This event will explore the nature and wildlife of Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, which suffered significant damage due to earthquakes and heavy rainfall in 2024. Featuring popular Japanese science communicators, FISH BOY - Sakana-kun and Dr. Takashi Yoro, it will discuss how the region remains home to rich forests, rivers, and seas, where a wide variety of living creatures continue to thrive despite recent natural disasters.
The programme will examine the impacts of the earthquake on fish populations and how insects and other forest wildlife have adapted to changing environmental conditions.
The first part will introduce the connections between Noto's forests, rivers and seas, highlighting the region's biodiversity and unique species, including the Arctic lamprey (Lethenteron camtschaticum).
The second part will feature a conversation between FISH BOY - Sakana-kun and Dr. Yoro on the theme What Did the Living Creatures Do After the Earthquake?, exploring how wildlife has responded to changes in the natural environmental following the recent natural disasters and discussing the future of Noto's ecosystems.
Participation & Registration
This in-person event is free and open to the public. To participate, please register by 28 July (the registration form is only available in Japanese). If the number of registrations exceeds the maximum venue capacity, participants will be selected by lottery. The results of the lottery will be announced by email on 30 July.
Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos and/or audio (see disclaimer).
Language
This event will be held in Japanese only, with no interpretation provided.
Programme
Moderator: Yoko Tomita (Programme Coordinator, UNU-IAS OUIK)
PART 1
Opening Remarks
Short Presentations
- Sayako Koyama (Research Associate, UNU-IAS OUIK)
- Hiroaki Arakawa (Noto Marine Center)
Q&A
PART 2
Discussion
- Takeshi Yoro (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo)
- FISH BOY - Sakana-kun (Visiting Research Fellow, UNU-IAS)
Q&A
Organizers
This event is organized by UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (UNU-IAS OUIK) with support from SD BlueEarth Sakana-kun Tankyutai 2026 and cooperation by ANAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
