The 18th Public Symposium of the National BioResource Project "Japanese Macaques" Held (August 27, 2026)
On August 27, 2026, the 18th Public Symposium of the National BioResource Project (NBRP) "Japanese Macaques" was held, centered on the theme "Understanding Japanese Macaque Society through Ecology and Brain Science: Introduction to Recent Research Achievements."
Below is the event report provided by the Administrative Office of NBRP "Japanese Macaques."
The 18th Public Symposium of the National BioResource Project "Japanese Macaques"
This annual symposium is held by NBRP "Japanese Macaques" to widely share the significance and progress of the project with the general public, particularly the younger generation who will shape the future.
The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Tadashi Isa, Director General of the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), a partner institution. This was followed by an overview of the project presented by Prof. Masayuki Matsumoto of the Institute for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior (EHUB), Kyoto University, the lead institution.
Next, two guest speakers presented their latest research findings from the perspective of this year’s theme, "Understanding Japanese Macaque Society through Ecology and Brain Science": Dr. Shintaro Ishizuka (Lecturer, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Fukuyama University) and Dr. Taihei Ninomiya (Lecturer, Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences). They gave presentations on the behavioral characteristics and neural bases of Japanese macaque sociality, focusing on topics such as:
1) Interactions between father macaques and their offspring (extending beyond the well-known maternal care)
2) The neural mechanisms that enable monkeys to observe other individuals and learn from their behavior.
Finally, a general discussion was held where the speakers addressed questions and comments from the floor, and the event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Takanori Uka of the University of Yamanashi, Chair of the Steering Committee.
In the post-event survey conducted among attendees, a high response rate of 88% was recorded. Many respondents expressed hopes for continued efforts to actively communicate research outcomes and the project's significance to society, especially to the younger generation. Furthermore, many voiced expectations for continued opportunities for dialogue to deepen public interest and understanding of medical and life science research utilizing primate models.
Incorporating the feedback and suggestions received from participants, NBRP "Japanese Macaques" plans to continue refining its efforts to contribute to future project development, aiming to organize an even more fulfilling symposium next fiscal year.
Administrative Office, National BioResource Project (NBRP) "Japanese Macaques"
Related Link
The 18th Public Symposium of the National BioResource Project "Japanese Macaques"
