Kyoto University Weeks 2016: Public events at 24 facilities across Japan (8 October–5 November 2016)

From Hokkaido through Kyushu, Kyoto University maintains numerous facilities for research and education across Japan. These have played important roles as bases for the university's wide range of distinctive academic activities and as "Windows of Kyoto University" for local residents by hosting public events throughout the years.

To make the activities of KU facilities more visible to the public, 24 institutions hosted a series of events during "Kyoto University Weeks 2016", attracting 6,962 participants in total.

• Official website (in Japanese)
  http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/social/weeks/2016.html

Kyoto University Weeks 2016 public events

1. Hokkaido Forest Research Station: Mini public seminar "Nature Observation" (Saturday 15 October)

The Field Science Education and Research Center's Hokkaido Forest Research Station Shirakaba Branch hosted a mini public seminar entitled "Nature Observation".

Among 25 applicants, 19 attended the event. Following the opening ceremony and introduction at the administrative office, participants were driven to a trail in the forest to observe nature. They walked in two groups listening to explanations by teaching staff and technical personnel. Participants also enjoyed making photo frames using nuts and fruits, experiencing logging, and studying soil. Many left positive comments, such as "I appreciate the valuable experience the event gave me" in feedback questionnaires.

2. Hida Observatory: "Rediscovering Nature Tour for Adults" (Saturday 8-Monday 10 October)

The Graduate School of Science's Hida Observatory hosted a public event over three days and two nights entitled "Rediscovering Nature Tour for Adults".

Participants spent the first two days mainly in the observatory. On the first day, they received briefings on the research activities at the observatory and lectures on the sun and other astronomical bodies. Afterwards, they toured the telescopes. Unfortunately, the weather was not good enough to conduct any astronomical observation.

On the second day, after seeing the solar telescopes, participants listened to explanations on sunspots, prominences, and optical spectra, along with images and videos recorded with the telescopes. In the evening, as the sky was clear, albeit for a short period, participants could observe the sky unaided, and without disruption from street lights. They asked numerous questions, and enjoyed the unusual opportunities for scientific observations of nature.

3. Primate Research Institute: 26th Public Program Day (Sunday 30 October)

On 30 October, the Primate Research Institute held its 26th Public Program Day.

82 people of all ages, ranging from teenagers to people in their 70s, came to participate in the event, not only from neighboring areas, but from Aichi prefecture and Kansai. Following a lecture on the latest research entitled "Macaques' Revolution", participants proceeded on a study tour of the institute, visiting the chimpanzees' facilities, a free-range farm for Japanese monkeys, and the exhibition room. They asked many questions, and left comments after the event. "I was excited as I could see chimpanzees very closely," said one participant, and "It was a great opportunity for me, a resident in the neighborhood, to learn about what the institute is doing," commented another.

4. Shigaraki MU Observatory: Tour to study the Shigaraki MU Radar 2016 (Saturday 8 October)

On 8 October, the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere's Shigaraki MU Observatory  hosted a tour to study the Shigaraki MU radar.

The observatory held two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, attracting 155 participants in total. Each session included: a lecture on atmospheric study using radars in Japan and Indonesia conducted by the researchers, a tour of the MU radar and other atmospheric observation devices, and a live demonstration of radiosonde observation in which participants saw a research balloon equipped with measuring instruments released into the air until it disappeared into the sky. Participants showed their satisfaction with the event by leaving comments such as, "Thanks to the event, I now know a great facility is located in Shigaraki", and "I hope the observatory's study will contribute to the improvement of weather forecasts".

5. Research Center for Environmental Quality Management: Public program "Half-Day Research Experience at Lake Biwa" (Saturday 29 October)

On 29 October, the Graduate School of Engineering's Research Center for Environmental Quality Management (RCEQM) hosted a public program entitled "Half-Day Research Experience at Lake Biwa".

The event is held annually to introduce the general public to RCEQM's research activities on environmental issues. This year, 15 people, including 5 students, participated. Following the Director's opening address and a briefing on RCEQM's activities, participants visited an experimental water-treatment facility installed in an adjacent sewage plant. They then split into two groups to tour the experiment building and took part in some experiments, such as water-quality analysis and plankton observation. A mini lecture and Q and A session wrapped up the event successfully. "The staff gave us very clear and detailed explanations, which helped us understand the latest science and technology", said one participant, and "The briefing and lectures were quite interesting," explained another.

