The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, dated November 26, 2021, published a piece on “Moonshot Goal 9”: the Realization of a Spiritually Rich and Dynamic Society by 2050, through Increased Peace and Vitality (Japanese version only). Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai serves as Program Director (PD) for this goal.

https://www.nikkan.co.jp/articles/view/00619749

For this goal, research and development on the understanding of mental states and state transition technology will be conducted with the following attitudes: strongly encouraging the integration of the humanities and sciences, and realizing a spiritually rich and dynamic society by increasing peace of mind and vitality through “integrated knowledge” that combines science and technology with the humanities and social sciences.

*For more information, please refer to the website of the Cabinet Office (Japanese Version Only):
　（URL：https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/moonshot/sub9.html）
　（URL：https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/siryo/haihui057/haihu-057.html）

*Kyoto University Press Release:
(http://kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/d1c873b9e3bed3bb24268351c460477a-1.pdf)

Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai has become the Program Director for Moonshot Goal 9: the Realization of a Spiritually Rich and Dynamic Society by 2050, through Increased Peace and Vitality. A video explaining the R&D policy of Moonshot Goal 9 has been released.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EQCk3Nz5Hg
 

Moonshot Goal 9 is currently seeking a Project Manager (PM) to conduct research and development.

*Details of Public Offering (Japanese version only)
https://www.jst.go.jp/moonshot/koubo/202111/

With the advancement of science and technology, humanity can enjoy material wealth. However, various problems related to the “mind” remain unsolved, and many people still live with pain and suffering. Without the goal of “mental well-being” as the destination of scientific and technological development, humanity will not be able to realize true happiness, no matter how much science develops in the future.

In January 2021, a joint proposal by the research group (Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai, Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Associate Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University), Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) et al.) was selected as a project of the MILLENNIA program (Multifaceted investigation challenge for new normal initiatives program), held by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) as one of the Moonshot R & D projects. Their team conducted a six-month research study, and as a result, two new Moonshot Goals (8 & 9) were decided by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, Cabinet Office, on September 28, 2021. The results of the research conducted by Associate Professor Kumagai and his colleagues in the MILLENNIA program were applied to Moonshot Goal 9: the Realization of a Spiritually Rich and Dynamic Society by 2050, through Increased Peace and Vitality.

On November 9, 2021, JST started recruiting Program Managers for Moonshot Goals (8 & 9). Among them, Associate Professor Kumagai will be appointed as the Program Director for Moonshot Goal 9. With this goal, research and development on the understanding of mental states and state transition technology will be conducted with the following attitudes: strongly encouraging the integration of the humanities and sciences, and realizing a spiritually rich and dynamic society by increasing peace of mind and vitality through “integrated knowledge” that combines science and technology with the humanities and social sciences.

*For more information, please refer to the website of the Cabinet Office (Japanese Version Only):
　（URL：https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/moonshot/sub9.html）
　（URL：https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/siryo/haihui057/haihu-057.html）

*Please refer to the JST website for details on the Moonshot Goals (Japanese Version Only):
　（URL：https://www.jst.go.jp/moonshot/koubo/）

*Kyoto University Press Release:
(http://kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/d1c873b9e3bed3bb24268351c460477a-1.pdf)

On May 22^nd, 2021, the Symposium on Moonshot Goals (Theme: Mental States in Extreme Situations) was held. A video of the introduction, entitled “Realization of a Society where Peace and Vitality Coexist through the Psyche Navigation System,” is now available on YouTube.

An article on the Moonshot proposal, which was selected by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Cabinet Office (CSTI), for the 9^th Moonshot goal (the realization of a spiritually rich and dynamic society by 2050, through increased peace and vitality), was published in Chugai Nippoh (Japanese version only).

This is a joint proposal by the research group (Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Associate Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University), Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) et al.) and two other research groups led by Associate Professor Shima Okada (Ritsumeikan University) and Tomomi Nishimoto (Conductor and Stage Director / Keio University).

https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210929-003.html

The 9th Moonshot goal has already been introduced in the following media (Japanese versions only):
CSTI Website
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/siryo/haihui057/haihu-057.html
NHK NEWS WEB
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210916/k10013262391000.html
Yomiuri Shimbun Online
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/78a95a6aa48a2b6c58d6b9d22d91e083c05fe4af

The Psyche Navigation System has also been introduced in the following media (Japanese versions only):
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nbf65d2fffcdd (Bunkajijo)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18 (Kyoto University Website)
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ (Psyche Navigation System Website)
…and many more.

The AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot” has already been introduced in the following media:
*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (*English version/Mainich Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180（*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3(*Japanese version/Kyoto University Website)
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kansai/news/20210804-OYO1T50021/ (Yomiuri Shimbun Website)
…and many more.

*TV and radio appearances
NHK’s Morning Information TV Program Asa-Ichi
NHK Radio News Program
FM Radio Station J-WAVE, “JK RADIO TOKYO UNITED”
…and many more.

The research group (Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai, Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Associate Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University), Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) et al.) made a joint proposal with two other research groups led by Associate Professor Shima Okada (Ritsumeikan University) and Tomomi Nishimoto (Conductor and Stage Director / Keio University).

This proposal was selected by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Cabinet Office (CSTI) as a finalist for the next moonshot goal. In this proposal, they refer to the realization of a spiritually rich and dynamic society by 2050, through increased peace and vitality.

This matter has been reported on in the following media (Japanese version only).
CSTI Website
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/gaiyo/yusikisha/20210916.html

NHK NEWS WEB
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210916/k10013262391000.html

Yomiuri Shimbun Online
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/20210916-OYT1T50196/

A short video introducing the Psyche Navigation System (PNS), which is being developed by the research group conducted by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai and Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, is now available on YouTube.

This project aims to develop AI and feedback technology called PNS which estimates a person’s state of mind through the sensing of body and spatial information, and enables people to fully demonstrate their performance, realizing a society where peace and vitality coexist. In addition, this project will provide personalized support techniques that reduce people’s anxiety by preventing negative emotions and loss of motivation, instead, making people feel normal or motivated even in situations where they feel high tension.

A full-length introduction video will be released in the near future.

*Psyche Navigation System Website
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai was featured on the special website “That’s Kyo-dai,” which showcases the appealing culture of Kyoto University.

The article, entitled “Buddha’s Wisdom in AI!? What is the future society created by the harmony of cyber, physical and mind?,” introduces Prof. Kumagai’s profile and his latest research achievements, such as the AI-Based Chatbot “Buddhabot” and the Psyche Navigation System.

https://www.thats.pr.kyoto-u.ac.jp/2021/08/25/11629/ (That’s Kyodai, Japanese version only)

*Related social media posts (Japanese)
https://twitter.com/univkyoto/status/1430344562715754500 (Kyoto University’s Twitter)
https://www.facebook.com/Kyoto.Univ/posts/3554850067989473 (Kyoto University’s Facebook)

The AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot” has already been introduced in the following media:

*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (*English version/Mainich Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180（*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3(*Japanese version/Kyoto University Website)
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kansai/news/20210804-OYO1T50021/ (Yomiuri Shimbun Website)
…and many more.

*TV and radio appearances
NHK’s Morning Information TV Program Asa-Ichi
NHK Radio News Program
FM Radio Station J-WAVE, “JK RADIO TOKYO UNITED”
…and many more.

The Psyche Navigation System has also been introduced in the following media (Japanese version only):
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nbf65d2fffcdd (Bunkajijo)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18 (Kyoto University Website)
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ (Psyche Navigation System Website)
…and many more.

Senior Lecturer Chihiro Hatanaka and Program-Specific Assistant Professor Masataka Nakayama gave lectures entitled “Mental Health Care in the Age of SNS: LINE Counseling within Companies” at the 11th “Fre-demic Café” held at the Kyoto Research Park on July 16^th, 2021. The Fre-demic Café is a science café for the general public with lectures by researchers.

