The Exploration of Digital Olfactory Technology: A Symposium Announcement

Bunkyo Gakuin University has announced that Professor Takeshi Kobayashi from the Faculty of Human Sciences will participate in a symposium focused on the groundbreaking theme of "Building Digital Olfactory Technology Based on Olfactory Reproduction". This symposium, marking the kickoff of the first year of full-scale research, is part of Japan Science and Technology Agency's (JST) project on creating a next-generation information society. Scheduled for March 16, 2026, this event aims to showcase the integration of olfactory measurements, data collection, and reproduction through innovative digital approaches.

Kobayashi's research commenced in October 2022 and transitioned into the primary research phase in April 2025. He has been actively involved in enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly using olfactory VR games while linking this digital olfactory technology with psychological evaluations. The development and implementation of this technology are particularly relevant in the context of an aging society, where maintaining and improving cognitive and memory functions are crucial in preventing dementia and enhancing well-being.

About Professor Kobayashi's Presentation

In his presentation titled, "Effects of Olfactory VR Games on Cognitive Function Improvement: Selective Enhancement and Robustness Against Visual Cue Variation," Professor Kobayashi will report on how immersive experiences, combining olfactory stimulation with visual information, impact cognitive functions from a psychological perspective. This research provides essential insights into the societal implementation of digital olfactory technology and its potential applications in healthcare and welfare sectors.

Professor Kobayashi's research has been highlighted as a vital collaborative effort with institutions like Tokyo Science University, Hosei University, and the University of the Arts London. Their interdisciplinary approach has demonstrated that VR games utilizing olfactory displays can significantly improve spatial cognition in the elderly. Compared to traditional methods involving direct scent inhalation, this innovative rehabilitation technique offers a much higher level of immersion. The outcomes of this research are gaining attention both domestically and internationally, with findings published in esteemed scientific journals like Scientific Reports.

Symposium Details

- Date: March 16, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Venue: Tokyo Science University's Suzukakedai Campus (Hybrid format: in-person and Zoom broadcast)
- Event URL: Event Website
- Registration Link: Participant Registration Form
- Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026

Those who register before March 15 will receive the Zoom URL via email.

Speaker Profile: Professor Takeshi Kobayashi

Areas of Expertise

- Psychophysiology
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience

Research Focus

Topics in psychophysiology, perception psychology, cognitive psychology, emotional psychology, including olfactory habituation, olfactory and preconceptions, olfactory and autobiographical memory, and olfactory harassment (スメハラ).

Affiliated Societies and Organizations

A sample of societies includes the Japanese Cognitive Psychology Association, the Japanese Psychophysiological Society, and the Japanese Society for Emotional Psychology.