First-Ever 'Otona no Science Cafe' to Be Held in Kyoto

Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minami-ku, Kyoto City; President and CEO: Naoki Yamaji) announces the first Kyoto edition of the public outreach event 'Otona no Science Cafe,' hosted by the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies, to be held on Friday, August 28, 2026. The event will take place at the company's headquarters.

'Otona no Science Cafe' is a popular event series launched in 2023 with the concept of 'enjoying science over a drink,' previously held primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Tsukuba, Ibaraki. This marks its first time in Kyoto. The event will utilize the company's headquarters' exchange space as a stage for relaxed, after-work dialogue on cutting-edge science.

Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical aims to make this event an engaging platform for scientific conversation. The company also plans to continue expanding its social engagement by utilizing its facilities to deliver new values and experiences to the community.

Event Details and Related Information

・Event Details and Registration

https://otona-sciencecafe-kyoto.peatix.com/

・High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)

https://www.kek.jp/en/

・Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies

https://www2.kek.jp/ipns/en/

・For full release details, please refer to the joint press release.

Joint Release: High Energy Accelerator Research Organization / Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical

Title: First-Ever 'Otona no Science Cafe' in Kyoto Particle Physicists, Inquiry-Driven Researchers, and Science Journalists Discuss: 'Why Are Humans Drawn to the Unknown?'

The Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) will host the public event 'Otona no Science Cafe' on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Launched in 2023 to make science more accessible, the event has been held 18 times in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, and Tokyo. Centered on the concept of 'enjoying science over a drink,' it aims to create an informal space where people can casually engage with science.

This time, with the cooperation of Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., the event will be held in Kyoto for the first time, using the company’s headquarters’ exchange space as the venue. Starting with discussions on cutting-edge science exploring the origins of the universe, a particle physicist, an inquiry-driven researcher, and a science journalist will engage in dialogue on the theme: 'Why are humans drawn to the unknown?'

Basic science is often perceived in society as 'not immediately useful.' Yet, humanity has continuously generated new knowledge and value through the pursuit of the unknown.

At this event, experts from diverse fields will explore the multifaceted value of basic science and discuss with participants what kind of future might unfold. Rather than one-way learning, the goal is to inspire attendees to take questions home and reflect on the relationship between society and fundamental science.

Media coverage and advance introductions are warmly encouraged.

For details and registration, please visit: https://otona-sciencecafe-kyoto.peatix.com/

Event Overview

Date and Time: Friday, August 28, 2026, 18:30–20:15 (Doors open at 18:00) Venue: Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. https://www.dks-web.co.jp/

Headquarters Exchange Space (48-2 Higashikujo-Kamitokoroda-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City) Approximately 1-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Participation Fee: 1,000 JPY (includes one drink) Capacity: 40 people (advance registration required)

Program

〇 Part 1: Opening Talk (18:30–18:50)

"Touching the Origin of the Universe – A World of Unimaginable Scale"

Shoji Asai (Director General, KEK)

〇 Part 2: Talk Session (19:00–19:50)

"Why Are Humans Drawn to the Unknown?"

Naoki Miyano, Shoji Asai, Yuriko Motomura (Moderator)

〇 Networking Session (19:50–20:15)

Speakers

Naoki Miyano Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Research, Kyoto University Chief Researcher, International Institute for Advanced Studies (non-profit foundation). Ph.D. in Engineering. Specializes in philosophy of science and university studies. Author of 'How to Ask Questions' (Chikuma Shinsho). A documentary featuring him will air on NHK ETV in 2025.

Shoji Asai Director General, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Particle physicist. Recipient of the Nishina Memorial Prize for contributions to the discovery of the Higgs boson. Held current position since 2024.

Yuriko Motomura Science Journalist Former editorial board member, Mainichi Shimbun. Special Visiting Professor, Doshisha University. KEK Board Member since 2024. Author of 'Science That Catches Your Interest,' 'Perspectives on Science,' 'User's Guide to Science,' among others.

The venue will be 'MusubunoMa' (The Connecting Space), an exchange area within Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical's headquarters.

'MusubunoMa' is an open space designed to connect people and society. Featuring an open layout inspired by traditional Kyoto townhouses, it serves as a venue for diverse dialogues and exchanges. This event will leverage the space to create a new platform for science-themed conversations.

Media Registration

Journalists wishing to attend should send their name, affiliation, mobile phone number, and email address to [email protected] by 17:00 on Wednesday, August 26.

Inquiries

Public Relations Office, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization

Tel: 029-879-6047

Email: [email protected]