#Japan #Tokyo #Miraikan #Keparan #Omodaka

This Summer, Let's Meet Keparan!

Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly known as Miraikan, is thrilled to announce exciting new events featuring its original partner robot, Keparan. Starting from July 16, 2025, the museum will host a brand-new performance called "Keparan Ondo." Additionally, visitors can participate in a programming workshop where they can interactively control Keparan. As a special treat, exclusive original merchandise featuring Keparan will be available for sale.

This summer promises a unique opportunity to not just observe but engage with technology as we collectively imagine a future where humans and robots coexist harmoniously.

Keparan: The Partner Robot

Since its launch in November 2023, Keparan has been a star attraction in the permanent exhibition space at Miraikan. Designed to engage and communicate with visitors, Keparan can interact through gestures and message boards. Currently, it showcases daily dance performances known as "Keparan’s Dance Time," where it dances to an original song.

The Performance: Keparan Ondo

The performance "Keparan Ondo" promises a captivating experience where Keparan will display a choreographed Bon Odori dance, inviting visitors to join in and dance along to the catchy original tune. The song is produced by renowned techno and folk music artist Omodaka, blending traditional melodies with modern flair. The lyrics are composed uniquely for this performance, sung by celebrated folk singer Akiko Kanazawa.

The interactive aspect of the performance encourages participants of all ages to connect with Keparan, allowing them to feel a deeper bond with the robot as they sway to the music together. It’s a joyous celebration of technology and tradition that aims to bridge the gap between robotic and human experiences.

Performance Details

• - Start Date: July 16, 2025
• - Showtimes: Daily, five times a day, each approximately four minutes long:

- Japanese: 11:10 AM / 2:10 PM / 4:10 PM
- English: 1:10 PM / 3:10 PM

• - Location: Permanent Exhibition, 3rd Floor, “Hello! Robots”
• - Cost: Regular admission fee (no reservation required)
• - Technical Support: Toyota's Future Creation Center
• - Choreography and Performance: Motion Actor Co., Ltd.

Programming Workshop: Move Keparan!

In addition to the performance, the museum will conduct an interactive programming workshop titled "Move Keparan!" in August. Participants will work alongside Keparan's developers to engage in a programming experience using a 3D model that closely mimics Keparan's structure. Attendees will create their own programs and will have the chance to control the real Keparan at the end of their session, deepening their understanding of how humans can interact with robots.

Workshop Details

• - Dates: August 19 (Tuesday), 23 (Saturday), and 24 (Sunday), 2025
• - Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• - Location: 3rd Floor, Hub Space / Permanent Exhibition
• - Target Audience: Recommended for 4th graders and up
• - Capacity: 8 groups per session
• - Cost: Regular admission fee only
• - Registration: By pre-registration (lottery system)
• - Registration Opens: July 11, 2025

Exclusive Keparan Merchandise

For fans looking to take home a piece of Keparan, exclusive original merchandise will be available for sale starting July 16, 2025. Items include:

• - Acrylic Keychains: Featuring Keparan on one side and an internal structure diagram on the reverse.
• - Fluffy Stickers and Chocolate Crunch treats.

These unique merchandise items, showcasing original illustrations, offer a great way to commemorate your visit!

Merchandise Details

• - Keychain Price: ¥800 (including tax)
• - Fluffy Sticker Price: ¥275 (including tax)
• - Chocolate Crunch Price: ¥880 (including tax)
• - Available at: 1st-floor Museum Shop

Through this engaging series of events and activities, Miraikan invites everyone to experience the wonders of robotics and picture a future where humans and robots live side by side. Join us and have fun with Keparan this summer!

For more information, visit the official website: Miraikan