External Event

Useless Science & Art: The Value of “Useless” Science and Art

March 21 (Sat) 14:00 - 15:30, 2026

Satoshi Iso (Director, RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS))
Tetsuo Hatsuda (Executive Director of Science, RIKEN)
Yoshihiro Kozuka (Creative Director, ADK Marketing Solutions Inc.)
Haruka Kodama (Experience Designer, ADK Marketing Solutions Inc.)

A talk event exploring the relationship between science and art will be held, inspired by the artwork “Black Hole Recorder,” which draws on ideas from quantum black hole theory. Using this work as an entry point, scientists and creators will engage in dialogue on topics ranging from the 100-year history since the birth of quantum mechanics, to cutting-edge research in quantum cosmology, and even the question: “What should we leave for the future 1,500 years from now?” Research and artistic expression that may at first seem impractical have, over long periods of time, often led to transformative innovations for the future. How do scientists’ curiosity about the unknown and artists’ imagination intersect to generate new ideas? The event will introduce the concept and creative background of “Black Hole Recorder,” as well as recent developments in quantum black hole research. Through perspectives from both science and art, participants will discuss possibilities for the future. There will also be a special session where visitors can experience audio recordings made with the Black Hole Recorder itself. We warmly invite you to join this unique dialogue where science and art meet.

Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

JST-Sakura Science Exchange Program: AI for Atmospheric Science

February 4 (Wed) - 10 (Tue) 2026

This JST-Sakura Science Exchange Program leverages the complementary strengths and research foundations of Fudan University and RIKEN in atmospheric science, focusing on the important scientific challenge of applying artificial intelligence to cloud remote sensing and data assimilation. The exchange program also includes one-day workshop in R-CCS with Data Assimilation Research Team.

Venue: S704-S705, Integrated Innovation Building (IIB) (Main Venue) / via Zoom / RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 1F Seminar room

Event Official Language: English

What is “Quantum”!?: RIKEN Symposium Commemorating 100 Years of Quantum Science

July 12 (Sat) 13:00 - 17:00, 2025

Makoto Kobayashi (Director Emeritus, Kobayashi-Maskawa Institute for the Origin of Particles and the Universe (KMI), Nagoya University)
Yasunori Nomura (Professor/Director, Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Berkeley, USA)
Kenji Ito (Professor, Division of Contemporary Culture, Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University)
Miho Hatanaka (Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University)
Norio Kawakami (Deputy Director, Fundamental Quantum Science Program, TRIP Headquarters, RIKEN)
Yasushi Okada (Deputy Director, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR))
Kouichi Hagino (Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University)
Shigeki Takeuchi (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)
Yasunobu Nakamura (Director, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC))
Makoto Gonokami (President, RIKEN)

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum science, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, coordinated by UNESCO. To mark this occasion, we will host a public symposium entitled: “What is “Quantum”!?: RIKEN Symposium Commemorating 100 Years of Quantum Science”, aimed at the general public. The talks will be conducted in Japanese. For more details and to register, please visit the official website via the related link.

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

RIKEN DAY: Let's Talk with Researchers! Let's get to know each other through "Mathematics: One S&T poster for Every Household”!

April 19 (Fri) 18:00 - 18:50, 2024

In this RIKEN DAY, we will introduce various phenomena in the world (all things in the universe) that are understood using "mathematics” and the use of "mathematics", including the latest research, while looking at the annual S&T poster for everyone titlled “Mathematics: One S&T poster for Every Household”. For details, please see the related links.

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

Fundamentals Fest, mini Pre-event on Science "Exploring and Bridging: The Potential of Basic Science"

March 10 (Thu) 8:00 - 9:30, 2022

Makiko Sasada (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
Tetsuo Hatsuda (Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))
Juichi Yamagiwa (Director-General, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature)

Unlike applied science and technology, basic science has a high degree of independence, making it difficult to have contact with society. In today's world where science and technology are maturing, there are many issues on how to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and society from the aspect of science/technology and ethics. However, there are not many opportunities to discuss such bridging activities. In this session, we would like to discuss the peculiarities and possibilities to bridge the basic science and society. Program (Morning) 8:00-8:10 Introduction (What is the Fundamentals Fest) 8:10-8:40 Self-introduction by speakers 8:40-9:20 Discussion 9:20-9:30 Questions and Answers Participation Fee: Free See related links for details.

