In the Age When AI Provides Answers, What Questions Will Humans Keep Asking?　Juichi Yamagiwa and Others Gather at the University of Tokyo's Yasuda Auditorium: A Dialogue Event on 'Unanswerable Questions' to Be Held on June 16

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a dialogue event titled 'Where is humanity headed? Where do we want to go?' will be held at Yasuda Auditorium on the Hongo Campus of the University of Tokyo.

This event will feature Juichi Yamagiwa, a primatologist and former president of Kyoto University, as the main speaker, along with young practitioners from diverse fields, to engage in a dialogue on the theme 'What is human awareness in the AI era?'

As a starting point for questions toward the next 100 years

◆ Introduction

With the evolution of generative AI, access to 'correct answers' has become easy. When did we begin to lose the time to ask questions ourselves?

AI presents answers, but it cannot teach us the meaning of having a question.

AI can provide answers. However, it cannot tell us 'why we had that question.' This event will explore the roots of humanity—'surprise,' 'discomfort,' 'empathy,' and 'action'—from multiple angles, placing value not on 'providing answers' but on 'continuing to ask questions.'

◆ In the AI Era, Facing 'Questions That Aren't Immediately Useful'

The evolution of generative AI, including ChatGPT, has begun to significantly change our lives and work. On the other hand,

● Why did I feel a sense of discomfort?

● Why was I moved?

● Why did I want to take action?

These 'uniquely human impulses' may be becoming harder to articulate.

This event will center on the question 'What does it mean for humans to become aware in an era when AI provides answers?' and discuss themes that connect to the future of human society.

◆ The Future of 'Humanity' as Questioned by Juichi Yamagiwa

The main speaker is Juichi Yamagiwa, a primatologist renowned as a leading gorilla researcher.

For over 30 years, Dr. Yamagiwa has conducted field research on gorillas in Africa, continually questioning the essence of 'empathy,' 'loneliness,' 'violence,' and 'community' in human society.

In recent years, he has influenced a wide range of generations, including Gen Z, through writing for junior high school Japanese language textbooks (such as 'Beyond the Created Narrative' from Mitsumura Tosho Publishing) and appearing on television programs.

Juichi Yamagiwa, Former President of Kyoto University / Director of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

Born in Tokyo in 1952. Specializing in primatology and human evolution, he has engaged in socio-ecological research on Japanese macaques in Yakushima and wild gorillas in Africa. He interprets human society through 'connections' and 'empathy.' He served as a professor and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kyoto University, and later as the 26th President of Kyoto University (until 2020). He has held positions such as President of the Science Council of Japan, President of the International Primatological Society, and Senior Advisor for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. He has received the Minakata Kumagusu Award and the Academia Award.

◆ Unconventional Dialogue Between Fields That Should Not Have Met

This event will bring together young practitioners gaining attention in various fields:

　● Shion Kubota: Neutrino physicist conducting research at Harvard University

　● Kazuki Watanabe: Researcher of Kukai (Shingon Buddhism founder)

　● Kento Kazama: Entrepreneur in the AI×XR field

　● Arizu Okada: Proprietress of a café practicing community building

Transcending differences in expertise and positions, the grand theme of 'the future of humanity' will intersect as real words arising from 'individual discomfort,' not just idealistic theories. Because perspectives differ, we can see where empathy, technology, and the body are reconnected.

◆ Venue: Yasuda Auditorium, University of Tokyo – A Symbol of Knowledge with 100 Years of History

The stage will be Yasuda Auditorium (official name: University of Tokyo Main Hall) on the Hongo Campus of the University of Tokyo. It is a representative intellectual space in Japan with a history of 100 years, and opportunities for public use are extremely limited. In this iconic venue, we will share the question 'Where is humanity headed?' across generations, specialties, and positions.

◆ Event Overview

◆ Event Name: 'Where is humanity headed? Where do we want to go?'

◆ Date & Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 18:00–20:00 (Doors open at 17:00)

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

◆ Program:

18:00–18:20: Keynote Lecture by Juichi Yamagiwa

18:20–18:40: Dialogue between Juichi Yamagiwa and Naoki Iwanami

18:40–20:00: Talk Session

◆ Participation: Advance ticket purchase required (open to everyone)

Fees (tax included): General ticket: 4,000 yen

Early bird general ticket: 3,000 yen

Ticket for vocational school students, university students, and graduate students: 1,500 yen

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

◆ Co-organizers: Gakushikai YELL / Kyoto University Alumni Association Young Members Group / Nonprofit Corporation eumo / Generis Co., Ltd. / National University Corporation University of Tokyo Development Office

〇 Ticket application: Peatix event page

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

〇 Special website: Event special site

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

◆ General Incorporated Association Gakushikai

The General Incorporated Association Gakushikai is a joint alumni organization of the seven national universities that originated from the former imperial universities, providing venues for intellectual exchange across universities, generations, and specialties. For many years, it has planned and held lectures and dialogue events spanning academia, culture, and society, working to build communities that support 'knowledge emergence.'

In recent years, it has focused on connecting with younger generations and practitioners with diverse backgrounds, expanding its value as a 'place to share questions.' Dr. Yamagiwa, the main speaker of this event, also serves as a director of the General Incorporated Association Gakushikai.