Where is the 'Future of Life+' exhibition held?

At MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station.

Is this exhibition suitable for children?

Yes. Family-friendly content including kids' merchandise, workbooks, and workshops are available.

Do I need a reservation for the android dialogue experience?

Yes. A special ticket and prior reservation are required for the 'Natsume Android 2.0' dialogue experience.

Where can I buy the catalog and workbook?

Available at the on-site shop. Catalog from July 25, workbook from early August.

What is the theme of the exhibition?

It explores fundamental questions like 'What is life?' and 'What is human?' through immersive android experiences.

The Expo Experience Finally Comes to Tokyo: Hiroshi Ishiguro's 'Future of Life+' Opens July 25, Featuring Talk Show with Yoichi Ochiai!

Published Jul 15, 2026 2:00 AM ・ Updated Jul 14, 2026 7:31 PM ・ 12 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

PARCO, ATR Institute for the Future of Life, and MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives will co-host 'Future of Life+', an upgraded version of the highly acclaimed 'Future of Life' exhibition from the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Opening in Tokyo on July 25, 2026, it features android interactions and a talk show with media artist Yoichi Ochiai.

PARCO Co., Ltd. will jointly host, together with the ATR Institute for the Future of Life and MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives (Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo; operated by the JR East Japan Foundation for Cultural Creation), a commemorative opening program titled 'Future of Life+' — an upgraded version of 'Future of Life,' produced by Hiroshi Ishiguro, which received high acclaim as a signature pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Under the supervision of Hiroshi Ishiguro (Professor at Osaka University / Visiting Director at ATR Institute for the Future of Life), a pioneer in robotics and android research, this exhibition retains the profound emotional impact of the Expo while adding new scenarios that invite visitors to confront 'choices about the future of life.' The latest androids, including Yamatoroid and Momo, which captivated audiences at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, will now take center stage in Takanawa, Tokyo, delivering an even more evolved experiential journey.

Throughout the exhibition period, various events such as talk shows and workshops will be held, along with the sale of original merchandise including drills and exhibition catalogs. By bridging science and the humanities, this initiative offers a deeply intellectual experience that challenges the very roots of life, appealing to audiences across all generations.

©FUTURE OF LIFE ©FUTURE OF LIFE ©FUTURE OF LIFE

Dialogue Experience with the 'Natsume Android 2.0'

As a new initiative, the exhibition introduces an interactive dialogue experience with androids, enhancing immersion and encouraging deeper reflection on 'the future of life.' The android modeled after Natsume Soseki (a graduate of Nishogakusha) has been further evolved with the latest AI technology, enabling autonomous conversation. It can answer questions about Natsume in its own words. *Produced in cooperation with Nishogakusha Gakuen Corporation for its 150th anniversary. A separate dedicated ticket is required for participation.

©FUTURE OF LIFE

Talk Event Featuring Guest Speaker Yoichi Ochiai

©FUTURE OF LIFE

Centered on the fundamental questions posed by the exhibition — 'What is humanity?' and 'What is life?' — we will host a discussion featuring Yoichi Ochiai, producer of the Osaka-Kansai Expo's theme program, who will offer unique insights into the philosophy of life presented by Hiroshi Ishiguro's android research.

Date: August 6, 2026 (Thursday) (tentative)

Venue: Inside MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives

Participants:

Hiroshi Ishiguro (Professor, Osaka University / Visiting Director, ATR Institute for the Future of Life),

Yoichi Ochiai (Media Artist)

*Event details and participation methods will be announced later on the official website.

'Drill: Future of Life — 30 Questions to Reflect on Life'

In conjunction with the exhibition, an original workbook titled 'Drill: Future of Life — 30 Questions to Reflect on Life' will be published. This special workbook goes beyond the exhibition content, inviting parents and children to jointly explore fundamental questions such as 'What is life?' and 'What will the future of life be like?' During the exhibition period, experiential workshops for families are also being planned using this workbook. Details will be announced on the official website and social media as they become available.

Release Date: Early August onward, available for advance sale at the 'Future of Life+' venue

Author: Institute for the Future of Life

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

ISBN: 978-4-86506-491-9

Size: A5 modified (190mm × 148mm)

Pages: 80

Publisher: PARCO Co., Ltd. (PARCO Publishing)

Expanded Original Merchandise Line Based on Expo Demand

In addition to re-releasing select popular items that received acclaim during the Expo at the 'Future of Life' pavilion, we will also offer new, exhibition-exclusive original goods.

Featuring new designs centered on androids such as 'Yamatoroid' — used as the key visual — as well as 'Punica,' 'Pansy,' and 'Petra,' we offer a range of items from affordable souvenirs to daily-use products perfect for commemorating your visit or as gifts.

Original T-shirts will also be available in kids' sizes, making them enjoyable for the whole family.

Top Left

〇 T-shirt Punica, Petra, Pansy

Sizes: 110, 140, S, M, L, XL

Price:

110, 140: ¥3,500 (tax included)

S, M, L, XL: ¥5,500 (tax included)

Top Right

〇 T-shirt Key Visual

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Price: S, M, L, XL: ¥5,500 (tax included)

Bottom Left

〇 Bandana

Price: ¥2,800 (tax included)

Bottom Right

〇 Perfume millenniums

Price: ¥3,850 (tax included)

*For more details, please visit the official website.

Androids Featured in the Exhibition

・Yamatoroid

Appearing in 'ZONE2: The Future 50 Years From Now,' Yamatoroid is an avatar android embodying the Japanese spirit. With approximately 60 movable joints, its smooth, lifelike movements represent a future where humans and androids coexist.

・Momo

Standing in 'ZONE3: Life 1,000 Years From Now — Mahoroba,' Momo represents an evolved human — a 'Millennium Human' — from over 1,000 years in the future, where the boundary between androids and humans has disappeared. With organic textures created by full-body silicone skin, soft, lifelike costumes, and floating-like motions combining rotation, vertical, and horizontal movement, Momo gently stirs visitors' imaginations.

Various other androids will also appear. With new scenarios added, the exhibition deepens the dialogue around the fundamental question: 'What is life?'

【Event Overview】Future of Life+

Period: July 25 (Sat), 2026 – September 25 (Fri), 2026

First period closure: August 3 (Mon)

*Closure dates are subject to change or addition

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event

The Expo Experience Finally Comes to Tokyo: Hiroshi Ishiguro's 'Future of Life+' Opens July 25, Featuring Talk Show with Yoichi Ochiai!

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