■Yuji Yasuda (1899–2017)
n esteemed educator born in Kyoto during the Taisho era,he was the founder of the Yasuda Method for Physical Play Instructionand a pioneer in educational play equipment design.He passed away in 2017 at the age of 98.

Career

1958:
Served as a curriculum advisor for the Kyoto City Board of Education and as a part-time lecturer at Kyoto University of Education.
1972:
Appointed as principal of Higashiwa, Omiya, and Honno Elementary Schools in Kyoto City.
1977:
Received an award from the Japan School Physical Education Research Federation (supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).
1980:
Became a part-time lecturer at Kyoto University of Education, Doshisha Women’s College, and Shukugawa Gakuin Junior College.
Led the Physical Play Research Institute and Fun Gymnastics Study Group, actively engaging in research, instruction, and lectures.
2013:
Published his lifelong research on physical play instruction through the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Outdoor Play and Physical Education Equipment Association.

Innovations in Educational Play Equipment

Mr. Yasuda designed over 400 blueprints for physical education play equipment at the request of various childcare and educational institutions. These blueprints were not just technical designs but also included illustrated instructional guides that envisioned how children would play in groups, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on, research-driven education.

Athletic Achievements

National Middle School Gymnastics Championships – Team Champion, 2nd Place on Rings (Individual). Japan-Germany Exchange Gymnastics Competition, Kyoto – Individual Champion. Competed as both athlete and coach in National Sports Festivals from the 2nd to the 17th edition.

Publications

“Fun Physical Play”
“Encyclopedia of Modern School Physical Education”
“Children’s Health and Physical Play”
“Let’s Enjoy Swimming”　”Let’s Have Fun Playing”
“Children’s Play & Sports Encyclopedia” (co-author)
“200 Selected Physical Activities”
“300 Movement-Based Play Activities”
“Shining Lives! The Passion and Practice Behind Yasuda-Style Play Equipment”

Mr. Yasuda’s lifelong dedication to physical education and innovative approach to play-based learning continue to inspire educators and researchers worldwide.

Collection of Messages from Mr. Yasuda