Date : March 22, 2007
“NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EMERGING SCIENCE AND INNOVATION (MIRAIKAN)” Press Tour
post date : 2013.08.25
Science Museum to Experience Cutting-Edge Science and Technology as “New Wisdom”
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) is a science museum open to all and designed to link people directly with the new wisdom of the 21st century. It was opened in Odaiba, Tokyo, in July 2001. In addition to interactive exhibitions which visitors can touch and enjoy themselves, Miraikan holds science workshops, special exhibitions, talk sessions and other events. Visitors can experience cutting-edge science and technology as the new wisdom that opens up the next era, by having dialogues with interpreters (exhibit commentators) and volunteers. Through such activities, Miraikan aims to share cutting-edge science and technology with the whole society as part of human culture.
In this press tour, there will be a tour of Miraikan (with English interpretation), briefings on Miraikan, its activities, and its special exhibitions for the year 2007, and meetings with Dr. Mohri (Miraikan’s Executive Director), Mr. Nakashima (its Deputy Director), and other staff of Miraikan. In the tour of Miraikan, you will observe a demonstration of ASIMO (humanoid robot) and will receive introductions to environment-related exhibitions which will reopen after its renovation, advanced medical- and space-related exhibitions, and other areas which have become popular topics of conversation. This tour enables you to experience cutting-edge science and technology.
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【About Miraikan】
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) is a new type of science museum open to all and designed to link people directly with the new wisdom of the 21st century. At the heart of Miraikan’s activities is cutting-edge science and technology. This “new wisdom” carries great possibilities for transforming our current state for the better, and for opening up the next era. Perceiving this cutting-edge science and technology as an intellectual activity of human beings which has an impact in various areas, Miraikan aims to share it with the whole of society, enriching human culture.
【Activities of Miraikan】
Miraikan is engaged in the following three activities as a base for linking people to cutting-edge science and technology.
1. Communicating Science - releasing information on cutting-edge science and technology, and using new methods
Miraikan communicates cutting-edge science and technology as the “new wisdom” through various methods and dimensions around the world. At the same time, it uses original new methods of releasing such information (it communicates worldwide through exhibitions, events, websites, and other methods).
2. Fostering Personnel - development of science communicators
Through its “Communicating Science” activities, Miraikan fosters science communicators around the world to act as a bridge between the general public and scientists/engineers.
3. Creating a Link - network with eight stakeholders
This network includes researchers/engineers, media, volunteers, members’ club/visitors, government offices, schools, science museums around the world, and industries. Perceiving this network as an interface linking its activities to the society, Miraikan continues to work towards strengthening its network with these eight stakeholders.
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*Miraikan, the host, and Foreign Press Center Japan, have co-organized this press tour.
*Miraikan’s home page: http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/index_e.html
Presentations
【Picture 1】Exterior of Miraikan
【Picture 2】Interior of Miraikan (SSEC/NASA)
【Picture 3】Symbol Exhibit of Miraikan Geo-Cosmos (SSEC/NASA)
【Picture 4】Executive Director Mamoru Mohri in a meeting with Miraikan’s staff
1. Tour of Miraikan
>> Link
You will observe a demonstration of ASIMO (humanoid robot), and will be introduced to exhibitions related to medicine, space and advanced science and technology, in addition to the earth environment area. This tour will be guided by Miraikan’s regular interpreters who explain the exhibitions to its visitors. In addition, Dr. Mohri, Miraikan’s Executive Director and an astronaut, plans to guide you in its space-related area.
【The Earth Environment】
A new exhibition called “Think about ecology” will open at the “Earth Environment and Frontiers” area on the 5th floor. What are the rules for humans to live on the Earth? Through interactive video displays, you will find the true nature of environmental problems and be able to think of the future.
【Medicine】
As we gain a better understanding of the causes of disease, the state of medicine is changing markedly with advances in biomedical materials, computers, and other technologies. At the medicine corner, you will be introduced to advanced medicine with 3 dimensions of “examining”, “treating”, and “sending opinions”, under the theme of “pursuing medicine together”.
【Space】
The laboratory building for space science, Miraikan’s original building for living in space, and others, are exhibited under the theme of the challenges faced by human beings, as life on the earth, who wish to go to space with science and technology.
【Robots】
Japan is leading the world in robot development. At this exhibition, you will be introduced to Japan’s humanoid robots and rescue robots. You can get to understand robot technology by watching and even operating real exhibits.
2. Briefing on the “Concept of Miraikan” by Mr. Nakashima, Miraikan’s Deputy Director>> Link
Mr. Nakashima and other staff in charge will tell you about the concept and activities of Miraikan, the Year of 2007 ASPAC Annual Assembly, and other special exhibitions for the year 2007.
*ASPAC Annual Assembly: ASPAC (Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres) was established to develop science and education while facilitating smooth communication and cooperation between organizations and science centers in the Asian-Pacific region which specialize in the development and understanding of science and technology. Miraikan’s Executive Director Mamoru Mohri was appointed as the Vice President of ASPAC for the year 2007 - 2008. Taking this opportunity, Miraikan will host the ASPAC Annual Assembly for the year of 2007 June 19th - 22nd 2007, celebrating ASPAC’s 10th anniversary.
3. Reception hosted by Miraikan
This is an opportunity to meet Executive Director Mohri, Deputy Director Nakashima, and other staff of Miraikan.
4. See Planetarium “MEGASTAR-II cosmos” (Optional)>> Link
You can watch the new MEGASTAR-II cosmos program “A Planet by Chance” in the
afternoon (audio guidance system in English can be provided). MEGASTAR-II cosmos is a planetarium which projects 5 million fixed stars, the most in the world.
【Picture 5】5F The Earth Environment and Frontiers -International Space Station, Space Habitation Module-
【Picture 6】3F Technology Innovation and the Future -ASIMO under demonstration-
【Picture 7】3F The Starry Sky projected by MEGASTAR-II cosmos (Photo: Chieko Kobayashi)
Tour itinerary and application details
1. Itinerary:
Thursday, March 22
09:45 Meet at the reception desk of Miraikan, 1st floor
>> Link
10:00-11:15 Tour of Miraikan
11:15-12:00 Briefings provided by Mr. Nakashima, Miraikan’s Deputy Director, and other staff in charge
12:00-13:30 Reception hosted by Miraikan
14:00-14:30 See planetarium “MEGASTAR-II cosmos” (optional)
14:30 Disperse
2. Qualification: Bearer of Gaimusho foreign press registration card
3. Expenses: Free
4. Participants: Limited to the first 30 applications on a first-come first-served basis.
5. FPC Contact: Ms. Koizumi and Ms. Koga, Media Relations Division
(Tel: 03-3501-5070, 3405)
6. Remarks:
(1) When you photograph or film at the tour sites, please follow the instructions of the officials on duty.
(2) FPC and Miraikan will not be liable for any inconvenience, trouble or accident that might occur in the course of the tour.