6. Center for Ecological Research: Public program "Wonders of Life Forms You Would Never Learn About in School" (Saturday 15 October)

On 15 October, the Center for Ecological Research (CER) hosted a public program entitled "Wonders of Life Forms You Would Never Learn About in School".

This event is held annually to introduce topics not included in textbooks to people who are interested in ecological issues, including various forms of life, ecosystems, and environmental problems. 75 people applied for the event, outnumbering the available places, with 45 actually taking part. After being briefed by two faculty members, participants observed nature in CER's Forest. They collected various kinds of plants and mushrooms while listening to lectures on the ecosystem.

7. Maizuru Fisheries Research Station: Boarding research vessel " Ryokuyo Maru" and facility tour (Saturday 15 October)

On 15 October, the Field Science Education and Research Center's Maizuru Fisheries Research Station hosted a facility tour including boarding the research and training vessel " Ryokuyo Maru" .

"Ryokuyo Maru" was completed in December 2015, equipped with the cutting-edge navigation equipment and investigation devices. This year's event offered the opportunity for the general public to board the vessel to see how various instruments are actually used, and observe marine animals in Maizuru bay after collection by trawl net. As the capacity of the vessel is limited, only people who had applied in advance, 18 in the morning and 19 in the afternoon, participated in the event.

After listening to warnings and donning life jackets, the participants boarded the vessel and set sail. On board, they listened to explanations on the navigation apparatuses, collected water and mud samples, examined water quality, collected marine zooplankton, and saw a demonstration of collecting sea bottom creatures. After one hour at sea, participants brought their samples to an experiment room to observe and classify. They then toured the laboratory aquariums and displays, and visited storerooms for numerous fish specimens. Participants from a wide age range of backgrounds enjoyed the event.

8. Ashiu Forest Research Station: Public program (Saturday 22 October)

On 22 October, the Ashiu Forest Research Station (AFRS) opened its door to the public, showcasing its latest research, as well as education activities and offering opportunities for participants to experience the forest's rich natural environment.

Despite the cloudy weather, 61 participated. They enjoyed a tour by the faculty members, hands-on experience with freshwater fish, a science cafe, and exhibitions of tools used for research. Through a variety of activities, the participants were able to learn of the wonders of nature, and talk with the researchers who are studying them. The event ended successfully, with many positive comments, including "The event was so great that I will absolutely come back again next year."

9. Kwasan Observatory: Field concert, public programs, and "Gallery Week" (Saturday 15 October and Saturday 5 November)

The Graduate School of Science's Kwasan Observatory held a field concert on 15 October, and public programs and "Gallery Week" on 5 November.

World-renowned musician Kitaro, a long-time supporter of the observatory and a regular performer there, took the stage under a full moon in the clear autumn sky, joined by dance master Kayo Mikami. Kitaro and Ms Mikami delivered their live performance as DVD of "Kojiki and the Universe", consisting of a variety of images of the universe along with the Kitaro piece "Kojiki", was projected on the observatory building.

Public programs included: lectures on the universe, exhibitions with briefings of the telescopes and observation equipment, a screening of the "Four-Dimensional Digital Universe", hands-on programs such as a handicraft workshop, and a session to observe the moon and Mars. Along with these programs, a joint exhibition "Observation Records" of Ms Kana Ago and Mr Shuhei Takahara, both young and spirited artists, was held as a "Gallery Week" event.

All the events received positive feedback from participants, such as "I felt like I was sitting in the vast universe thanks to the effects and combination of images, music, and the sky full of stars" (a comment on the field concert), and "I was impressed by the fact that the old buildings and facilities are still at work as they have been cherished and looked after very carefully" (a comment on the public program).

10. Kamigamo Experimental Station: Autumn nature observation (Saturday 5 November)

On 5 November, the Field Science Education and Research Center's Kamigamo Experimental Station held an autumn nature-observation session.

This year, 104 individuals (66 groups) had applied for 30 positions, with 23 actually taking part. After a briefing, participants in three groups walked along a 2 km observation trail for two and a half hours with the faculty and staff, who gave them explanations and answered questions to help deepen their understanding of nature. Feedback included "I enjoyed the event so much that the time flew very fast", and "I vividly felt that the trees are living".

11. Experimental Farm: Open farm 2016 (Thursday 3 November)

On 3 November, the Graduate School of Agriculture's Experimental Farm hosted a public "Open Farm 2016" event.

