On 18 August 2026, the "Commemoration Ceremony and Reception for the Opening of the Institute for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior (EHUB), Kyoto University" took place at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel.
The new EHUB was established on 1 April 2026 and is based in Inuyama, Aichi prefecture. It pursues multidisciplinary research and education to uncover the biological and evolutionary foundations of what makes us human. Using a broad range of experimental approaches with non-human primates, the Institute studies the structure and function of the enlarged brain, the acquisition of vocal language, the emergence of fine motor skills and bipedal locomotion, the development of social behavior, and the remarkable capacity to adapt to diverse environments. EHUB is also advancing experimental medical science as a new research pillar, with a focus on addressing contemporary societal challenges that are difficult to tackle without research involving non-human primates, including those arising from aging, psychiatric and neurological disorders, and infectious diseases.
The ceremony commenced with an opening address by President Nagahiro Minato, followed by greetings on behalf of Kyoto University offered by two executive officers: Kazuhiro Iwai, provost and executive vice-president for planning, coordination, and hospital administration; and Masahiko Egami, CFO and executive vice-president for finance, facilities, environmental management, and human resources strategy. Congratulatory remarks were then delivered by the guests of honor: Yoshinobu Hara, mayor of Inuyama City; Tomoya Watarai, director for scientific research coordination at the University Research Facilitation Division, Research Promotion Bureau of the science ministry MEXT; and Shin-ichi Sasa, dean of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Science. Finally, Katsuki Nakamura, director of EHUB, presented an address expressing his determination to advance education and research at the newly established institute.
Following the ceremony, a commemorative reception began with remarks and a toast by Nobuhiro Tokitoh, vice-president for evaluation & research institutes and centers. After a period of pleasant conversation, the event successfully concluded with closing remarks from Eishi Hirasaki, deputy director of EHUB.