In the first half of the lecture, Senior Lecturer Hatanaka spoke about the background and significance of SNS counseling via the LINE app, and introduced the “LINE Counseling Room” which was launched by KRC. In the latter half of the lecture, Assistant Professor Nakayama discussed the significance of counseling services in companies based on the results of a survey analysis. In addition, he introduced the results of joint research with Osaka Prefecture on LINE counselling  conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. A lively discussion with the audience was held and a wide range of topics were discussed, including the significance and potential of LINE counseling in companies and analysis technology. Questionnaires collected after the discussion showed that the audience were highly satisfied with this event.

Venue

Senior Lecturer Chihiro Hatanaka

Program-Specific Assistant Professor Masataka Nakayama

An article about “Buddhabot, an AI based chatbot developed by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai et al., has been published in the Yomiuri Shimbun.

Article in the Yomiuri Shimbun Online (dated August 4^th, 2021, Japanese version)
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kansai/news/20210804-OYO1T50021/

The AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot” has already been introduced in the following media:
*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (*English version/Mainich Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180（*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3(*Japanese version/Kyoto University Website)
…and many more.

*TV and radio appearances
NHK’s Morning Information TV Program Asa-Ichi
NHK Radio News Program
FM Radio Station J-WAVE, “JK RADIO TOKYO UNITED”
…and many more.

Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai appeared live on NHK Radio News Program to introduce the joint development of “Psyche Navigation System” and the AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 disaster, mental health care has become increasingly important. Prof. Kumagai reported on the development team’s desire to bring peace and vitality to people and society by developing the Psyche Navigation System, which combines traditional wisdom and technology in anticipation of the age of the mind, as well as their specific development plans.

In addition, Prof. Kumagai also introduced the development schedule for the AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot,” which is one of the technologies that will be utilized in the Psyche Navigation System. He also discussed possible applications for the chatbot in different fields. He said that the Buddhabot could make waves in the Buddhist community, as Buddhism has seemingly drifted away from people’s ordinary life.

The Psyche Navigation System is being developed mainly by Seiji Kumagai (Associate Professor, KRC), Yoshiyuki Ueda (Senior Lecturer, KRC), Noriyuki Miura (Professor, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) and Hiromitsu Awano (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University).

Regarding “Buddhabot,” the core members of development team are Seiji Kumagai (Associate Professor, KRC), Koshin Higashifushimi (Deputy Chief Priest, Tendai School Shoren-in Temple), and Toshikazu Furuya (CEO, Quantum Analytics Inc.).

Psyche Navigation System was also introduced in the following media (Japanese version only):
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20210522/2000046025.html (NHK)
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210521-001.html (Chugainippoh)
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nbf65d2fffcdd (Bunkajijo)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18 (Kyoto University Website)
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ (Psyche Navigation System Website)
…and many more.

Buddhabot was also introduced in the following media:
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (*English version/Mainich Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180（*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3(*Japanese version/Kyoto University Website)
…and many more.

Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai appeared on NHK’s morning information TV program, Asa-Ichi (First in the Morning). He introduced the AI-based Chatbot “Buddhabot,” discussed its developmental status, and gave a demonstration.

Buddhabot was also introduced in the following media:
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (*English version/Mainich Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180（*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3(*Japanese version/Kyoto University Website)
…and many more.

 Highlights of the symposium “Moonshot Goals: Mental States in Extreme Situations” held on May 22^nd, 2021 were covered by NHK News on the same day.

At the symposium, the concept of the Psyche Navigation System, developed by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai, Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University), and Associate Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University) et al., was introduced. This was followed by three presentations from leading figures in various fields, Dai Tamesue, (former athlete, CEO of Deportare Partners), Program-Specific Professor Takao Doi (astronaut, Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, Kyoto University), and Professor Hiroshi Amano (Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability, Nagoya University).

*Related Sites (Japanese version only)

Article on NHK News Web
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20210522/2000046025.html

Information on the Moonshot Goals Symposium
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20210522/2000046025.html

Press Release of Psyche Navigation System
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18

Website of Psyche Navigation System
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

An article about “Psyche Navigation System,” which is being developed by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai, Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) and Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University) et al., was published on the front page of Chugai Nippoh, dated May 21^st, 2021.
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210521-001.html

Psyche Navigation System was also introduced in the following media (Japanese version only):
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20210522/2000046025.html (NHK)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18 (Kyoto University Website)
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ (Psyche Navigation System Website)

An article about the “Psyche Navigation System,” a support system for peace of mind and vitality, developed by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai, Senior Lecturer Yoshiyuki Ueda, Professor Noriyuki Miura (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University), Associate Professor Hiromitsu Awano (Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University) et al., was published in Bunkajihou on May 20th, 2021.

