Restart: Science Tokyo’s 2024 festival on Ookayama Campus

A space probe riding the wind

Associate Professor Daisuke Akita, School of Environment and Society
Sunday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Winds also blow in space. Hot winds blow wildly on Venus, and winds blow from the Sun at unimaginable speeds even between planets, spaces which at first glance seem to be just vacuums. If humans could harness these winds, we would possibly be able to travel through space much like a sailboat, balloon, or kite. Associate Professor Akita will talk about a probe that travels freely through the vast universe as these winds blow.

Exploring the wonders of rubber at the nanoscale

Professor Ken Nakajima, School of Materials and Chemical Technology
Sunday, November 3, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Why does rubber stretch and contract? Professor Nakajima will share these secrets with you if you are willing to put yourself in the shoes of tiny, invisible molecules. Nakajima will start by talking about gas molecules, which run around freely and form the origins of “pressure” as learned in high school physics. He will then move on to macromolecules that do mysterious dances. He will also talk about the study of university-level statistical mechanics without using difficult mathematical formulas. Let's explore the nano world inside rubber together!

How to create 'living robots'? An invitation to molecular robotics

Assistant Professor Shogo Hamada, School of Computing
Monday, November 4, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

What do you think of when you hear the word “robot”? Perhaps, a machine made of metal or plastic? What if robots were made of biomolecules just like us? Molecular robotics researchers such as Assistant Professor Hamada are building robots from nano-sized molecules using DNA and proteins. In recent years, this field has made dramatic progress, and it seems like the “Cambrian explosion of molecular robotics” is occurring. In his lecture, Hamada will discuss the frontiers of molecular robotics, which is the first step toward “living robots,” and its future, by introducing several case studies.

Consultations with current Science Tokyo students to discuss concerns

Science Tokyo students provide one-on-one advice to students preparing for their entrance exams. Based on their personal experiences, the Institute’s students are happy to speak to anyone who is interested in learning more about exams, student life, or anything else related to Science Tokyo. This is a perfect opportunity to get advice directly from students. Consultations will be held in Japanese.

Science Tokyo booklets

Science Tokyo booklets will be available for prospective students. The booklets contain useful information for applying to Science Tokyo, such as introductions to different Schools and Departments, entrance exam preparation tips by exam method and subject, and testimonials of successful applicants.

The Institute will also distribute various materials such as admission information and pamphlets regarding each School.

The four-member rock band a flood of circle, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and recently held a gig at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall on August 12 to a huge audience, will play a special live concert at the festival. Come and enjoy the rock!

On the 2nd floor of Hisao & Hiroko Taki Plaza, visitors can enjoy solving riddles and coloring Picody, the new mascot of the festival. Picody's shrine will also be set up at Tsubame Terrace. In addition to the usual goods, special ema plaques, omikuji fortune slips, and omamori amulets will also be on sale.