Under the theme "Let's think the future of human beings side by side with plants", a wide variety of activities took place on the site, including: public lectures, tours of the farm (a rice and fruit course, and a vegetable and flower course), rice-harvesting and other agricultural work, experiments such as removing astringency from sour persimmons, and a spot sale of fresh farm produce. Through these activities, participants learned of the farm's activities, from cutting-edge research and education to actual agricultural production. Far outnumbering expectations, the number of visitors totaled 1,381. The spot sale and farm tours were especially popular. Experiments at the open laboratory and agriculture demonstration were also so popular that each session was filled to the capacity as soon as it started. At the exhibition of experimental devices and the poster presentation, many visitors were listening attentively to the staff's explanation. The public lecture was also filled to capacity with enthusiastic attendees.

12. Uji Open Campus 2016: "Uji Campus Thrills You with Science" (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October)

This year's Uji Open Campus took place on 22 and 23 October under the theme of "Uji Campus Thrills You with Science".

The Uji Campus holds a public event annually to introduce the general public to research activities taking place there. More than 3,200 people came to the 2016 event, including regular participants and first-time visitors.

On both dates, the program offered a wide range of activities that the faculty and staff had prepared for visitors of all ages. The event included lectures by faculty members, exhibitions introducing the research institutes on the Uji Campus, and tours of the research laboratories, which are usually closed to the public. In some hands-on programs, participants worked on experiments and learned of the breadth and depth of the world of science, from grand topics to familiar phenomena. A stamp rally was also held, in which many participants enjoyed strolling the campus in the pleasant autumn weather.

The event was so well received that participants left may positive comments, such as: "My elementary school kids are always looking forward to this event. We will definitely come back again next year"; and "This is a very valuable opportunity of encouraging local kids to get interested in science, so I hope this event will continue to take place". The Uji Campus plans to hold this public event for years to come.

13. Ujigawa Open Laboratory: Open laboratory "Let's Experience Disaster-Causing Natural Phenomena" (Sunday 23 October)

On 23 October, the Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Ujigawa Open Laboratory held an event entitled "Let's Experience Disaster-Causing Natural Phenomena".

To reduce overcrowding, this year's event accepted only those with prior reservation. In fine weather, 267 observed and experienced the power of flowing water and the dangers of floods. Comments after the event included: "It was great to be able to listen to the experts so closely in a small-group setting," "I learned a lot about disasters that may happen immediately," and "The valuable knowledge I earned today by seeing and experiencing the power of disasters was quite different from the one I had got by just watching TV."

14. Research Reactor Institute: "Atom Science Fair" lectures and experiments (Saturday 22 and Sunday 30 October)

For its "Atom Science Fair 2016", the Research Reactor Institute held a lecture and experiment event at Kumatori Town Exchange Center "Renga-kan".

The fair is held annually to encourage people of all ages to develop an interest in science. Dr Kouji Morimoto, Leader of the Superheavy Element Devise Development Team of RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, delivered a lecture entitled "Discovery of New Element 113". Dr Morimoto and the 70 participants, including high school and junior high school students, engaged in a Q and A session so active that the event continued longer than scheduled.

Experimental sessions attracted 55 elementary and junior high school students, who participated in two experiments and five hands-on demonstrations.

Comments included, "I have become more interested in science than before," and "I will try to replicate some experiments again at home."

15. Abuyama Observatory: KU Weeks 2016 Special Program "History, Culture, and Cutting-edge Science: Let's Study Seismic Observation and Disaster Reduction" (Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November)

The Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Abuyama Observatory held a public program entitled "History, Culture, and Cutting-edge Science: Let's Study Seismic Observation and Disaster Reduction".

There were 95 participants in total. These attended not only from Kansai, but from more distant places such as Shizuoka and Chiba prefectures. The event introduced the depth and long history of seismology, from its beginnings to the latest studies, offering a variety of programs including: six special lectures on seismic observation and seismology, a special exhibition to introduce the achievements of Dr Toshi Shida (the first director of the observatory), and demonstrations of the "Jishin Zabuton" (portable earthquake simulator), which reproduces previously observed seismic waves. The event proved highly successful, with participants leaving comments such as, "After actually experiencing the quake with the simulator, I learned that I can do nothing when an earthquake with an intensity of 7 hits us," and "I got interested in how to evacuate from very crowded places."

16. Wakayama Forest Research Station: Public mini lecture (Sunday 30 October)

On 30 October, the Field Science Education and Research Center's Wakayama Forest Research Station (WFRS) held a mini-lecture event for the general public.