You can find the relevant page on the newspaper’s website (Japanese version only)
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nbf65d2fffcdd

The “Psyche Navigation System” has already been introduced in the following media:

*Websites
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20210522/2000046025.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210521-001.html (*Japanese version/Chugainippoh)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2021-05-18 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University)
https://cpms.kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ （*Japanese version/Psyche Navigation System）

*Newspaper (Japanese version only)
Chugainippoh (front page, May 21^st, 2021)

Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai appeared on the Radio Program “JK RADIO TOKYO UNITED” (hosted by Jon Kabira) on FM radio station J-WAVE 81.3 FM. He appeared on the segment, “TAKENAKA FEATURE FOCUS,” where the host Jon Kabira makes a live phone call to a person concerned with or knowledgeable about news in Japan or around the world. Prof. Kumagai talked with Jon Kabira about the AI-based Chatbot “Buddhabot” and received some questions from him.

You can read their conversation on the program website (Japanese version only).

TAKENAKA FEATURE FOCUS “Resolve your worries with Buddha! : An AI-based Chatbot ‘Buddhabot’”
https://www.j-wave.co.jp/original/tokyounited/archives/feature-focus/2021/04/23-055547.html

The AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot” has already been introduced in the following:

*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_10110.html (*Japanese version/ABC TV, Asahi Broadcasting Group)
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP3V5HHJP3VPLBJ001.html (*Japanese version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180 (*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun)
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nc15e5526ce25 (*Japanese version/Bunkajiho)
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210402-001.html (*Japanese version/Chugainippoh)
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20210420/k00/00m/040/112000c (Mainichi website, Japanese version)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (Mainichi newspaper, English website）
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University)
https://twitter.com/univkyoto/status/1375367937385758721 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University’s Twitter)

*Newspaper (Japanese version only)
Asahi Shimbun (Column in the local news page, March 27, 2021)
Kyoto Shimbun (Column in the local news page, p.3 and 31, March 27, 2021)
Bunkajiho (on the front page, April 1, 2021)
Chugainippoh (on the front page, April 2, 2021)
The Mainichi newspaper (April 21st, 2021, evening paper, page 9 (society), Japanese version only)

*Radio (broadcasting in Japanese)
A daytime radio program in TBS Radio (『赤江珠緒たまむすび』「週刊ニッポンの空気」) on March 29, 2021

An article about “Buddhabot, an AI based chatbot developed by Associate Professor Seiji Kumagai et al., has been published in the Mainichi newspaper.

The Mainichi newspaper (April 21st, 2021, evening paper, page 9 (society), Japanese version only)
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20210420/k00/00m/040/112000c (Mainichi website, Japanese version)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210424/p2a/00m/0sc/021000c (Mainichi newspaper, English website）

The AI-based chatbot “Buddhabot” has already been introduced in the following:

*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_10110.html (*Japanese version/ABC TV, Asahi Broadcasting Group)
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP3V5HHJP3VPLBJ001.html (*Japanese version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180 (*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun)
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nc15e5526ce25 (*Japanese version/Bunkajiho)
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210402-001.html (*Japanese version/Chugainippoh)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University)
https://twitter.com/univkyoto/status/1375367937385758721 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University’s Twitter)

*Newspaper (Japanese version only)
Asahi Shimbun (Column in the local news page, March 27, 2021)
Kyoto Shimbun (Column in the local news page, p.3 and 31, March 27, 2021)
Bunkajiho (on the front page, April 1, 2021)
Chugainippoh (on the front page, April 2, 2021)

*Radio (broadcasting in Japanese)
A daytime radio program in TBS Radio (『赤江珠緒たまむすび』「週刊ニッポンの空気」) on March 29, 2021

The research team consisting of Seiji Kumagai (Associate Professor, KRC), Toshikazu Furuya (CEO, Quantum Analytics Inc.), Koshin Higashifushimi (Deputy Chief Priest, Tendai School Shoren-in Temple) et al. have developed an AI-based chatbot called “Buddhabot,” which answers the worries of people and social issues from a Buddhist perspective.

