#Japan #Shinjuku #Tokyo University #Kyoto Modernization #Engineering Pioneers

Exhibition Overview

The Tokyo University of Science, led by President Masatoshi Ishikawa, is celebrating its upcoming 150th anniversary in 2031 with a series of exhibitions reflecting on its history and the contributions of its founders. This year's third installment of the exhibition series focuses on "Three Pioneers of Modernization in Kyoto" and highlights the remarkable careers of Masashi Namba, Kanichiro Miwa, and Teizo Tamana. The event will run from October 1 to December 12, 2025.

The Pioneers

These illustrious engineers were all graduates of the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Science, specifically its Physics Department. They played pivotal roles in establishing the Tokyo Physics Institute, a precursor to the Tokyo University of Science, and made notable contributions to the training of future engineers and the modernization of Kyoto. This exhibition will delve into their achievements, showcasing their research and educational endeavors that have significantly shaped the landscape of engineering in Kyoto.

Exhibition Highlights

1. The Power Source of Modern Kyoto
Masashi Namba was instrumental in the second phase of construction of the first commercial hydroelectric power plant in Japan, the Kakehashi Station. His contributions greatly increased power generation, which in turn facilitated the expansion of Kyoto City’s tram network and supported the city’s urban development.

2. International Exchange of Knowledge
The exhibition also features historical documents from 1880, detailing Namba’s experience as a government-sponsored student in Europe, along with photographs from 1894 of his studies abroad, contributing to the establishment of the University of Kyoto's Faculty of Engineering. Moreover, materials from the 1904 International Congress of Mathematicians attended by Kanichiro Miwa will be presented, providing insights into the global academic network of that era.

3. Scholarly Exploration in Later Years
Teizo Tamana’s work, "Shiei Hōiki Kō" (1917), which bridges modern science (mathematics) with traditional thought (divination), will also be showcased. His scholarly explorations reflect a quest for knowledge that transcends disciplines.

In addition to these exhibits, the event will feature rare items lent from various institutions, along with treasures from the university's own collections.

Related Talk Events

During the exhibition period, several engaging talks are scheduled, including:

• - "From Kyoto Electric Railway to LRT"

Date: October 25, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Yoshifumi Mochinaga, Technical Advisor at Tsuda Electric Equipment Co., Ltd.

• - "Kanichiro Miwa and the Sawayanagi Incident"

Date: November 8, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Kiyoshi Shinno, Professor at the Tokyo University of Science.

• - "Mathematics and Divination: The Footsteps of Teizo Tamana"

Date: November 29, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Minoru Ito, Professor at Tokyo University of Science's Center for Mathematics Education.

Access Information

The Modern Science Museum at the Tokyo University of Science is located at 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. It is just a 5-minute walk from JR Iidabashi Station (West Exit) and a 3-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Iidabashi Station (B3 Exit). Admission is free, and reservations are not required.

Conclusion

We invite everyone to visit this exceptional exhibition celebrating the contributions of these three engineering pioneers who played a vital role in Kyoto's modernization. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore their legacies and the impact they have made on the field of engineering. We look forward to welcoming you and encourage you to check our website for more details on the exhibition and events.