The Museum of Science, Boston hosted 'Innovation Spotlight: Japan,' an event highlighting Japan’s science, technology, and innovation (May 31, 2026)
June 5, 2026
On May 31, the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston and the Museum of Science co‑hosted Innovation Spotlight: Japan, the museum’s first-ever event dedicated to Japanese science, technology, and innovation, organized with the support of our office. The program was part of Boston Tech Week, officially co-hosted by The Engine, the MIT-affiliated tough‑tech accelerator, and ran from May 26 to May 31.
The hybrid event featured hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, and talks highlighting how Japan continues to lead at the global forefront of innovation across robotics and artificial intelligence, quantum science, space exploration, and advanced scientific research. Researchers, industry leaders, and government representatives active in the innovation and science and technology sectors gathered for a full day of engagement.
The program opened on the Museum of Science’s CS&T Stage (Blue Wing, Level 1) with opening remarks by Museum President Tim Ritchie and Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi. Then, Professor Cynthia Dwork of Harvard University—recipient of the 2026 Japan Prize—delivered a keynote lecture titled “There's Science for That! AI, Responsibility, and Choice,” addressing AI, privacy, and responsible technology. This was followed by a talk from Kenta Tsuchiya of JAXA, “US–Japan Collaboration in Space: From ISS to Artemis,” outlining current and future bilateral cooperation in space. In the afternoon, Associate Professor Mai Uchida of Harvard Medical School and Dr. Hidenori Tanaka of the Harvard CBS–NTT Physics of Intelligence Program presented “Stories, Brain Science, and AI: The Neural Way of Seeing the World,” exploring the deep connections between science and human cognition.
The keynote sessions offered rich, cross-disciplinary insights from leading experts at the forefront of their fields, sparking active discussion and exchange among attendees. In addition, a total of 18 research institutions, companies, government agencies, and organizations hosted booths, showcasing Japanese innovation in an interactive manner that allowed visitors to engage directly, while fostering lively exchange between exhibitors and attendees.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Boston will continue to promote Japan’s scientific and technological excellence globally through the J‑NEXUS platform, working closely with partners across the region’s innovation and science communities.
The hybrid event featured hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, and talks highlighting how Japan continues to lead at the global forefront of innovation across robotics and artificial intelligence, quantum science, space exploration, and advanced scientific research. Researchers, industry leaders, and government representatives active in the innovation and science and technology sectors gathered for a full day of engagement.
The program opened on the Museum of Science’s CS&T Stage (Blue Wing, Level 1) with opening remarks by Museum President Tim Ritchie and Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi. Then, Professor Cynthia Dwork of Harvard University—recipient of the 2026 Japan Prize—delivered a keynote lecture titled “There's Science for That! AI, Responsibility, and Choice,” addressing AI, privacy, and responsible technology. This was followed by a talk from Kenta Tsuchiya of JAXA, “US–Japan Collaboration in Space: From ISS to Artemis,” outlining current and future bilateral cooperation in space. In the afternoon, Associate Professor Mai Uchida of Harvard Medical School and Dr. Hidenori Tanaka of the Harvard CBS–NTT Physics of Intelligence Program presented “Stories, Brain Science, and AI: The Neural Way of Seeing the World,” exploring the deep connections between science and human cognition.
The keynote sessions offered rich, cross-disciplinary insights from leading experts at the forefront of their fields, sparking active discussion and exchange among attendees. In addition, a total of 18 research institutions, companies, government agencies, and organizations hosted booths, showcasing Japanese innovation in an interactive manner that allowed visitors to engage directly, while fostering lively exchange between exhibitors and attendees.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Boston will continue to promote Japan’s scientific and technological excellence globally through the J‑NEXUS platform, working closely with partners across the region’s innovation and science communities.
