Useless Science & Art: The Value of “Useless” Science and Art
- Date
- March 21 (Sat) 14:00 - 15:30, 2026 (JST)
- Speakers
-
- 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.
Event Overview
Date & Time
March 21, 2026 (Sat) 14:00–15:30
Doors open at 13:45
A special hands-on experience of the artwork will be available after the program.
Venue
Auditorium, B2F, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Admission
Free (Capacity: 180 people, first-come, first-served)
*Please note that a separate ticket is required to enter the exhibition “Mission ∞ Infinity: Space, Quantum, and Art.”
Speakers
- Satoshi Iso
Theoretical Physicist / Director, RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) - Tetsuo Hatsuda
Theoretical Physicist / Executive Director of Science, RIKEN - Yuki Yokokura
Theoretical Physicist / Assistant Professor, Theory Center, Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies (IPNS), KEK - Masaatsu Kozuka
Creative Director, ADK Marketing Solutions - Yu Kodama
Experience Designer, ADK Marketing Solutions
Program (Tentative)
- Introduction to the artwork “Black Hole Recorder”
- Current research on quantum black holes
- Black Hole Recorder and possibilities for the future
- Cross-talk and Q&A
- Artwork experience corner
Cooperation: Useless Prototyping Studio
- RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS)
- ADK Marketing Solutions Inc.
- ADK Creative One Inc.
Related Link
Speakers
Yoshihiro Kozuka
Creative Director, ADK Marketing Solutions Inc.
Haruka Kodama
Experience Designer, ADK Marketing Solutions Inc.