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Here's a selection of various Ichinoseki City initiatives to propel and support the International Linear Collider's construction at the Kitakami Site. Swipe through the picture gallery by using the arrows.
2026
R7 Junior High School Special ILC Classes - Roundup Jan 22
Cloud chamber experiments with Prof. Mawatari
Observing particle tracks with Ms. Fujisaki
observing cloud tracks via cloud chamber experiment, with Prof. Narita.
Cloud chamber experiments with Prof. Mawatari
This fiscal year, rather than online lectures, the classes were held in-person by lecturers Satomi Fujisaki, Head of the 3rd Engineering Division at Iwate University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering; Professor Shinya Narita from the Faculty of Science and Engineering; and Professor Kentaro Mawatari from the Faculty of Education.
During the lessons, students learned about the fundamentals of elementary particles and the research objectives of the International Linear Collider (ILC). Students also observed particle tracks, a phenomenon normally invisible to the naked eye, using cloud chamber experiements.
R7 High School Special ILC Classes - Roundup Jan 22
ILC Special Class, Dec 16
ILC Special Class, Dec 12
ILC Special class, Oct 14
ILC Special Class, Dec 16
Throughout late 2025, Ichinoseki City hosted a series of educational programs across five local high schools to prepare the next generation for the potential realization of the International Linear Collider (ILC). Led by the Ichinoseki ILC Promotion Division and Iwate University, these sessions provided hundreds of students with insights into particle physics and the importance of multicultural coexistence. From group discussions on internationalization at Ichinoseki Shuko and Daini to specialized presentation training for Ichinoseki Kogyo students, the initiative aims to empower the local youth to envision their future roles in a globalized, science-driven community.
Ichinoseki Science Cafe Feb 7
On Feb 7, Ichinoseki Science Café welcomed Prof. Hideyuki Oide from KEK.
22 Participants gathered at the Ichinoseki Library to learn about “The Mysteries of Elementary Particles and the Universe Revealed by Accelerators,” with metaphors and real-world examples guiding the journey into particle physics.
2025
Ichinoseki Illumination 2025
🎄Christmas magic is here at Ichinoseki Station! ✨
From December 1st (Mon) to January 31st (Sat), enjoy the festive lights from 16:00 to 23:00.
A dazzling electric tunnel and pretty ornaments await!
Don't miss this winter wonderland and get into the holiday spirit!
PS: can you find our mascot Higgs Kun in this picture?
Let's Get Connected! Robocon and 5-inch Gauge 2025 Dec 14
"Let's Get Connected! Robocon and 5-inch Gauge 2025" was held on December 14th.
Robots and miniature railways were on display. Participants were able to experience technology in a fun and engaging way.
There was also an exhibit on the International Linear Collider (ILC), giving participants a glimpse into the technology of the future.
Ichinoseki Kid's Science Dec 6
On December 6, Ichinoseki Kids Science organized by the Kogaku Girls, was held at Kawasaki Civic Center.
100 participants enjoyed activities such as creating "catchable water," the lauch of air cannons, and making accessories with resin while realizing that scientific reactions are all around us in our daily lives.
ILC Merch at the Ichinoseki National Craft-Beer Festival Aug 22
On August 22 to 24, the 28th National Craft Beer Festival in Ichinoseki took place.
This event, known as one of the largest craft beer festivals in Japan, was held in front of the Ichinoseki Cultural Center.
On Sunday the crowd enjoyed a performance by Final Fantasty music composer Nobuo Uematsu with his band, Con TIKI!
A table was set up an ILC merch table at Ichinoseki Library (in the vicinty), and gave out ILC themed pocket tissues, pamphlets and sticky notes.
Promoting the ILC at Ichinoseki Summer Festival Aug 2
The 72nd Ichinoseki Summer Festival took place in Ichinoseki City from August 1 to 3.
On the 2nd, we proudly waved ILC banners during the Kurukuru Parade along the vibrantly decorated street.
Despite the rain, the spirit in the air stayed bright and lively.
Kids Science 2025 Aug 2
On August 2, the first Kids Science event of this year took place at the Southern Iwate Technology Research Center, attracting around 30 elementary school students and their parents from the city. Under the guidance of Prof. Tominaga from Ichinoseki National College of Technology, participants delved into the theme of color magic through science. They watched as the colors in highlighter pens vanished and attempted to extract color from blueberries. As the liquid in the test tube transformed, the children's excited voices erupted with exclamations of, “Look, look! The color has changed!”
ILC High School Special Class Round-Up
In fiscal year 2024, five high schools across Ichinoseki had ILC Special Classes.
★On October 10th, 176 students of Ichinoseki Shuko High School received lectures on the outline of the ILC, and multicultural symbiosis. From there, the students got into groups to discuss ideas on what is needed for a multicultural society, and what they can do.
★On October 30, 116 students of Ichinoseki Technical High School attended an ILC lecture by Iwate Prefectural University lecturer, Fujisaki Satomi. Following the lecture, 18 third grade students received an extra lecture on how to make effective presentations. The students made PowerPoints which would be used to present to elementary students on certain themes relating to the ILC’s technology (magnets, electromagnetism, currents), as well introducing them to the ILC. On Nov 5, the students were given extra advice on their presentations.
★On November 14, 144 students of Ichinoseki Gakuin High School received lectures on the ILC’s outlines and multicultural symbiosis. This followed on with a group discussion on multicultural society.
★On December 17, 199 students of Ichinoseki Daini High School received lectures on the ILC’s outline, ways the city transmits information, and multicultural symbiosis. Students then discussed and presented their ideas on Ichinoseki’s future.
★On January 17, students of Hanaizumi High School received lectures on the ILC’s outline and multicultural symbiosis. Students got into groups to discuss how they can take part in the diversifying social environment.