Google’s BERT algorithm was applied to this system. After machine learning of a Q&A list extracted from the ancient Buddhist scripture, Suttanipata, the “Buddhabot” has been able to answer user’s questions in sentences, although problems with accuracy still remain.

It is believed that Buddhism in Japan has unfortunately grown apart from people’s ordinary life and has lost its substance. The current situation is often ridiculed as “Buddhism only for a funeral.” In order to revive Buddhism, it will be necessary to restore the original role of Buddhism, namely, the teaching of how to be happy.

The technology of the “Buddhabot” is expected to be applied not only to academic research and the Buddhist world, but also to mental health, consulting, and education industries. It will also be applied to the “Psyche Navigation System,” a new technology developed and advocated by a research group led by Prof. Kumagai and selected as a project of the MILLENNIA program (Multifaceted investigation challenge for new normal initiatives program), held by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) as one of the Moonshot R & D project. However, there is a risk that misuse or abuse of the system could lead users down the wrong path, so careful attention is required for the public release.

The research results were presented at the RIEC International Symposium “When AI Meets Human Science,” held on March 12^th, 2021. 

A press conference was held at Kyoto University on March 26^th, 2021, and was reported by various media both in Japan and abroad.

*Websites
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/38954863 (*English version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/intnews/20210327/bkn-20210327213028488-0327_00992_001.html (*Chinese version/RTHK News)
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/china_world/20210328/00180_035.html (*Chinese version/昔日東方)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210327/k10012938991000.html (*Japanese version/NHK)
https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_10110.html (*Japanese version/ABC TV, Asahi Broadcasting Group)
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP3V5HHJP3VPLBJ001.html (*Japanese version/Asahi Shimbun)
https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/537180 (*Japanese version/Kyoto Shimbun)
https://note.com/bunkajiho/n/nc15e5526ce25 (*Japanese version/Bunkajiho)
https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/article/news/20210402-001.html (*Japanese version/Chugainippoh)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/research-news/2021-03-26-3 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University)
https://twitter.com/univkyoto/status/1375367937385758721 (*Japanese version/Kyoto University’s Twitter)

*Newspaper (Japanese version only)
Asahi Shimbun (Column in the local news page, March 27, 2021)
Kyoto Shimbun (Column in the local news page, p.3 and 31, March 27, 2021)
Bunkajiho (on the front page, April 1, 2021)
Chugainippoh (on the front page, April 2, 2021)

*Radio (broadcasting in Japanese)
A daytime radio program in TBS Radio (『赤江珠緒たまむすび』「週刊ニッポンの空気」) on March 29, 2021

Kyoto University’s KRC Uehiro Research Division’s 2020 Research Report Meeting was held on December 6th, 2020. This year’s meeting included research reports and discussions centered around the theme of “A Way of Life in the COVID-19 Era, Based on Buddhism.”

In 2020, COVID-19 hit Japan and spread throughout the world, causing great confusion.

Social distance has been recommended, online systems are advancing, and the society is greatly changing. In such a situation, it is necessary for experts in various fields to pool their wisdom on how to live in the new normal, moreover, consider life in the post-COVID-19 period.

In this year’s Research Report Meeting, interdisciplinary discussions were made on the way of life in the COVID-19 era, focusing on the descriptions of Indian classical literature and Buddhist literature. This was the first time that the Research Report Meeting was held online, and there were many participants.

Opening remarks were given by Prof. Toshio Kawai (Director, KRC), followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Noboru Maruyama (Executive Director, Uehiro Foundation)”.

This year’s activities at the KRC Uehiro Research Division were introduced and reported by Prof. Yoshinori Hiroi (Vice Director, KRC), Aya Seike (Senior Lecturer, KRC) and Chihiro Hatanaka (Senior Lecturer, KRC).

