#Japan #Tokyo #Stanford University #Kawai Juku #Origami Art

A Unique Seminar on Origami, Science, and Culture

On August 29, Kawai Juku, located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, is set to host a special summer seminar titled "Origami, Science, and Art" aimed at middle and high school students. The seminar features Ryosuke Mashiko, a graduate student at Stanford University and an accomplished origami artist. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, folding paper while gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between origami, mathematics, and science. This event is a wonderful chance to explore origami not just as a traditional Japanese art form but as a fascinating interplay of cultural heritage and scientific principles.

The Intricate Connection Between Origami and Science

Origami, an age-old practice cherished in Japan, actually shares profound ties with mathematics and advanced technologies. Notably, ancient geometric challenges, such as the problem of trisecting an angle, were unsolvable with a compass and straightedge alone but could be approached through origami techniques. Moreover, modern applications of origami concepts are increasingly prevalent in cutting-edge technologies, including satellite solar panels and medical stents—devices used within the body for treatment—as well as in the field of nanotechnology.

Additionally, the recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded for protein folding simulations shows intriguing parallels with the principles found in origami. This seminar seeks to open doors for students to see these surprising links, fostering a greater appreciation for both the arts and sciences.

Workshop for Hands-On Learning

The seminar will begin with an engaging workshop where participants can practically fold origami, encouraging them to interact with mathematical and scientific concepts in a dynamic manner. There will be no need for prior knowledge, as Ryosuke Mashiko will guide the attendees through the processes, explaining how origami embodies mathematical principles and scientific exploration.

In the latter half of the seminar, the focus will shift to exploring origami as a significant aspect of Japanese culture that has been passed down through generations. Highlighting the piece titled “Renge of Altruism,” which will be showcased at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Mashiko will discuss how engineering principles merge with Japan's unique aesthetic sensibilities in his creative ventures.

By participating in this seminar, students will not only handle origami firsthand but also experience the rich intersection of mathematics, science, and tradition. This is a golden opportunity for middle and high school students to delve into the depths and excitement of these subjects through the lens of an accessible and culturally enriching medium.

Event Overview

• - Date: August 29 (Saturday), 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• - Target Audience: Middle and high school students and their families (up to three members per family)
• - Venue: Kawai Juku, 2-6-1 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• - Registration Fee: Free
• - Speaker: Ryosuke Mashiko

With a background in electrical engineering and a focus on light-based information processing platforms at Stanford, Ryosuke Mashiko adeptly blends his scientific pursuits with his artistic passion for origami. He has been recognized for his art, winning the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award at the National Student Art Design Awards in 2019 and being selected for the Salon d'Automne in Paris 2022. His creation, “Renge of Altruism,” is now part of the collection at the Wakayama Prefectural Museum.

For registration, please visit: Kawai Juku Seminar Registration

About Kawai Juku

Kawai Juku offers a stimulating academic environment focused on advanced study in subjects like mathematics, information science, and physics. Eschewing traditional exam preparation, Kawai Juku emphasizes a more profound intellectual engagement. With instructors comprising current students from prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo and international science Olympic medalists, students are exposed to a graduate-level learning experience. In 2023, Kawai Juku further demonstrated its excellence with two alumni securing places in the International Mathematical Olympiad, achieving gold medals. Numerous courses, including those for mathematical Olympiads, highlight the depth and allure of academic inquiry.

For more information, please visit Kawai Juku Official Website.