50th Anniversary Event of the Japan Neuroscience Society
"Past & Next 50 years of Neuroscience"
Fifty years since the foundation in 1974. Now, let’s look at our position of neuroscience in Japan.
Logo mark designed by Shinobu Ito
The Japan Neuroscience Society was established in 1974 by Dr. Masao Ito to promote the advancement of neuroscience in Japan. Today, it serves as a central hub for the world-wide neuroscience community. To trace its history and explore future prospects, we will host a commemorative event titled "Past & Next 50 Years of Neuroscience" in 2025.
Looking back on the past 50 years and looking ahead to the next 50 years of neuroscience
We look back on our 50-year history and envision the next 50 years of development. We can learn from the knowledge accumulated by our predecessors and explore the future of neuroscience in Japan.
Creating a future where neuroscience is accessible to everyone, promoting harmony and integration with society
We are planning an art exhibition that revisits previous research from a new perspective to rediscover the appeal of neuroscience. We will communicate the appeal of neuroscience to society through the filter of art.
Event Details
Event 1: 50th Anniversary Symposium
At the symposium, we will look back on the history and achievements of the Japan Neuroscience Society, with researchers from three main key fields—basic neuroscience, systems and computational neuroscience, and clinical and pathological neuroscience—introducing major advances made over the past 50 years. We will also hold discussions with young researchers and the audience to explore the challenges and future directions for the next 50 years of neuroscience.
Lecture number: 3S04m (for members only)
Date: July 26, 2025, 8:45–10:45
Location: Room 4 in Toki Messe, the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society, Niigata, Japan
Organizer: Jun Kunimatsu (University of Tsukuba)
Speakers:
Koji Yamanaka (Nagoya University, President of JNS)
Noriko Osumi (Tohoku University)
Mitsuo Kawato (ATR)
Tadashi Kato (Juntendo University)
Facilitators:
Teruhiro Okuyama (The University of Tokyo)
Mayu Takahashi (Tohoku University)
Maiko Uemura (Osaka Metropolitan University)
Event 2: Public Symposium "NeuroArt 50: Creativity produced by the brain – The intersection of biotechnology, AI, and aesthetics"
Pioneers at the forefront of integration of neuroscience and art will discuss their latest research findings. What does art mean to neuroscience? How does art change our brains? Join us for an exciting journey into the unknown world of "brain × art"!
Date: August 17, 2025, 14:00 – 16:00 (Open 13:30-)
Place: Miraikan Hall, the 7th floor of Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan
Anyone is welcome to attend, but language is Japanese. Admission is FREE.
Separate admission fees apply for viewing the permanent and special exhibition at the museum.
Organizer: Yukiyasu Kamitani (Kyoto University & ATR)
Speakers:
Tomohiro Ishizu (Kansai University)
Neural representation for BEAUTY unraveled by Neuroaesthetics.
Yosuke Takahashi (Curator, committee member of cutting-edge ELSI Lab.)
Boundary of LIFE, through BioArt.
Yuma Kishi (Artist)
Co-creative art with Alien Intelligence.
Event 3: Art & Design Exhibition
We would like to share our rich achievements of 50 years of research cultivated by the Japan Neuroscience Society with the general public. To do this, we planned a special art project that allows visitors to experience the wonders of the brain and neuroscience in a more intuitive and sensory way. Inspired by research papers, wonderful Japanese artists created unique and outstanding artworks. We are convinced that these arts will both entertain the public and offer researchers a fresh perspective on their past works and an opportunity to rediscover their fascination with neuroscience. One of the featured artists is Yoichiro Kawaguchi, a pioneer in computer graphics awarded as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2023. In addition, traditional Japanese artisans will take on the challenge of expressing neural circuits and brain activity using their refined techniques and craftsmanship. Through these creative collaborations, we hope to reflect on the past 50 years and inspire imagination about the next 50 years to come.
Date:
(for members only) July 24 – 27, Room 203 & 204 in Toki Messe, the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society, Niigata, Japan
(Open to the public) August 17 – 21, Innovation Hall, the 7th floor of Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan
Time schedule:
August 17, 13:00 - 17:00
18 - 20, 10:00 - 17:00
21, 10:00 - 13:00
Admission is FREE. But separate admission fees apply for viewing the permanent and special exhibitions at the museum.
Artists and titles of their works:
- "Unseen" Cover Arts created by members of the Japan Neuroscience Society
Outstanding arts created by researchers of neuroscience, which were prepared for the front cover of scientific journals. These pieces unfortunately took second place but still excellent! Each work was inspired by the scientist's own research and elevated to the realm of art.
- Yoichiro Kawaguchi, an artist, a professor emeritus at The University of Tokyo and a Person of Cultural Merit in 2023 Japan
Growth: Tendril 1981、Growth Model of beyond AI 2024, 2025 --- CG Art
Growth --- Japan (lacuer-work)
- Setsu & Shinobu ITO, designers, The University of Tokyo, Politecnico di Milano
Connecting neuroscience and art through design and craftsmanship
PATH ITO x Shuji Nakagawa, a craft artist specializing in woodworking
Art object expressing the axonal tracts of neurons in the brain using woodworking and barrel-making techniques.
Selectivity ITO x Takahiro Yagi, a craft artist of Kaikado, one of the traditional manufactures of tea caddy in Kyoto
A traditional and innovative tea caddy and plate depicting neurons and transmitter release for selective preferences, which is an important property of information processing by neurons.
Transmission ITO x Toru Tsuji, a craft artist of Kana-ami-Tsuji, a studio of fine wire fabric in Kyoto
A footed vessel expressing information transmission between neurons using traditional Kyoto metal mesh.
Living brain ITO x Sei-ichiro Inamine, a craft artist of glass in Ryukyu/Okinawa
Plate expressing neural activity in the brain using Ryukyu recycled glass and earthenware techniques
YURAGI_Information ITO x Koki Ohara, a craft artist of ceramic, an associate professor at Ningbo University
A ceramic plate expressing the transmission of information between neurons using the fabric dyeing technique of pottery.
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
Brainatrium interactive art/ installation
A device that allows users to interactively experience how the human brain works. An accessible work of art that can be experienced through multiple senses, including sight, hearing, and touch.
Masao Kondo (Sony Co. Creative Center)
- University of Tsukuba Brain Map Tenugui
"Tenugui" are traditional Japanese cotton fabric used as multiple purpose. Designed Tenugui visualize the structure and functions of the brain. If you wear it on your head, it is easy to understand the different parts of the brain and their functions, making you feel neuroscience more accessible in everyday life.
Original version (2011)
Creators: Ayaka Nasu and Toshiaki Uchiyama (University of Tsukuba)
Supervisor: Yoshiki Iwamoto (University of Tsukuba)
Special version for 50th Anniversary Event of the Japan Neuroscience Society (2025)
Creators: Hikari Inose, Rina Katsube and Toshiaki Uchiyama (University of Tsukuba)
Supervisors: Working group for 50th Anniversary Event of the Japan Neuroscience Society
Special version of Tenugui will be sold at the venue of the event.
Art works in this event were inspired by many research articles nominated by the members of Japan Neuroscience Society.