History of Science and Technology Programs
The program for FY (Fiscal Year) 2024 will be held over a total of six sessions.
*All six sessions will be delivered via online streaming. This is not a collected, in-person lecture series held at the National Museum of Nature and Science.
*Please note that the schedule and content are subject to change.
*This course is offered biennially (every two years). The next session is scheduled to be held in FY 2026.
*All six sessions will be delivered via online streaming. This is not a collected, in-person lecture series held at the National Museum of Nature and Science.
*Please note that the schedule and content are subject to change.
*This course is offered biennially (every two years). The next session is scheduled to be held in FY 2026.
The National Museum of Nature and Science serves as a core museum for natural history, human history, technology history, and the history of science. We actively disseminate the results of this research through various educational programs.
The "History of Science and Technology Course for University Students," which began in FY 2007 as an output of our research in the history of science and technology, focuses on the history of science and technology that has shaped Japan's culture and society.
The "History of Science and Technology Course for University Students," which began in FY 2007 as an output of our research in the history of science and technology, focuses on the history of science and technology that has shaped Japan's culture and society.
Overview of the Event
*This course is a six-session series. It is not possible to register for individual sessions.| Target Audience | Primarily university students, graduate students, and vocational school students (General public may also apply). |
| Delivery Method | Online Live Streamed Lectures (via Zoom, subject to change) AND On-Demand Streaming Recorded lectures will be made available for on-demand streaming for approximately one month following each lecture date. Note: Q&A sessions are not conducted during on-demand streaming. |
| Course Schedule | Total 6 Sessions: September 13, September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, November 22 (2024). Second and Fourth Fridays, 18:00 – 19:30 JST |
| Enrollment Capacity | Approximately 100 participants |
| Course Fee | ¥12,600 (Students from University Partnership member institutions: ¥6,300) |
FY 2024 History of Science and Technology Course Flyer（リンクを新しいタブで開きます）(5.5 MB)
FY 2024 Curriculum
| Session 1 Sept 13 (Fri) | Masahiro Maejima, Director, Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, National Museum of Nature and Science (NMNS) Overview of Japan’s Scientific and Industrial Technology |
| An overview of the development of Japanese science and industrial technology since the Meiji era. The lecture will focus on specific, familiar technologies, such as electricity and home appliances, highlighting various aspects of their development. | |
| Session 2 Sept 27 (Fri) | Toshio Kubota, Principal Researcher, History of Science and Technology Group, NMNS Modern Japanese Architecture |
| Architecture is essential to human survival across all cultures. The lecture will examine the history of modern architecture in Japan, particularly since the Meiji Restoration when Western techniques flowed in, resulting in new styles distinct from traditional architecture. The focus will be on buildings within Ueno Park to trace the evolution of modern Japanese architecture. | |
| Session 3 Oct 11 (Fri) | Hiroto Kono, Researcher, History of Science and Technology Group, NMNS The Science History of Words: The Encounter Between Japan and Western Science |
| The assimilation of Western science during Japan's modernization (late Edo/Meiji periods) was a challenging process involving cultural and academic struggles. This lecture will shed light on this aspect by tracing the evolution of scientific terminology, primarily in the field of physics. | |
| Session 4 Oct 25 (Fri) | Hiroyuki Nagashima, Visiting Researcher, Department of Science, NMNS Current Status of Aircraft Preservation and Exhibition in Japan |
| As products embodying the cutting edge of science and technology, aircraft were traditionally displayed in museums as evidence of technological prowess. Recently, however, they are increasingly valued as Meiji-era industrial heritage. This shift has changed not only preservation methods but also restoration philosophies. The lecture will introduce the current situation in Japan, comparing it with cases from museums abroad. | |
| Session 5 Nov 8 (Fri) | Osamu Kamei, Councilor, Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, NMNS Considering SDGs from the Perspective of Industrial History |
| This lecture examines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of industrial history. It provides an overview of contemporary science and technology, including the near future, using key concepts like the Anthropocene (the age when humans must consider the fate of the Earth) and the technology, science, and industry that brought it about. | |
| Session 6 Nov 22 (Fri) | Takahiko Kutsuna, Group Leader, History of Science and Technology Group, NMNS Japanese Modernization and Science and Technology through Expositions |
| Expositions (World's Fairs) played a significant role in Japan's modernization, although it is not widely known that Ueno Park was a central location for many of them. This lecture will provide an overview of Japan's modernization and science/technology by examining the expositions held in Ueno Park. | |
Affiliations and positions are current as of April 2024.
Steps to Enrollment
１．Notes on Application
There are important notes regarding participation in this course.Please read the following instructions and confirm your acceptance of the terms before applying.
Notes on Application（リンクを新しいタブで開きます）(279.1 KB)
２．Application Submission
*Please Note: Application registration for the FY 2024 program has now closed.Please apply via the dedicated application page below (on the National Museum of Nature and Science website's "Event Calendar (Japanese Only)（リンクを新しいタブで開きます）" page). *Personal information provided will be used exclusively for purposes related to this course.
３．Confirmation of Enrollment
Applicants will be notified of the enrollment decision (acceptance or rejection) via email by Monday, August 26th.In the event of a large number of applicants, priority will be given to students from universities affiliated with the "National Museum of Nature and Science University Partnership." We appreciate your understanding.
４．Payment of Course Fee
Details regarding the payment method for the course fee will be sent to accepted participants along with the enrollment notification.Inquiries
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