Venue: via YouTube Live

Event Official Language: Japanese

RIKEN Day: Let's Talk with Researchers! "Listening to the Ringing of a Black Hole"

February 25 (Fri) 18:00 - 18:30, 2022

Naritaka Oshita (Special Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

In the February RIKEN Day, we will have a talk with Naritaka Oshita, a researcher who is researching on the theme of "Listening to the Ringing of a Black Hole." See related links for details.

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

RIKEN AIP-Suri-joshi Joint Seminar

January 29 (Sat) 15:00 - 16:40, 2022

Ryosuke Iritani (Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))
Ade Irma Suriajaya (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Mathematics, Kyushu University)
Motoko Kato (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Ehime University)

"What are the personalities of AI and mathematical researchers? What kind of work do researchers do?" The RIKEN Center for Integrative Research on Innovative Intelligence (RIKEN AIP) and "Suri-joshi" are planning a joint event that will give high-school girls who are interested in mathematical scientists an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating work of AI and mathematical researchers.

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

RIKEN Day: Let's Talk with Researchers! "Can Artificial Intelligence Draw Pictures?"

June 25 (Fri) 18:00 - 18:30, 2021

Akinori Tanaka (Senior Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

In the June RIKEN Day, we will have a talk with Akinori Tanaka, a researcher who is researching on the theme of "Can Artificial Intelligence Draw Pictures?" See related links for details.

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

Presented by iTHEMS & academist - Do you really know what the black hole is?

December 6 (Sun) 14:00 - 16:00, 2020

Shigehiro Nagataki (Deputy Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) / Chief Scientist, Astrophysical Big Bang Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR))
Yoshiyuki Inoue (Senior Visiting Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) / Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Space Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University)
Yuki Yokokura (Senior Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

–From the latest theories and observations to the explanation of the Nobel Prize in Physics! An introduction to black holes from active physicists– The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Sir Roger Penrose, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Genzel and Prof. Andrea Ghez for their contributions to the theory and observation of black holes. Black holes have continued to provide hot topics in recent years, such as gravitational waves from black hole coalescence and black hole imaging, but do you really know what black holes are? Three cutting-edge black hole researchers will explain its identity and mystery.

Venue: via Online

Event Official Language: Japanese

A physicist’s adventures in virology: Catherine Beauchemin live webcast

November 5 (Thu) 9:00 - 10:00, 2020

Catherine Beauchemin (Deputy Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) / Professor, Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Canada)

In her public lecture webcast, physicist Catherine Beauchemin will draw on contemporary examples from COVID-19 and influenza to explain eroding public trust in health research and why physics might be the answer. To watch the webcast, visit the page at the relevant link on November 4 at 7 pm ET (November 5 at 9 am JST).

Venue: via Online

Event Official Language: English

The Mathematical Society of Japan: Cross-discipline and cross-industry research exchange meeting 2020

October 31 (Sat) 10:00 - 17:00, 2020

For more information, please refer to the related links. (in Japanese)

Venue: via Online

Event Official Language: Japanese

Daikanyama College of Music Lecture Series Vol.1 - Music x Mathematics : May not music be described as the mathematics of the sense, mathematics as music of the reason?

October 21 (Wed) 20:00 - 21:00, 2020

Takashi Tsuboi (Deputy Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) / Professor, Musashino University)

Prof. Takashi Tsuboi, Deputy Program Director of iTHEMS will explain the beauty and harmony of Mathematics together with the piano performance by Rutsuko Yamagishi.

Venue: via Online

Event Official Language: Japanese

Tetsuo Hatsuda x Koji Hashimoto x Aiko Teranishi "Science for the Future"-"The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge" (University of Tokyo Press) Commemorative Publication

October 10 (Sat) 15:00 - 17:00, 2020

Tetsuo Hatsuda (Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))
Koji Hashimoto (Professor, Department of Physics, Osaka University)
Aiko Teranishi (President and CEO, indigo.inc)

Dr. Tetsuo Hatsuda, iTHEMS Program Director, published "The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge" in this July by the University of Tokyo Press. This book is a collection of essays by Abraham Flexner, the first director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, USA, and Robbert Dijkgraaf, the current director. To celebrate the publication of this book, a talk event will be held at Bookstore B&B. For more information and to book the event, please visit the related links (in Japanese).

