#Japan #Tokyo #World Meditation League #All Here #Quantified Meditation

A New Dawn for Meditation in Japan

The traditional practice of meditation is undergoing a remarkable transformation in Japan, as it steps into a new realm of quantifiable achievement. The Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge, organized by the World Meditation League (WML) and All Here, took place in the picturesque Happo-en garden, heralding a new age for mindfulness practice. This groundbreaking event showcased meditation not merely as an internal journey but as a discipline that can be measured and observed through scientific techniques.

During the event, attendees witnessed live meditation sessions where real-time data on brain activity, attention, self-awareness, and inner calm were projected on screens. This unprecedented showcase merged meditation with cutting-edge neuroscience, thereby allowing participants and spectators alike to engage with the practice on a more profound level.

The Vision of Kengo Kuma

The event began with an inspiring presentation by globally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, who introduced Zenbu Koko, an immersive meditation platform developed by All Here. Kuma expressed his desire to harmoniously connect architecture, emptiness, and nature. He shared how the collaboration with Erkin Bek, the founder of All Here, motivated him to design a meditation capsule that leverages extended reality technology.

Constructed using wood particles, Zenbu Koko reflects this vision, guiding users through a meditative journey that initiates with self-awareness, progresses through celestial experiences, and culminates in contemplation of distant galaxies and cosmic voids. This innovative setup aims to dissolve the perceived barriers between the individual and the universe, thereby linking one’s consciousness to the natural world. The enriching experience incorporates elements such as self-awareness perspectives and haptic devices, all designed to enhance the meditative process.

The Quantified Meditation Challenge: A New Competitive Frontier

The spotlight of the day belonged to the Quantified Meditation Challenge, a live performance that translated the concept of inner silence into measurable results. With advanced brain imaging and dynamic neuro-imaging technologies integrated into All Here’s quantification dashboard, participants had the opportunity to visualize their meditation practices through three key metrics:
1. Concentration and Mindfulness Index: This metric measures levels of attention and self-awareness while minimizing distractions related to past and future thoughts.
2. Mental Silence Index: This metric captures the elevation toward a state of enduring mental silence and clarity.
3. QM3™: Representing the apex of meditation, this metric identifies the three most profound minutes of mental stability and inner silence, emphasizing the ability to sustain that state beyond fleeting moments.

The event atmosphere was electric, fueled by commentary from renowned sports commentators, Rob Walker and Alex Hatton, alongside insights from Erkin Bek and Christoph Michel, All Here’s chief neuroscience director. Their words spun together the realms of neuroscience, technology, and meditation into an experience comparable to that of a thrilling sporting event.

Erkin Bek remarked, "For the first time in history, silence itself becomes a measurable outcome. Meditation transforms into more than just a practice; it evolves into a quantifiable achievement. We can measure it, train for it, and even challenge ourselves globally."

Among the participants, Hisami Tsurumori emerged with the highest QM3™ score. Her remarks reflected how meditation has been her daily solace and healing tool over the past two decades, highlighting its potential to provide peace to those challenged by stress and anxiety.

Merging Neuroscience with Ikigai

Following the challenge, neuroscience professor Ken Mogi, author of The Little Book of Ikigai, delivered a captivating talk entitled “Find your Ikigai with Quantified Meditation.” He underscored the importance of blending traditional meditation with contemporary technologies, especially in a world flooded with information where inner clarity is paramount. Mogi emphasized that technology-assisted meditation aids individuals in rediscovering their ikigai, or life’s purpose, fostering a deeper connection with oneself.

Envisioning Mindful Cities

The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion titled “Mindful Cities,” led by Mikio Shishido from Zen 2.0 and the Kamakura Mindfulness Lab. Shishido articulated the increasing relevance of human sensitivity and inner awareness in the age of advancing AI technologies. He pointed to Kamakura, the hometown of Japanese Zen, as the ideal backdrop for fostering mindful urban environments, underscoring its deep-rooted connection to meditative culture.

As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that the Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge marked a significant milestone. Meditation is no longer relegated to silent introspection; it is now a tangible, quantifiable practice that inspires individuals in their pursuit of human excellence. In collaboration with its global partners and contributors, All Here and the World Meditation League have initiated a compelling movement emphasizing the synthesis of science, technology, and meditation.

Event Overview:
Challenge: Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge
Date: October 2, 2025
Venue: Happo-en, Tokyo
Organizers: World Meditation League, All Here
Official Website: www.wml.org

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