GLICO + GOOGLE =
KIDS + CODING
We turned Pocky into the world’s first edible programming language.
It all started with — 'imagine if we could turn Pocky into code'.
In 2016, Japan announced computer science classes wouldn't be mandatory in schools until 2020 — so when Ezaki Glico Co. came to Google wanting to connect with customers in new ways, we spotted a chance to turn Pocky into a tool for good.
The game teaches the fundamentals of algorithmic thinking: Sequences, Loops, and If Statements.
GLICODE™ is a world-first educational app that uses computer vision to turn Pocky sticks into a visual coding language for children aged 5+
GLICODE™ made its way into schools and was featured on the NHK.
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications officially adopted GLICODE™ into its national programming education initiative, putting the app into elementary school classrooms across the country.
GLICODE™ generated massive PR across the globe.
The app was translated into three languages, expanded into the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, and won recognition at Cannes Lions and One Show.
In 2021 Ezaki Glico Co. released the GLICODE™ MAKER app that lets children design their own GLICODE levels.
In 2026, GLICODE™ still features on boxes of Pocky today, over 10 years later.
Project credits
Services
- Prototyping
- Creative Strategy
- Game Design
- Creative Direction
Team
- Gene Brutty
- Tim Seddon