Over 100 Registrations: 'Then, What Are Humans?' — EMS DAYS 2026 to Explore Humanity in the Age of AI, Featuring Morio Yogo and Shigesato Itoi

Generative AI is increasingly capable of writing text, creating images, and composing music—tasks once considered uniquely human. What, then, can only humans do? What is language, creation, and life itself?

The nonprofit organization EMS will host 'EMS DAYS 2026 (The 3rd Essence Behaviorology Symposium)' on September 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun), 2026, at Cybozu's Tokyo Office in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and online. The theme: 'Then, what are humans?'

Featured speakers include Dr. Morio Yogo, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo; Shigesato Itoi, Chairman and Representative Director of HOBONICHI Co., Ltd.; Dr. Kiyohiko Ikeda, biologist; and Yoshikazu Aono, CEO of Cybozu, Inc. Special performances will be delivered by singer-songwriter Ayako Ikeda and pianist Tetsu Shioya.

Experts from anatomy, biology, language, management, and music—each from vastly different fields—will gather around one central question.

Not 'What can AI do?' but 'Then, what are humans?'

With the event still about two months away, over 100 people have already registered. On-site participation will close once the fire code capacity of 200 is reached. Early registration until July 31 is available at a discounted rate of ¥7,000 for full two-day access.

Essential Management School (EMS) has held three AI-focused dialogues this spring. Each time, the conversation returned to the same point: 'Then, what are humans?' EMS DAYS 2026 will be a two-day gathering to explore this fundamental question alongside today’s leading intellectual minds.

Last year’s 'EMS DAYS 2025 (2nd Essence Behaviorology Symposium)' attracted over 250 participants, with feedback such as: 'The intersection of AI and philosophical perspectives was stimulating and opened up a new worldview.'

—— Speakers ——

Morio Yogo (Yōrō Takeshi) Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo. After graduating from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine, he specialized in anatomy and served as a professor. His 2003 book 'The Wall of Stupidity' (Shinchosha) sold over 4.6 million copies and won the Mainichi Publishing Culture Award and the New Word/Buzzword of the Year Award. He continues to explore the essence of humanity—brain, body, environment, and views on life and death—from an anatomist’s perspective.

Shigesato Itoi (Itōi Shigesato) Chairman and Representative Director, HOBONICHI Co., Ltd. Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1948. A legendary copywriter who dominated the advertising world, he has also excelled in lyric writing, essay writing, and game development. Since launching the website 'Hobonichi Itto News' (now 'Hobonichi') in 1998, he has led the development of various content, including the 'Hobonichi Techo' planner.

Kiyohiko Ikeda (Ikeda Kiyohiko) Biologist. Holds a Ph.D. in Science from the Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University. With over 100 published books, he writes extensively on evolutionary theory, philosophy of science, environmental issues, neuroscience, and developmental psychology. He is also active in media, including appearances on Fuji TV’s 'Honma dekkā! TV'.

Yoshikazu Aono (Aono Yoshikazu) Representative Director and CEO, Cybozu, Inc. Founded Cybozu in Ehime Prefecture in 1997, achieving top market share in the groupware sector. Advocating '100 people, 100 different matchings,' he leads Japan’s workstyle reform and continues striving toward a society rich in teamwork.

—— Special Performers ——

Ayako Ikeda (singer-songwriter) and Tetsu Shioya (pianist) will also perform. This two-day event will uniquely blend literature, science, and music—true to the multidisciplinary spirit of Essence Behaviorology.

※ Additional speakers and performers may be announced. Check the official website and social media for updates.

—— The Best Essential Management Award Ceremony ——

A special EMS award honoring activities that embody Essence Behaviorology. This year, Morio Yogo and Shigesato Itoi will be honored, with the award ceremony held live at the event.

—— Event Overview ——

[Event Name] EMS DAYS 2026 (3rd Essence Behaviorology Symposium)

[Theme] 'Then, what are humans?'

[Schedule] September 12 (Sat): 12:00–18:00 September 13 (Sun): 10:00–18:00 ※ The event begins on the 12th with a lecture by EMS Representative Director Tsuyoshi Saijo. Sessions featuring Morio Yogo, Shigesato Itoi, Kiyohiko Ikeda, and Yoshikazu Aono are scheduled for the 13th. Further program details will be announced on the official website and social media. ※ A networking party will be held on the evening of the 12th until 20:00.

[Venue] Cybozu Tokyo Office (Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) + Online (via Zoom) — hybrid format ※ All official EMS lectures and dialogues will be streamed online, allowing both on-site and online participants to experience the same content in real time. ※ The venue’s capacity is limited to 200 due to fire safety regulations. Once full, on-site registration will close, and further applicants will be directed to online participation.

[Participation Fee] (2-day pass, same for on-site and online) Until July 31 (Fri) 23:59: ¥7,000 From August 1 to September 11: ¥8,000 September 12–13 (on-site): ¥10,000 ※ Free for students (undergraduate and below), excluding working students ※ A networking party add-on is available (¥4,000 / ¥3,000 for students)

[Registration] Via the 'Apply' button on the official website: https://essential-management-school.studio.site/16

[Organizer] General Incorporated Association EMS (Essential Management School)

—— Organization Overview ——

Name: General Incorporated Association EMS (Essential Management School) Representative Director: Tsuyoshi Saijo Activities: Operates a professional school that returns practical knowledge of Essence Behaviorology to society Website: https://essential-management-school.studio.site Email: [email protected]

—— EMS Founder: Tsuyoshi Saijo ——

Tsuyoshi Saijo, founder of EMS, applied structural constructivism to organizational management during the Great East Japan Earthquake, building 'Fumbarel Japan Support Project,' Japan’s largest comprehensive volunteer support organization. From this experience, he systematized 'Essence Behaviorology.' In 2014, this effort was recognized for its philosophical response to an unprecedented disaster, earning the Golden Nica at Prix Ars Electronica’s Community category—the first time a Japanese individual or group received this top honor, shared with Wikipedia.

—— Media Inquiries ——

EMS Secretariat Email: [email protected]

▼ For Media Professionals If you wish to cover the event, please contact us via the above email.