Profile
Koji Hashimoto / Takahiro Yamamoto （JPS, Quantum Fest Committee）
What we want to achieve through our research activities
It has been 100 years since Heisenberg published the paper that laid the foundation for quantum mechanics. It has been scientifically proven that the microscopic origin of all matter and the universe is governed by quantum mechanics. You, me, and the universe all follow quantum mechanics.
Japan is one of the countries which, for the past 100 years, have led the world in quantum physics research. And now, we are entering an era in which technologies such as quantum computers and quantum sensors will be used in our daily lives. For example, quantum mechanics has the potential to advance medicine and solve energy problems.
However, there are still limited opportunities to learn about quantum mechanics and its applied technologies. We want more people to know the power of this wonderful science. And we believe that this will lead to the advancement of quantum mechanics and the progress of society as a whole.
Therefore, JPS will hold a festival to allow more people to "experience" the magnificent theme of quantum mechanics and take the first step into the next 100 years.
Our approach to achieve the goal
When you hear the term "quantum mechanics," many people may have an image of it being specialized and difficult. In fact, quantum mechanics is a mainstream field in physics, but to study it in depth, you need to major in physics at university, and there are limited opportunities for non-specialists to come into contact with it. Unfortunately, quantum mechanics is often treated as pseudo-scientific in general books and media.
In order to fill this gap and let many people know the correct form of quantum mechanics, it is essential for researchers to reach out to the public community. JPS has been holding events to make people feel the charm of physics, and has had many successes. For example, JPS public lectures held at various locations and JPS online physics lectures have been well received, and have fostered an interest in science among junior and senior high school students who have participated.
And this time, to celebrate the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics, we will hold a "Quantum Fest" at the Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on June 14th and 15th in 2025! This festival is a new attempt by JPS to allow everyone to experience the quantum world while having fun. In addition to lectures and exhibitions by researchers, we will conduct an innovative initiative that combines "quantum and music". We hope that through the universal joy of music, you will be able to "experience" the mysterious world of quantum mechanics from the bottom of your heart.
We hope that this memorable event will be a wonderful gateway to the quantum world for many people.
The theme of this project
Quantum and music share the common property of “waves”. Quantum has the characteristic of behaving like a wave, while music also consists of overlapping waves. Taking advantage of this similarity, we wanted people to “experience” the wonder of quantum through music.
Music moves people to the depths of their hearts. Quantum will resonate with your hearts and minds by using music as a point of contact, and that will lead to your interest in quantum. From there, we hope to make the idea of quantum more familiar in the public community by encouraging people to pick up books by quantum researchers and attend lectures and other events.
Quantum refers to the microscopic properties of matter. The smallest unit of matter is called an “elementary particle”, and elementary particles behave as a quantum. Therefore, in this project “Quantum x Music”, in which Koji Hashimoto, a member of the Quantum Fest Executive Committee, is participating, the types and movements of elementary particles are translated into symphonic music to express the properties of quantum in music. There are 17 types of elementary particles, each of which is assigned a number. If we translate them into musical chords, the movement of all the elementary particles “sticking together and separating” becomes music. Koji Hashimoto developed this idea with the internationally acclaimed composer Yannick Paget. Mr. Paget developed the composition in the form of a symphony. He was intrigued by the similarities between quantum ideas and the theory of musical composition, which led to this collaboration.
During the production process, Hashimoto, a researcher in particle theory, explained the properties and rules of elementary particles to Paget. For example, he drew a diagram of elementary particles related to nuclear fusion, the mechanism that makes the sun shine, and using a method of translating it into the musical chords, Paget created a beautiful symphony while retaining the essence of the quantum movement. This work was first performed at the Miyako Messe in 2022, and has been rearranged for this Quantum Fest, adding even more depth to its content through the special atmosphere of Miraikan.
The symphony will be performed in the Symbol Zone of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. The performance of quantum music under a large sphere of globe will take you to the world of the future. The Kyoto-based performance group “N'SO KYOTO” (Enso Kyoto) and a professional orchestra will perform this music. Their sensitive and powerful performance will bring this work to life and invite you into the world of quantum.
Through our unique “Quantum Music” initiative, we will bring you the excitement of music and quantum entanglement. Please look forward to it!
We appreciate your support!
Our goal for Quantum Fest is to provide an opportunity for all participants to become familiar with and interested in the quantum world. We hope that participants will be exposed to the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and the possibilities that its application can bring to the public, and enjoy science and the future from a new perspective. Through music, exhibits and lectures, our goal is to make people feel that quantum is not as a “difficult science” but as an exciting world connected to everyday life.
Your support will be used to cover the costs of the Quantum x Music performances and the running of the event. Your support is vital to the success of this festival.