2024
ILC Quiz Sessions at Robocon and 5 Inch Gauge Event Dec 15
ILC quizzes were conducted on December 15th as part of "Robocon and 5-inch Gauge 2024."
We had a diverse array of participants, spanning from children to adults, and received valuable feedback from individuals who were previously familiar with ILC but lacked a comprehensive understanding; they found this event to be informative.
The National Institute of Technology, Ichinoseki College Robocon 2024 machine and the mini train ride experience were incredible!
ILC Explanatory Seminar and Q&A Session Dec 8
An ILC Explanatory Seminar was held on December 8 at the Ichinoseki Health Center.
Researchers working on ILC R&D provided an overview of the ILC, explained domestic and international trends and safety measures. Current efforts were summarized by the Tohoku ILC Project Development Center.
In the Q&A session, there were questions about the timing of realization, plans outside of Japan, and the host environment.
Ichinoseki Kid's Science, science show and making soap Nov 16
On November 16, fifty people attended Ichinoseki Kid's Science with the Iwate University Engineering Girls serving as instructors.
Students and parents enjoyed a science show and made their own soap.
The science show was highly recieved, and many were excited to use their handmade soap at home.
ILC PR at the National Mochi Festival/Ichinoseki Hiraizumi Hot Air Balloon Festival Oct 12
On October 12, the Ichinoseki ILC Promotion Division handed out ILC promotion material to advertize the current ILC Friends campaign at the Ichinoseki Mochi Festival x Ichinoseki Hiraizumi Hot Air Balloon Festival.
It was an unexpectedly warm day for October, so the ILC uchiwa fans were very popular.
Many people enjoyed eating mochi while anticipating the gorgeous hot air balloon flight in the afternoon.
Visiting the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Oct 2
On October 2, 15 Ichinoseki City employees visited the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), one of the largest accelerator experimental research facilities in Japan, to deepen their understanding of the International Linear Collider (ILC) and to promote efforts toward its realization.
As we toured the facility, we got to see how superconducting cavities were made, learn about the Belle 2 experiment and how cryomodules are assembled.
Promoting the ILC at Ichinoseki Summer Festival Aug 3
The 71st Ichinoseki Summer Festival was held in Ichinoseki City from August 2 to 4.
On the 3rd, during the Kurukuru Dance Parade, we waved ILC banners through the colorfully decorated street.
We were blessed with beautiful weather over the three days.
Kids Science 2024 Aug 3
On August 3rd, 21 students attended Ichinoseki Kids Science 2024.
With Mr. Nikaido at the helm, students enjoyed various experiments related to melting and solidifying objects.
When ammonium chloride recrystallized, it appeared as if snow was falling inside the test tube!
A seminar explaining the ILC held at civic center Feb 17
Narita Shinya of Iwate University
Shinichiro Michizono of KEK
Panel of experts during Q&A
Narita Shinya of Iwate University
On February 17, around 50 people attended the ILC Explanatory Seminar held by the Tohoku ILC Project Development Center and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), at Kawasaki Civic Center.
Key speakers presented on topics which included the status of the International Linear Collider project, the significance attracting the project, the direction of particle physics over the next 10 years, the safety of the ILC and how the ILC would impact society and industry in the area.
After the presentations, a Q&A session took place. Participants were particularly interested in knowing of the prospects of the ILC being built in Japan and in Ichinoseki and expressed opinions that more needs to be done to build momentum nationwide, and soon.
Exchange of opinions between local government officials and international researchers July 5
On July 5 in Ichinoseki City, Mayor Sato, Deputy Governor Sasaki of Iwate Prefecture, Mayor Kuranari of Oshu City, Mayor Sugawara of Kesennuma City, and other local officials who are supporting efforts to realize the ILC exchanged opinions with international researchers who came to Japan to participate in LCWS2024.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment going forward to bring the ILC to fruition in Japan.
Ichinoseki Science Café with Hirotomo Noda Feb 3
Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum
Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum
Ichinoseki Science Café was held at the Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum on February 3.
A lecture on the exploration of small bodies in the Solar System was given by Hirotomo Noda of the RISE (Research of Interior Structure and Evolution of Solar System Bodies) Project, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
After the lecture, the participants took a tour of the Space Museum. The 4-Dimensional Digital Space Theater took us to the edge of the observable universe.
Special ILC classes : Junior High School round-up Jan 26
Seven junior high schools across Ichinoseki received ILC Online Special Classes in the fiscal year of 2023.
When students arrived at class, they were greeted by their lecturer (1 school taught by Aoki Yumi, and 6 schools by Fujimoto Junpei both of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization KEK) via a camera. The lecturers shared their PowerPoint presentations which touched upon the history of science, particle physics and the outline of the ILC project.
Within the presentation, each student was given a chance to observe a cloud chamber experiment which is a simple particle detector used to detect ionizing radiation.
After the lecture, the students had times to ask questions.
Special ILC classes : High School round-up Jan 18
Three high schools in Ichinoseki held ILC special classes in fiscal year 2023, each with a unique spin.
- Ichinoseki Kogyo High School (Oct 4-17) 3rd grade students learnt about the ILC through a lecture. They will later convey what they learned to elementary and junior high school students using PowerPoints they created.
-Ichinoseki Gakuin High School (Nov 16-21) 1st grade students received lectures on the ILC and multicultural symbiosis. They created posters on future town planning and presented their ideas.
-Ichinoseki Daini High School (Nov 28) 1st grade students received lectures on the ILC, information distribution in Ichinoseki and multicultural symbiosis. They held a discussion on future visions of the city.
-Hanaizumi High School (Jan 18) 1st grade students received a lecture on the outline of the ILC and multicultural society. They discussed how to be involved with making the city a more inclusive one for foreign residents.