“What shall human beings continue to ask?", in an age when AI provides "prompt answers." Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi and other young panelists gather at the University of Tokyo's Yasuda Auditorium for a dialogue event on "Unanswered Questions" to be held on June 16.

 On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus, the University of Tokyo, a dialogue event entitled "Where is humanity headed? Where do we want to go?

The main speaker will be Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi, primatologist and former president of Kyoto University, who will join young practitioners from various fields in a dialogue on the theme of "What is human 'awareness' in the age of AI?

As a starting point for questions for the next 100 years

◆Introduction

Since when have we lost the time to ask questions for ourselves?

AI provides answers, but it does not tell us the meaning of our questions.

In this event, we will delve into "surprise," "discomfort," "empathy," and "action," which are at the root of human nature, from various perspectives, placing value not on "providing answers" but on "continuing to ask questions. We will delve into "surprise," "discomfort," "empathy," and "action," which are at the root of human nature, from various angles.

◆In this age of AI, we must confront "questions that are not immediately useful.

The evolution of AI, including ChatGPT, is beginning to change the way we live and work. On the other hand,

Why did I feel something strange?

Why did my mind move?

Why did I want to take action?

and "impulses unique to human beings" may be becoming more difficult to verbalize.

In this event, we will discuss themes that will lead to the future of human society, centered on the question, "What does it mean for humans to "notice" in an age when AI provides answers?

◆The Future of "Humanity," as posed by Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi

The main speaker will be Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi, a primatologist known as a leading researcher on gorillas.

For more than 30 years, Dr. YANAGIWA has been conducting field research on gorillas in Africa, questioning the nature of "empathy," "solitude," "violence," and "community" in human society.

In recent years, he has influenced a wide range of people including "Generation Z" through his writing of a junior high school Japanese language textbook ("Beyond 'Made-up Stories'": Mitsumura) and appearances on TV programs.

◆ Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi

Former President of Kyoto University and Director-General of the IResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature

Born in Tokyo in 1952. Specializing in primatology and human evolution, he has been engaged in social ecological research on Japanese monkeys in Yakushima and wild gorillas in Africa. His research focuses on human society based on "connection" and "empathy. After serving as Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kyoto University, he will be the 26th President of Kyoto University (2020). He has served as President of the Science Council of Japan, President of the International Primatological Society, and Senior Advisor to Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai. He is a recipient of the Minakata Kumagusu Prize and the Academia Award.

◆　A unique dialogue with "areas that should not have crossed paths

This event will feature a number of young, high-profile practitioners in various fields.

Dr. Shion Kubota: Neutrino physicist conducting research at Harvard University

Mr. Kazuki Watanabe, researcher on the Kukai Sea

Dr. Kazuma Kento: Entrepreneur in the AI x XR field

Ms. Arisu Okada: Proprietress of a coffee shop who practices local community building

Beyond the differences in areas of expertise and positions, the major theme of "the future of humankind" is not mere idealism, but rather a realistic expression that emerges from "personal discomfort". The different perspectives will reveal where empathy, technology, and the body can be reconnected.

Young practitioners scheduled to speak

Venue: Yasuda Auditorium at the University of Tokyo, a "symbol of knowledge" with 100 years of history

The venue is the Yasuda Auditorium (official name: University of Tokyo Main Auditorium) on the Hongo Campus of the University of Tokyo, a leading intellectual space in Japan with a 100-year history that has very limited opportunities for public use. In this symbolic place, we will share the question, "Where is humanity headed?

■Outline of the event

Event name: "Where Is Humanity Heading? Where do we want to head?

Date : Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 18:00 - 20:00 (doors open at 17:00)

Venue: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo

Program: 　18:00-18:20 Keynote Speech: Dr. YAMAGIWA Juichi 

　　　　　　18:20-18:40 Dialogue: Dr. YAMAGIWA and Dr. Naoki Iwanami

　　　　　　18:40 - 20:00 Talk Session

How to Participate ：Purchase tickets in advance

Price (tax included): 

   General ticket 4,000 yen

　Early-bird discount: General ticket 3,000 yen

　Tickets for college, university and graduate school students 1,500 yen

   Tickets for high school students and younger: 1,000 yen

Co-organizers: 

Gakushikai YELL / Kyoto University Alumni Association Young People's Group / eumo, a non-profit corporation / Genelis Inc. GENERIS Co.

/ Development Office, The University of Tokyo

Details and application Peatix event page

   https://peatix.com/event/4965021/view

○Special site Special event site

   https://inf-npo.github.io/future-co-creation/

GAKUSHIKAI 

The Gakushikai, a general incorporated association, is a joint alumni organization of the seven national universities that predate the former Imperial University of Tokyo, and is dedicated to creating opportunities for intellectual exchange that transcends universities, generations, and specialties. Over the years, the association has planned and held lectures and dialogue events that span academia, culture, and society, and has worked to create a community that supports the "emergence of knowledge.

In recent years, we have also focused on connecting with younger generations and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, expanding our value as a place where "questions can be shared. Mr. Yamakami, who will be the main speaker at this event, is also a board member of Gakushikai.

URL ： https://www.gakushikai.or.jp/

Business type: Academic organization

Head Office: 3-28 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Chairman of the board of directors : Koichi Kabayama

Establishment : 1886