Prof. Hiroi introduced social contribution activities, such as participation in the development of the happiness index in Iwate and Fukui Prefectures. In addition, under the theme of “Rebuilding Welfare Philosophy,” his report looked back on the historical development of welfare philosophy in Japan, along the lines of “welfare philosophy losing substance” and “the hollowing-out of welfare philosophy,” and included the necessity of building a new welfare philosophy to re-evaluate its relationship with nature.

Dr. Seike (medical, health and welfare) took up “the research focusing on stress management for people with dementia and their families” conducted in the project, “Ethics of Medical Care, Health and Social Welfare in the Super-Aging Society of Contemporary Japan.” She presented the results of a pilot program on psychosocial education support for pairs (people with dementia and their family) as well as a needs survey on online family caregiver support.

Dr. Hatanaka (clinical psychology) spoke about the activities of SNS counseling during this academic year, related to the project “Issues Surrounding Kokoro and Changes during Post-Growth Period.” She presented the results of a survey which showed the diversity of kokoro responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strength of kokoro that aims for positive changes even in such a closed social situation.

In the second half, a panel discussion for the theme “A Way of Life in the COVID-19 Era Based on Buddhism” was held. Seiji Kumagai (Associate Professor, Divisional Director, Uehiro Research Division), who served as a moderator, was in charge of the introduction. Hideki Teshima (Professor, Department of Social Studies, Kyoto Bunkyo University) and Ryuta Kikuya (Program-Specific Associate Professor, Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University) presented topics, respectively. Then, there was a discussion in which Prof. Hiroi and Dr. Takahiko Kameyama (Researcher, KRC) participated as designated speakers.

First, Prof. Kumagai gave an introduction entitled, “The Way of Life in the COVID-19 Era from the Perspective of Buddhism,” and proposed the following three viewpoints: (1) epidemic, (2) turning point of the times, and (3) Japan. In addition, he made the following two suggestions for the survival of Japanese Buddhism; Buddhism should confront social issues and continue to respond based on its Buddhist doctrine while maintaining the same perspective as the world, and Buddhism should seek to merge with cutting-edge science.

Next, Prof. Teshima presented the topic entitled “A Turning Point of the Times: Focusing on Indian Circulatory Cosmology.” Taking a macroscopic view for the theme “turning point of the times,” he introduced the cyclic cosmology (image of repeating light and dark over a long period of time – like day and night) indicated in Manu Code and Buddhist scriptures. Then, Prof. Teshima presented the following considerations based on the cosmology of India:

・Events in the world are the result of “human activity” and situations can be reversed by changing people’s behavior.

・In reality, however, politics and trends in society as a whole have a great influence on people’s behavior.

・Therefore, human behavior does not change easily. Only when people reach a certain “pole” can they drastically reform themselves.

Prof. Kikuya then presented the topic entitled “Epidemic and Buddha – Protective scriptures and incantation formula in Indian Buddhism,” exploring the process of visualizing and dealing with epidemics as an invisible threat through stories and images. In ancient India, people believed that epidemics were caused by ogre spirits (鬼霊), and spread when those moved in accordance with peoples’ movements. Ogre spirits are generally invisible, float in the air, variable, minute, and lurk in the human body, so they were considered to be a kind of aerosol (miasma). And it was thought that gods and Buddha would appear in the good deeds of human beings with the right knowledge, and that they would bring people happiness. Prof. Kikuya suggested that if we reconsider the COVID-19 pandemic from this Indian theory of evil spirits, there might be a way to solve it through the good deeds of human beings with the right knowledge, similar to what was believed in ancient times.

The discussion was conducted with two presenters and two designated speakers, Prof. Hiroi and Dr. Kameyama. They spoke about Buddhism while reviewing it from a broader view of human history. In addition, issues faced by the current Buddhist orders in Japan were discussed, and then, a proposal was made to actively communicate official responses to social issues based on Buddhist doctrine, not just as an expression of personal feelings.

