enjoy
Results you can see in a physical object give a real sense of achievement
Through the experience of "assemble → program → drive,"
something on-screen operations alone cannot provide, children gain both understanding and a sense of accomplishment at the same time.
Beginner-friendly design
The BASIC language used in the kit has a simple syntax that is easy for beginners to understand, making it easy for parents and teachers to provide support. The assembly process has also been adjusted to a difficulty level that is approachable even for first-time builders.
Usable in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and events
Because it is designed so that the same learning process can be carried out in different settings, it can be used in a wide range of educational environments, such as classes, club activities, and community events. The car body also combines safety with customizability, opening the door to collaborations with local companies and the development of original curricula.
Outlook: Plans for collaborative learning and B2B expansion
Going forward, we will further expand collaborative curricula using multiple cars and workshop programs for schools and local governments. We are also considering B2B expansion through partnerships with companies and educational institutions, and aim to spread learning opportunities nationwide as a new IT education model from Hiroshima.
Product overview and how to purchase
| Product name | Digihaco Programming Car |
| Category | Wooden-car-body programming learning kit / STEM and programming learning material |
| Product options | • E-learning edition (e-learning course, wooden kit, peripheral devices) • Kit only (for schools and educational institutions only) |
| Price (e-learning edition) | Lump-sum payment: from ¥49,500 / 12 months Installments: from ¥4,500 per month × 12 payments / 12 months |
| How to purchase | Apply through the official website https://programing.digihaco.jp/ |
Contact
Company: World Area Networks Co., Ltd.
Contact person: Maina Miho, Marketing Director
Address: The Garden Place Kamiyacho 5F, 2-2-13 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Inquiries: https://wan-hiroshima.jp/contact/