The event got started in 2015, aiming at introducing the facility, its research, education activities, and mission to the general public, especially to local residents. This year, 46 applied to participate, exceeding available places, with 21 showing up on the day of the event.

After meeting near the Aridagawa Town Office, participants traveled by minibus to the forest. They split into two groups and observed nature mainly around a high-altitude ridge, with explanations from WFRS's faculty and technical staff. They learned about not just the scientific names of trees, but also their habitats, a variety of survival strategies, their value as natural resources, and issues associated with their use.

Feedback included, "I learned a lot of names of plants," and "I was impressed by the depth and breadth of knowledge of the staff."

17. Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory: Public program "Demonstration of Oceanographic Observation from an Ocean Station Vessel" (Saturday 8 October)

On 8 October, the Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory (SOO) hosted a public program entitled "Demonstration of Oceanographic Observation from an Ocean Station Vessel".

Six residents of Wakayama and Osaka took part in the event. After being briefed on the observation taking place at Tanabe-Nakajima storm surge observation tower at the mouth of Tanabe Bay and by observation vessel "Kaisho" , the participants traveled to the tower on board the vessel. On the way back to SOO, they measured water temperature and salinity levels. Results were graphed at the observatory, and SOO staff explained these to the participants.

After the observations, a tour of SOO for local residents took place. 23 listened to a briefing on SOO's activities, and took part in a demonstration of a model experiment to investigate current density.

18. Seto Marine Biological Laboratory: Facility tour (Saturday 22 October)

On 22 October, the Field Science Education and Research Center's Seto Marine Biological Laboratory (SMBL) hosted a facility tour, an annual event with the aim of sharing the facility's activities with the public.

Since 2013, a tour of Hatakejima, an inhabited island under the administration of SMBL, has been included in the public program, in order to raise awareness of conservation of the island's natural environment.

19 participants, seven from neighboring towns such as Shirahama and Tanabe in Wakayama prefecture, and 12 from other prefectures including Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo, took part. In the afternoon, they listened to lectures entitled "History and Activities of SMBL" and "Nature Protection in Hatakejima" for an hour, and then traveled to Hatakejima aboard SMBL's experimental vessel "Yanthina". Unfortunately, due to cloudy weather with occasional rain, the Hatakejima tour was cut short and changed to a cruise of Tanabe bay. From the vessel, participants saw SMBL, the observation tower of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute at the mouth of the bay, and some famous sightseeing spots, including Tenjinzaki and Kamishima. They then visited SMBL's aquarium.

Some expressed satisfaction with the tour, saying "Though it was unfortunate that we could not land on Hatakejima due to bad weather, we had a valuable experience touring Tanabe bay instead". Many comments touched on their hope to attend again next year.

19. Shionomisaki Wind Effect Laboratory: Public program "Experiencing Meteorological Observation (Saturday 29 October)

The Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Shionomisaki Wind Effect Laboratory hosted a public program "Experiencing Meteorological Observation" on 29 October.

There were two sessions: one for the general public in the morning, and the other for high school students as part of an exchange and collaboration program.

39 participated in the morning session, learning how meteorological observation devices work, including a 3D ultrasonic anemometer and a rain gauge. They also learned how wind velocity, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall are measured through a demonstration of a compact weather sensor (CWS). They then released a helium balloon equipped with a GPS sonde -- a device for measuring temperature and humidity of the air -- to an altitude of 16km, in order to learn how atmospheric monitoring in the upper atmosphere is conducted.

In the afternoon, students toured the laboratory and took part in the demonstration of atmospheric monitoring using the GPS sonde. They also listened to a lecture on meteorological observation and presentations on disaster prevention activities in the region.

20. Tokuyama Experimental Station: Public program co-hosted with Shunan City (Saturday 15 October)

The Field Science Education and Research Center's Tokuyama Experimental Station and the city of Shunan, Yamaguchi prefecture, co-hosted a public lecture program on 15 October, attracting 24 residents of the cities of Shunan, Yamaguchi, and Hikari.

Participants first visited the Furusato Forest Cultural Asset located on the station site, which is a hillside forest of hinoki (Japanese cypress), and observed the collection of bark by Mr Koji Ohno of the National Association for the Preservation of Roofing Work Techniques for Temples and Shrines. The demonstration impressed participants so much that they left comments such as: "I could feel the power of history," and "Seeing Mr Ohno's work, which is quintessentially Japanese cultural heritage, I cannot help admiring the wisdom of people of the past."

