Deep Japanese thought × Science symposium: A novel approach for modern society

This symposium interprets traditional Japanese wisdom including the oldest Japanese medical book ‘Ishinpo’, in the light of modern science and medicine, or provides such ideas that have never been well studied in science, to open up a new avenue of research. The wisdom of balance and harmony in the Japanese culture will contribute to promote mental and physical health, and further development of humanity, coexistence and happiness of the world.

[Date and Time] December 20, 2026 (Sunday), 9:50 AM – 5:30 PM (Doors open at 9:20 AM)
[Location] Tokyo International Exchange Center, Plaza Heisei
2-2-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
[Target Audience] Students, Faculty and staff, General public
[Event Format] Hybrid format (on site & live stream)
[Language] Japanese/English (Simultaneous translation available)
[Registration Fee] Free
[Organisers] Organization for Human Life Innovation and Development at Ochanomizu University and Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
[Supporters] Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, TOKYO ACADEMIC PARK

[How to participate] Advance registration is required.
Please apply via the link or QR code below.

Registration form (opens in a new window)

[Registration Period] November 15th (Sun) – December 13th (Sun), 2026
* Lottery will be held if the number of applicants exceeds capacity.

Click here to view the poster.

Programme

[Opening remarks] 9:50 – 10:00

[Session 1: Physical health] 10:00 – 11:10
Keynote lecture 1
Philosophy of the Ishinpo: Harmony for Mental and Physical Health – an International Endeavour
Denis Noble (University of Oxford) &
Paul Ch’en (General Practitioner and College Doctor, University of Oxford)

The Science of Soy and the Human Body: Insights from Washoku
Kaoruko Iida, Ochanomizu University, Director of Institute for Human Life Science

[Session 2: Mental health] 11:30 – 12:40
Keynote lecture 2
Reimagining the Field of Contemplative Science through Pilgrimage across Japan’s Sacred Sites
Yuki Imoto, Keio University, Director of the Centre for Contemplative Studies

The Science of “Itadakimasu” : A Japanese Approach to Mindful Eating
Mika Omori, Ochanomizu University, Institute for Education and Human Development

[Mindful-lunch session (Traditional Japanese vegan bento will be served)] 13:00 – 14:00
50 tickets are available for free on first-come first-served basis (students only). Please request at the reception on the day.

[Session 3: Physical × Mental health] 14:00 – 15:10
Keynote lecture 3
How to Use Mind and Body together in Japanese Martial Arts
Masahiko Tatai, Shirakaba Psychological Counseling Room, Certified Public Psychologist/Certified Clinical Psychologist

Bon Odori’s Wisdom of Healing and Connection: Perspectives from Dance Therapy
Miho Yamada, Ochanomizu University, Deputy Director of Institute for Competency Development

[Panel discussion] 15:25 – 16:10
Denis Noble, Paul Ch’en, Yuki Imoto, Masahiko Tatai, Kaoruko Iida, Mika Omori, Miho Yamada
Facilitator: Atsuko Sato, Ochanomizu University, Institute for Human Life Science

[Closing remarks] 16:15 – 16:20
Kyoko Aikawa, Ochanomizu University, Director of Organization for Human Life Innovation and Development

[Bon Odori Workshop/Social Gathering] 16:30 – 17:30
Organised by Bon Odori Circle, Ochanomizu University

* All the lectures will be posted on YouTube after the event.