Discussion
Ryuta Kikuya, Takahiko Kameyama, Hideki Teshima, Seiji Kumagai, Yoshinori Hiroi

[DATA]
Kyoto University’s KRC Uehiro Research Division’s 2020 Research Report Meeting

“A way of life in the COVID-19 era based on Buddhism”
▽Date and Time: December 6th, 2020, 14:30-17:30
▽Venue: Zoom Webinar
▽Intended audience: Researchers, students, and the general public
▽Attendees: 144

 [Related Website]

Uehiro Research Division, Kokoro Research Center
http://kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/uehiro2/

The publication event for the new book ‘SNS Counseling Case Book: Learning How to Support Through Clinical Cases,’ which Senior Lecturer Chihiro Hatanaka helped edit and write, was broadcasted live on Youtube on September 21, 2020. We thank everyone who watched the broadcast in real time.

Counselors with rich experience in SNS counseling discussed a variety of topics, including what they felt about SNS counseling, difficulties, reactions to the corona pandemic, and future developments based on their daily clinical practices.

They also answered questions from readers of the book and viewers on that day, which you can watch from the archived link below.

https://youtu.be/VRWEa7YlPjY

Book: SNS Counseling Case Book: Learning How to Support Through Clinical Cases

Related Article

http://kokoro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/20200904_hatanaka_en/

Kyoto University’s KRC Uehiro Research Division’s 2019 Research Report Meeting was held at the Inamori Center on December 15th, 2019. This year’s meeting included research reports and discussions centered around the theme of “Kokoro in the Age of SNS.”

Venue

Today, many people regularly use social networking services (SNS). Given this, the 2019 Research Report Meeting presented researches from various disciplines attempting to understand of how kokoro is changing today. A full house was in attendance.

The opening remarks were given by Prof. Toshio Kawai (Director, KRC), followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Shinichi Ohara (Operations Director, the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics Education). Prof. Yoshinori Hiroi (Vice Director, KRC) then discussed the division’s basic mission and reported on his social contribution activities, such as giving a symposium lecture commemorating the first anniversary of the Korea Local Government Council. He also discussed his research regarding the post-growth age, when peoples’ interests are shifting towards sustainability and happiness, with the keywords being the separation and reunion of “economics and ethics”.

Prof. Hiroi’s presentation was followed by two other research presentations, one by Seiji Kumagai (Associate Professor) and another by Aya Seike (Senior Lecturer).

Dr. Seike discussed how research on the current super-aging society is usually applied by giving presentations on research findings and problem-solving methods, or by developing intervention strategies. Such research findings can contribute to society, such as by developing awareness-raising activities and policy recommendations. To illustrate this, she showed the results of policy trends, surveys and randomized trials regarding the development of educational methods that can foster a culture of end-of-life care and effective stress management methods for people with dementia and their families. She concluded by introducing possible directions for future research based on her results.

Prof. Kumagai reported on his international activities, including assisting in imperial diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Japan. He also presented the results of his research on Asian spirituality, happiness, and ethics, including a comparative study of the philosophical history of kokoro-views in Buddhism and bon (an indigenous Himalayan religion) and a historical and philosophical study on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) policy.

In the second half of the event, there was a panel discussion comprising three presentations entitled, “Viewing the Consciousness of Our Time from the Perspective of LINE Counseling”, followed by a discussion. Prof. Kawai acted as moderator and Prof. Keiko Iwamiya (Human Sciences Department, Shimane University) as commentator.

The first speaker was Dr. Chihiro Hatanaka (Senior Lecturer), whose presentation was entitled “The Consciousness of Our Time and Kokoro in the Age of SNS.” She presented data and clinical cases covering several perspectives on how LINE, one of the most widespread social networking services in Japan, was able to penetrate society’s kokoro so quickly. At first glance, because it seems that people spit out their current situation or mood on LINE, one would expect their kokoro would to be divided or unstuck. But, she proposed, SNS is no longer “outside” one’s kokoro. Rather, the inside and outside of kokoro might have already become seamless.

Next, Prof. Yasushi Sugihara (Director, Center for Student Services, Kyoto University) gave a presentation outlining LINE-counseling project. Since the launch of the LINE-counseling service, he has acted as an academic advisor for many workplaces. He discussed the history of LINE-counseling and its initial difficulties, as well as it performs. Particularly impressive was the process showed with the simulated cases to see how clients’ kokoro was affected by the client-therapist dialogue.