They then toured the western section of the municipal Shunan Ryokuchi Park, which served as a KU research forest until 1966. They listened to two guides' explanations to learn about the trees in the park, which had been collected from across Japan and beyond. Participants said that the tour gave them an opportunity to discover the wonders of nature in their neighborhood.

21. Tokushima Landslide Observatory: Tour of the facility, a landslide site, and an active fault (Saturday 15 October)

On 15 October, the Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Tokushima Landslide Observatory (TLO) hosted a public tour of the facility, a landslide site, and active fault.

The event first started in 2015, aiming to share information about landslides in the Shikoku region, which are deeply associated with the island's climate and topography, as well as topographical changes resulting from the Median Tectonic Line's seismic activity, one of the major faults in the country.

This year, 11 participants met at TLO, first listening to a briefing, seeing some explanatory panels and maps about distributions of soils, geographical features, and landslides in the Shikoku region, and then observing core samples to learn about the features of sliding soil mass.

After the classroom lectures, the group traveled to a landslide site in the Nishi-ikawa district of Ikawa Town, which TLO has been closely monitoring over an extended period. Participants were briefed on soils, landforms, and movement characteristics, as well as on various instruments used for monitoring landslides. They also took part in detecting and analyzing real-time micro tremors and ground motions caused by their own jumping on the spot. Finally, they observed topographical changes in the town of Ikeda resulting from the Median Tectonic Line's seismic activity, and an exposed active fault there.

Throughout the program, participants asked numerous questions about TLO's research, and actively conversed with faculty and staff. They expressed their satisfaction with the program with comments such as: "The program included a variety of activities, which taught me a lot of things," "I did not know that my town has such a great academic facility for studying landslides, which I found fascinating," and "I will participate in the event with my family again next year."

22. Institute for Geothermal Sciences: Facility tour, public lectures, "Jigoku hiking", and building illumination (Friday 28-Sunday 30 October)

The Graduate School of Science's Institute for Geothermal Sciences (IGS) held a facility tour and public lectures on 28 October, "Jigoku (underground) hiking" on 30 October, and a light-up event of its main building, a registered cultural property, on 28 and 29 October.

The facility tour included a wide range of activities, such as: exhibitions and presentations on water, hot springs, local geology, and disasters that have long plagued the city of Beppu, Oita prefecture, a demonstration of three-dimensional digital globe system "Dagik Earth", and field observation and experiment sessions. 168 participated, observing the exhibitions and listening to the staff's explanations. The public lectures also drew a large audience. In "Jigoku hiking" the participants toured the underground, listening to explanations about soils and hot springs. They left comments such as, "I enjoyed seeing various aspects of underground throughout the hike."

23. Koshima Field Station: Public program "Observation of Koshima Monkeys" (Saturday 29 October)

On 29 October, the Koshima Field Station (KFS) of the Wildlife Research Center hosted a public program "Observation of Koshima Monkeys", with 14 people participating.

In the morning, participants traveled to Koshima island to observe the Japanese macaques washing potatoes, while listening to explanations by researchers. Then they toured the island to see the monkeys' habitat. In the afternoon, faculty members and technical staff delivered lectures on Japanese macaques, eliciting an active Q and A session. Participants left comments such as: "It was great to be able to watch monkeys washing potatoes so closely," and "I enjoyed the event so much thanks to the very friendly staff."

24. Sakurajima Volcano Research Center: Exploration tours and public program (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October)

The Disaster Prevention Research Institute's Sakurajimma Volcano Research Center (SVRC) hosted exploration tours on 22 and 23 October, and a public program on the 23rd.

This annual event has enjoyed good weather in previous years, but was less fortunate this time.

Over the two days, 78 people took part in the bus tour of the facility, visiting Komen observatory tunnel which was completed in July 2016. They listened to explanations about measuring devices and the role of such tunnels, and asked numerous questions. As all the measuring devices used in the tunnel, including the watertube tiltmeter and extensometer, were exhibited to the general public for the first time, participants enthusiastically took photos.

In the pubic program, some activities were particularly popular, such as an exhibition of photographs and footage of Sakurajima eruptions since the Taisho era, presentations on a smoked-paper seismograph used since the launch of SVRC, explanations of cutting-edge data-processing equipment, and demonstrations of laser beams emitted by a lidar volcanic ash-detection system.