I am Michihiro Hayashi, and I serve as a faculty advisor for the KOSEN Robocon (KOSEN Robot Contest) teams.

The Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Competition of the KOSEN Robocon is an annual event in which our students regularly participate, was held on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. This year, we joined the competition with a total of 12 students: four students from Kanazawa Campus as Team A, and eight students from Hakusanroku Campus as Team B.

Each year, the contest features a different theme, requiring teams to design and build entirely new robots between the theme announcement in mid-April and the regional competition in early October. The 2025 theme was “Great High Gate.” Robots were tasked with stacking cardboard boxes to form a gate, through which a cart carrying a team member would be pulled by the robot. The higher the gate, the more points awarded.

Let me introduce the teams and their robots.

Team A: Koubako Club (Kanazawa Campus)

Team A consists of four 4th year students. Their robot was inspired by the local delicacy Koubako-gani (female snow crab), and its role was to transport a pre-assembled gate of stacked boxes to a designated location. We interviewed team leader Haruki Ohta, operator Haruto Shiraishi, cart rider Imaru Oishi, and pit mechanic Shiyu Sano.

Comments from Team A Members:

[Haruki Ohta]
I returned home during summer break to obtain my driver’s license, and I regret not being able to contribute much to the robot’s construction during that time. However, after obtaining my license, I was able to dedicate more time in the second semester and feel I contributed to the team’s success.

 

 

[Haruto Shiraishi]
I was nervous during the match, and my robot operation was a bit shaky at times. Still, we achieved our target score in the first match and won. We’ve been recommended for the national competition, so I’ll continue to give it my all.

 

 

[Imaru Oishi]
I dressed as a seafood shop clerk handling Koubako-gani while riding the cart. Although I’m not skilled in robot design or assembly, my light weight and slender build helped the robot pull the cart and pass through the gate smoothly. I was the one waving to the audience during the exhibition.

 

 

[Shiyu Sano]
I oversaw manufacturing and assembling robot parts. The robot performed smoothly without any malfunctions or damage during the competition. After the matches, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep in the pit area—and was caught on NHK’s camera! I wonder if that footage will be broadcast.

 

 

 

Although Team A was eliminated in the preliminary league with one win and one loss, their robot’s gate transportation function was highly praised, earning them the Technical Award and a spot in the national competition. We hope they continue to excel at the national level.

 

Team B: Hakobou (Hakusanroku Campus)

Team B consists of 1st and 2nd year students. Their robot mimicked the mechanism of a container crane used in port cargo operations. Decorated with black-and-yellow hazard stripes and a red rotating beacon, it embodied the look of a working vehicle. The robot lifted and stacked boxes using a hand that opens and closes like a crane and an extendable arm.
Although eight members participated in the regional competition as per the rules, a total of 11 students were involved in robot development and practice. Even those not selected as players played vital behind-the-scenes roles. We interviewed team leader and operator Kaishu Ishiharada, and support member Akira Terashima.

Comments from Team B Members:

[Kaishu Ishiharada]
This year, we reflected on past experiences and maintained a positive team atmosphere. As a result, we completed the robot earlier than usual and had ample time for practice. I was less nervous during the matches, which I believe contributed to our strong performance (Top 4). I hope to continue working hard with my teammates next year.

 

 

[Akira Terashima]
Although I joined the regional competition as part of the cheering squad, which was a bit disappointing, I had the opportunity to observe many robots from other schools. It was a valuable experience, and I hope to apply what I learned in future competitions.

 

 

 

Team B advanced through the preliminary league undefeated and reached the final tournament. They continued to win until the semifinals, where they narrowly lost to the eventual champion, finishing in the Top 4. Their robot performed consistently and reliably in all matches. Despite the pressure, Team B operated the robot flawlessly, a testament to their thorough preparation.

 

This year, both teams succeeded in getting their robots operational early, allowing for repeated match-style practice. Problems identified during practice were addressed through design improvements and strategic adjustments. These approaches closely align with engineering design principles and could be effectively applied in classroom settings as well.

 

[About KOSEN Robocon]
KOSEN Robocon began in 1988. It is a nationwide educational event designed to inspire young people to think independently and experience the joy of building robots with their own hands. Each year, students from colleges of technology across Japan tackle a new challenge, using their creativity and ingenuity to design and build robots that compete in various tasks. Celebrating its 38th edition in 2025, the contest continues to emphasize the importance of original ideas and the excitement of engineering.

[NHK ROBOCON Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Competition]
TV station: NHK General TV
Date & Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:40 AM
Note: It is also available on NHK ONE.
https://www.web.nhk/tv/an/robocon/pl/series-tep-J8Y25YN2QG/ep/8ZV3KYQ55G