#Japan #Tokyo #Yoichi Ochiai #null2 #Japanese Science Future

Revitalizing the Permanent Exhibition: 'Computers and Nature'

The Japanese Science Future Museum, under the directorship of Chieko Asakawa, is set to rejuvenate its long-standing exhibition, 'Computers and Nature, the Nature of Computers.' Recognized for integrating technology and art, media artist Yoichi Ochiai, who played a pivotal role in the signature pavilion 'null2' at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is the mastermind behind this renovation. The updated exhibition will be publicly accessible from April 1, 2026.

New Features of the Exhibition

The revitalization focuses on redefining two key displays that are symbolic to the exhibition: 'Computers and Nature' and 'The Nature of Computers.' In addition to these updates, the museum will feature new interactive exhibits utilizing large-scale language models to exhibit generative AI technology and immersive displays using glasses-free 3D visualization.

Launched in November 2019, the exhibition poses significant questions regarding how advanced technologies, such as computers and artificial intelligence, can reshape our understanding of the natural world. The evolution of digital devices and software is blurring the lines between organic and artificial environments, pushing the boundaries of our perception beyond traditional limitations.

Ochiai’s vision reflects what he describes as our 'new nature,' where the boundary between the digital and analog worlds ceases to exist, engaging audiences through numerous thought-provoking displays.

Exhibition Details

• - Opening Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)
• - Location: 3rd Floor, Japanese Science Future Museum, Permanent Exhibition Zone
• - Closed Days: Tuesdays (though open on public holidays and during summer break) - Note that from October 1, 2026, to April 22, 2027, the museum will be closed for facility renovations.
• - Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with last entry at 4:30 PM)
• - Admission Fees: Adults (19 and over) - 630 yen; Youth (under 18, starting from elementary school) - 210 yen; Free admission for children under school age and for youths on Saturdays.
• - More Information: Exhibition Details

Highlights of the Exhibition

'Computers and Nature' < Renovation >

This exhibit showcases the delicate balance between nature and the artificial worlds created by computers. Visitors can experience a realm where printed butterflies coexist amongst trees and flowers, blurring the lines between natural and digital creations. The exhibit will also feature a captivating animated piece created with generative AI, where the imagery of a cracked screen transforms fluidly, symbolizing the intersection of physical and informational realms.

Credits:

• - Ikebana: Yuki Tsuji (Ikebana Artist, Tsuji Yuki Spatial Research Institute)
• - Video Installation: Yoichi Ochiai (Media Artist)
• - Structural Color Printing: Fujifilm Imaging Systems Co., Ltd.
• - Butterfly Mechanism: International Display Industry Co., Ltd.

'The Nature of Computers' < Renovation >

As AI advances, its role in image generation is pronounced, enabling the creation of entirely new visuals from learned characteristics of various images. This display applies cutting-edge AI techniques from the 'null2' pavilion, where real-time imagery is captured by cameras installed in the exhibition, demonstrating a process called the 'diffusion model' that restores clear images from noise.

Credits:

• - Creator: Yoichi Ochiai (Media Artist)
• - Technical Assistant: Tatsuya Minagawa

'Does it matter if your conversation partner is human or machine?' < Newly Installed >

This installment allows visitors to interact by speaking into a receiver, where the AI transforms spoken words into text and generates contextually appropriate responses. The generated replies are then read aloud in the voice of media artist Yoichi Ochiai. Leveraging large-scale language models, this feature underscores the fading distinction between human and machine interaction.

Credits:

• - Creator: Yoichi Ochiai (Media Artist)
• - Technical Assistant: Yuka Tsukada

'Is this inside or outside the computer?' < Newly Installed >

This innovative 3D visual exhibit allows audiences to experience stereoscopic imagery without special glasses. By tracking the eye positions of the nearest participant, the display continuously presents images in sync with their gaze, forging a unique experience that blurs the lines between tangible sculptures and 3D virtual data.

Credits:

• - Concept and Production: Takumi Yokoyama (University of Tsukuba), Digital Nature Development Research Center, University of Tsukuba
• - Data Provision: Stanford Computer Graphics Laboratory

Conclusion

As the exhibition prepares for its public debut in 2026, it promises to engage and challenge visitors with its groundbreaking integration of technology, nature, and artistic expression—an unmissable experience for anyone curious about the future convergence of our digital and natural worlds.