At Conference 2026, ‘Machine Consciousness’, organised by the Foundation for Consciousness Research, Takashi Ikegami (C02), representative of the Publicly Offered research group, will deliver a keynote speech. In addition, Daichi Suzuki (C02), Masayoshi Someya (A02) and Keisuke Suzuki (A01) from our research area will also be speaking! The conference will be held in Japanese, and no interpretation will be provided. In addition to on-site attendance by invitation only (50–70 participants), a free online stream (via Zoom) will also be available. We encourage you to register.

Conference 2026: ‘Machine Consciousness’

Organiser: Foundation for Consciousness Research

Dates: Sat 24 to Sun 25  October 2026, both days commence at 13:00　

Venue: Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi, Tokyo)

Participation: On-site attendance by invitation only (50–70 people) / Online streaming (Zoom)　
Language: Japanese only

Fee: Free of charge

Details: https://ishikiken.jp/#conference

 The Consciousness Research Foundation is an organisation that explores both the ultimate question of ‘What is consciousness?’ and the value-based question of ‘What constitutes a desirable state of consciousness?’, drawing on science, philosophy, and practical application. We aim to create a platform that will serve as a springboard from Japan to fuel the global debate on machine consciousness, which is currently gathering pace.

■ DAY 1 | Saturday, 24 October  ‘Machine Consciousness and Human Consciousness’

How does machine consciousness relate to human consciousness? A day dedicated to engaging directly with this question, starting from the ongoing debate on machine consciousness in the Bay Area.

13:00 Doors open / Opening remarks

13:00–14:00 Keynote Lecture: Takashi Ikegami

14:00–15:00　Masamine Watanabe

15:00–16:00　Kenichiro Mogi

16:00–17:00　Yukihiro Nobuhara

17:00–18:00　Panel Discussion

18:00–　　 　 Reception and Poster Presentations

■ DAY 2｜Sunday, 25 October  ‘Machine Consciousness and “More-than-Human” Consciousness’

How does machine consciousness relate to “more-than-human” consciousness? Plant consciousness, the genealogy of the concept of consciousness, the evolutionary origins of consciousness—we will question the very premises themselves.

13:00　Doors open / Opening remarks

13:00–14:00　Keynote Lecture: Takashi Ikegami

14:00–15:00　Daichi Suzuki

15:00–16:00　Masayoshi Someya

16:00–17:00　Keisuke Suzuki (online)

17:00–18:00　Kazeto Shimonishi

18:00–　　 　 Poster Presentations

■ Format

The keynote lecture will consist of ‘45 minutes’ presentation plus 15 minutes of Q&A, whilst each presentation will consist of ‘30 minutes’ presentation plus 30 minutes of discussion. This is a discussion-centred format, with discussion time equal to listening time.

■ Poster Presentations (by selection)

We are inviting submissions for poster presentations on research related to consciousness. Anyone may apply, regardless of field or age. Presentations based on work previously presented are also welcome. Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and results will be communicated within a few days.

[Travel Support] Young researchers (undergraduates, postgraduates, and those who have obtained their PhD within the last five years) will be provided with travel expenses (domestic, actual costs) and accommodation expenses (one night, up to 12,000 yen).

Presentations will take place during the social gathering on Day 1 (from 18:00), with designated ‘core time’ and ‘flash talks’ (approximately 3 minutes per person). A presentation slot will also be allocated after the lectures on Day 2. Posters will be displayed on whiteboards at the venue. There are no restrictions on poster size.

■ Advance Distribution

Before the conference, a ‘Report on the Current State of Machine Consciousness’ compiled by a team of early-career researchers will be produced and distributed to participants.

■ Other Information

Further details (such as the venue and lecture titles) will be provided by email before the conference.

Presentations and discussions will be conducted in Japanese (without interpretation).

Capacity is limited to 100 participants across both days; registration will close once this limit is reached.

Speakers and the programme are subject to change.

Attendance at the venue is by invitation only. Online participation (via Zoom) is also available.

■ Registration (for invited guests, stakeholders and researchers)

■ Registration (for online participants)