Venue: via Zoom

Event Official Language: Japanese

Fast Radio Bursts: a cosmic mystery

September 28 (Mon) 10:30 - 11:00, 2020

Don Warren (Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

On Monday morning, iTHEMS researcher Don Warren will give a public talk on fast radio bursts. He will describe this cosmic mystery, and reveal how impatient Australians play an important role in the story. This talk is part of the global Stream You series, hosted by National Geographic and Nerd Nite. Don’s talk begins at 10:30am, but there will be three talks before his starting at 9:00am. To watch Don’s talk, or any of the others, visit facebook.com/nerdnite on Monday and look for the YouTube link.

Venue: via Online

Event Official Language: English

Perspective of nuclear physics in the 21 century

September 27 (Sun) 13:30 - 17:00, 2020

Tetsuo Hatsuda (Program Director, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))
Hiroyoshi Sakurai (Director, RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science (RNC))
Naohito Saito (Director, J-PARC Center)
Takaaki Kajita (Director, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR), The University of Tokyo)

世界最先端の日本の原子核物理研究を行う4施設の牽引者がそれぞれリレー方式で講義を行います。21世紀の原子核物理学の潮流といえる、重力波や中性子星連星合体など宇宙の謎に迫る高密度世界の解明に関する研究内容から、先端加速器やスーパーコンピューターを用いた最先端の研究スタイルまで、日本が誇る原子核物理学の今と今後の展望をお話します。

Venue: via YouTube Live

Event Official Language: Japanese

Interstellar Memes

July 25 (Thu) 20:00 - 21:30, 2019

Don Warren (Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

Memes are to cultures what genes are to people: ideas, behaviors, or styles that are transmitted within the culture and can propagate or die out. The universe is a big place. How much of it knows about Grumpy Cat? Tale of Genji? Earth? Cost: JPY1,500 including a drink

Venue: Good Heavens Bar (2F 5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032)

Event Official Language: English

RIKEN Day: Let's Talk with Researchers! "The Wonder of Numbers"

March 17 (Sun) 14:00 - 16:00, 2019

Ade Irma Suriajaya (Special Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

In the March RIKEN Day, we will have a talk with Ade Irma Suriajaya, a mathematician who is researching "prime numbers", on the theme of "the wonder of numbers". See related links for details.

Venue: Science Museum

Event Official Language: Japanese

Nerd Nite Tokyo

November 9 (Fri) 20:00 - 22:00, 2018

Ade Irma Suriajaya (Special Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

Chacha will tell us about infinities, some bad math, and some good math. Price: ¥1000, but speakers get in free Food and drinks available at the event

Venue: Nagatacho GRID (2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093)

Event Official Language: English

Nerd Nite Tokyo

October 12 (Fri) 20:00 - 22:00, 2018

Don Warren (Research Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS))

Don Warren will give a talk about fast radio bursts and impatient Australians. Please come join us on October 12, and consider giving a presentation about something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be your main research topic; if you have an interesting hobby or side project, that could be fun as well. Price: ¥1000, but speakers get in free Food and drinks available at the event

Venue: Nagatacho GRID (2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093)

Event Official Language: English

Nerd Nite Tokyo

May 11 (Fri) 20:00 - 22:00, 2018

Catherine Beauchemin (Senior Visiting Scientist, RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) / Professor, Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Canada)

Nerd Nite is "the Discovery Channel with beer", a worldwide monthly event series that mixes presentations, performances, trivia, demos, music, and of course drinking. Nerd Nite Tokyo events are held in English. This time, Dr. Catherine Beauchemin (iTHEMS senior visiting scientist) will give a 20min. talk on the problems of being a physicist in the world of virology. Fee: 1000 JPY per person

Venue: Nagatacho GRID (2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093)

Event Official Language: English