#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #Juichi Yamagiwa #Yoko Ogawa

Science and Fiction: An Evening of Exploration

On October 9, Waseda University will hold a captivating special lecture titled "Between Science and Fiction: Insights from a Primate Researcher" by the esteemed primatologist Juichi Yamagiwa. Alongside Yamagiwa, acclaimed author Yoko Ogawa will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the intersections of science and literature.

The event will be hosted at the Waseda University International Literary Museum, which has been a vibrant hub for diverse lectures and symposiums since its inauguration in October 2021. Having previously welcomed nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka for a talk on science and literature, the upcoming lecture promises to be the second installment in this series, featuring Yamagiwa, who is renowned for his profound insights into primate evolution and human nature.

Yamagiwa's Background

Born in 1952 in Tokyo, Juichi Yamagiwa is a leading figure in primate research and has made significant contributions to our understanding of gorilla behavior. After graduating from Kyoto University’s Faculty of Science, he obtained a doctorate in science. With extensive fieldwork in Japan and Africa, including a year-long immersive study in the forests of Rwanda, Yamagiwa has extensively explored the social ecology of gorillas and Japanese macaques. His work has earned him several prestigious awards and solidified his status as a pivotal voice in the field of anthropology.

A Unique Dialogue

Following the lecture, Ogawa, who is also a Waseda University alumna, will take the stage to discuss with Yamagiwa the intricate relationship between literature and scientific inquiry. A celebrated novelist, Ogawa has received numerous accolades, including the Akutagawa Prize and the Yomiuri Literary Prize. Her works often delve into deep philosophical themes, and her collaboration with Yamagiwa in their book “Gorilla's Forest, Sea of Words” highlights her interest in exploring the emotional and cognitive dimensions of both humans and primates.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: October 9 (Thursday) from 14:00 to 15:45 JST (Lecture: 50 minutes, Break: 10 minutes, Dialogue: 45 minutes). The doors will open at 13:30.
• - Location: Okuma Auditorium, Waseda University, which is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line.
• - Language: The event will be conducted in Japanese.
• - Admission: Entry is free, but registration is required as seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration ends on October 6 at 23:59.

Additional Notes

Attendees with specific needs related to disabilities or health concerns are encouraged to communicate their requirements in advance to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.

With this unique convergence of science and literature, the event promises profound insights through a lens that's both scientific and narrative, creating a space for rich discussions that resonate with the curiosity inherent in both fields.

Join us for this engaging experience that reflects the mission of the Waseda University International Literary Museum to delve into narrative formations that inspire thought and creativity.

For registration and more information, please visit the official event page. Please note that photo and video recording during the event is prohibited, but official recordings may be made and shared by the organizers.

Conclusion

In a world often divided by disciplines, this event seeks to illuminate the connections that bind science and storytelling, showcasing the necessity of both in exploring the complexities of our existence. Look forward to an enlightening afternoon filled with passion, curiosity, and intellectual exchange.