The third speaker was Dr. Masataka Nakayama (Assistant Professor). He provided an analysis and interpretation of more than 1000 anonymized cases in his presentation, “A Data Analysis of the LINE-Counseling Project.” Although case studies are the primary methodology in the clinical psychology, the contents of such studies are not openly available to the public. The emergence of a format that can handle big data, like LINE-counseling, has opened up the possibility for deeper analysis from a cognitive science perspective in a form that guarantees anonymity.

After these three presentations, Prof. Kawai and Prof. Iwamiya joined the discussion. They discussed how, although people may think that counseling via LINE might be trivial, many users of LINE-counselling, including the younger generation, are able to talk effectively about their problems. This suggests that the tool (LINE) and its ability to offer limited consultations fit the kokoro of contemporary people.

The topics of discussion included SNS and contemporary consciousness, and the union of empirical research and clinical practice. One audience member asked whether or not a life force could be weakening today. The panel commented that, if one looks at the deeper, rather than the superficial effects of SNS, our psyche may have remained unchanged, though on the surface, it would be difficult to see this.

On May 31^st, 2019, Senior Lecturer Chihiro Hatanaka gave a lecture at the 2019 Promotion & Support Seminar for Dietary Education in Osaka City.

The seminar was jointly held by Osaka School Lunch Association of Public Interests Foundation, the Osaka Prefectural Government’s Board of Education, the Japanese Association for Dietetic Research and Education and the Osaka Prefectural Association for Dietetic Research and Education. The audience comprised nutrition teachers working at elementary and junior high schools in Osaka Prefecture. Nowadays, the work of nutrition teachers working at schools is expanding and dietary education often serves as a form of mental health care.

This was the first seminar in 2019 fiscal year, and the theme was “Children seen from a psychological perspective: Children’s psyche, then and now”. Senior Lecturer Hatanaka outlined how children were understood in traditional psychology and discussed how children’s psyche is changing in relation to food.

In this presentation, Dr. Hatanaka used psychological tests to examine the current situation, in which the younger generation has become less aggressive and assertive. In addition, the relation between the style of expressing aggression and physical and mental health was examined.

She presented evidence indicating that there is a relationship between one’s current/past health conditions and the expression/suppression of aggression/assertiveness. These results will be published in a paper.

Chihiro Hatanaka “Attitudes and adaptations of today’s university students” (the 8^th JAJP Conference, June 1 & 2, 2019, at Kyoto University, Kyoto City).

In recent years, demand has grown for psychological counseling provided via social networking services (SNS). Consultation services using LINE was first introduced on a trial basis by some local governments in 2017, with the support of the national government, and has been gradually rising ever since.

Given this situation, the AJCP conference gathered experts in the field of clinical psychology to discuss the needs, basic attitudes and skills necessary for such counselling.

In addition, they presented on the current state of the field and identified future challenges, based on data analysis of earlier projects. A high demand and interest in SNS counseling was observed, with the conference rooms crowded with many audience members. This project team will continue their investigation.

Presentations:

Sugihara. Y., Miyata. T., Hatanaka. C., Kawai. T., Tanaka. Y., Umemura. K., Konakawa. H., Fumiyama. C.: Counseling through LINE for bullying and preventing suicide (1), Characteristics and possibility of psychological support using social networking services (the 38^th AJCP conference, from June 7^th to 10^th at PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama City)

Miyata. T., Sugihara. Y., Kawai. T., Tanaka. Y., Hatanaka. C., Umemura. K., Konakawa. H., Fumiyama. C.: Counseling through LINE for bullying and preventing suicide (2), Discussion on how to proceed and respond in counseling with social networking services (the 38^th AJCP conference, from June 7^th to 10^th at PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama City)

Hatanaka. C., Kawai. T., Sugihara. Y., Miyata. T., Tanaka. Y., Umemura. K., Konakawa. H., Fumiyama. C.: Counseling through LINE for bullying and preventing suicide (3), Construction of methodology based on log data (the 38^th AJCP conference, from June 7^th to 10^th at PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama City)