May 8, 2009
A lecture with the theme "The Power to Develop Science" was given to Kyoto University (KU) students and staff by KU Professor Emeritus Toshihide Maskawa in commemoration of his winning the Nobel Prize in Physics. Held at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall, the lecture attracted a large audience. The Hall, with a capacity of 500 persons, was filled to standing room only.
In his lecture, Professor Emeritus Maskawa spoke on technology obsolescence, referring to the replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors, as well as the failure of power companies in adopting the direct current system advocated by Thomas Edison. While emphasizing the importance of basic studies in the world of science, which demonstrate tremendous development on a daily basis, he warned that the "Black Box of Technology" was isolating science today. He went on to stress that the scientific spirit was a critical spirit needed for affirmation, and that science was a process of carefully denying possibilities other than the one you wished to affirm. Also, he encouraged KU students to study hard, stating that universities provided opportunities to experience rich culture and to appreciate the pleasure of learning.
The lecture was followed by an interaction party, during which many students listened attentively to Professor Emeritus Maskawa and asked him questions.
 Hiroshi Matsumoto, President, extending a greeting address |  Toshihide Maskawa, Professor Emeritus, giving a lecture |
 Kenichi Yoshikawa, the Dean of the Graduate School of Science, serving as the lecture moderator |  Tohru Eguchi, the Director of the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics |
 The interaction party | |