Quantum has great potential to open up our future. Please help us to bring its fascination to as many people as possible and to build a bridge between science and the public community. Let's experience the unique quantum music together and open the door to a new era. We sincerely ask for your kindly support!
Chairperson: Takahiro Yamamoto (Professor, Tokyo University of Science)
Vice-Chairperson: Takuji Okamoto (Professor, The University of Tokyo)
Programme Committee Chairperson: Koji Hashimoto (Professor, Kyoto University)
Treasurer Committee Chairperson: Shuichi Kakuno (Professor, Tokyo Metropolitan University)
External Relations Committee Chairperson: Yasuno Ishihara (Professor, Chiba University)
Recommender's comment
Yobinori Takumi
When I was a child, the world of quantum science was something I simply admired, but as I studied physics, I realized that it actually exists all around us. I sincerely hope that many people will feel the same way through this event. And if you're even a little interested, check out the Yobinori video to learn more!
Yobinori video: https://www.youtube.com/@yobinori
QuizKnock Sunuki Sunuki
I will never forget the feeling of elation I felt when I wandered into the quantum mechanics section of the book club when I became a university student. I'm starting to get excited thinking that this festival will be a place for everyone who has the same expectations as me to come together. We are now supporting a two-day program where you can learn about quantum mechanics, which is also used as the foundation of the latest semiconductor technology!
Integral Circle Runto
Congratulations on holding the Quantum Festival! When studying quantum mechanics, I am always amazed at how the microscopic world goes beyond our intuition and is deeply connected to the grand dynamics of the universe. We hope that this event will convey the fun and possibilities of quantum science to many people, and serve as a place to generate new interests and discoveries. We sincerely support the success of crowdfunding and the great success of the festival!
Miki Igarashi
As science has been expressed through dance both domestically and internationally, I am excited about the collaboration between quantum mechanics and classical music. We support and wholeheartedly support efforts to spread quantum mechanics as a culture, make it take root, and preserve it. We are supporting crowdfunding in the hope that this event will help people think about the next 100 years of quantum science and become interested in some aspects of quantum physics.
Shuji Hasagawa
The Physical Society of Japan, which has a history of 150 years and includes 15 Nobel Prize winners, is attempting crowdfunding for the first time. In commemoration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we will be holding "Quantum Fest,'' a symphonic concert inspired by quantum. If you think that the Society of Physics is unsuitable for researching difficult topics, you are wrong. Physics and music are “entangled”!
Project timeline
| Date | Plans |
|---|---|
| June 14 and 15, 2025 | Quantum Fest to be held |
Pledge Rewards
We will send you a QuizKnock × JPS collaboration sticker.
You can also join JPS as an Affiliate Member in 2025 for free.
*Student Affiliate Members (junior and senior high school students and undergraduates) are always welcome to join for free. We will send you an invitation to join.
Free JPS Affiliate Membership Registration Fee (for those who wish to join) *Student Affiliate Membership is always free of charge / QurioS × JPS Collaboration Sticker
Support this project6 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the 3,300 yen refund, we will send you a video commentary on the concert by Hashimoto and Paget.
Free JPS Affiliate Membership Registration Fee (for those who wish to join) *Student Affiliate Membership is always free of charge / QurioS × JPS Collaboration Sticker / Performance & commentary video viewing
Support this project7 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the 5,500 yen refund, we will invite you to a special seat for crowdfunding supporters at the concert. In addition, we will also send you a QurioS x JPS Collaboration Notebook!
Free JPS Affiliate Membership Registration Fee (for those who wish to join) *Student Affiliate Membership is always free of charge / Performance & commentary video viewing / Concert invitation (1 person) / QurioS × JPS collaboration goods assortment
Support this project18 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the performance & commentary video and an invitation to the concert (for one person), we will also send you an assortment of QurioS x JPS Collaboration Goods (karuta, tumbler, notebook, stickers)!
Free JPS Affiliate Membership Registration Fee (for those who wish to join) *Student Affiliate Membership is always free of charge / Performance & commentary video viewing / Concert invitation (1 person) / QurioS × JPS collaboration goods assortment
Support this project5 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the 33,000 yen refund, your name will be published in a pamphlet distributed on the day.
Free JPS Affiliate Membership Registration Fee (for those who wish to join) *Student Affiliate Membership is always free of charge / Performance & commentary video viewing / Concert invitation (1 person) / QurioS × JPS collaboration goods assortment / Your name will be listed in the pamphlet
Support this project6 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
Your logo (small) will be displayed on the pamphlet distributed on the day and on the screen.
We will also send you a video of the performance and commentary.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(small) printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
We will invite one person to a special seat at the concert.
In addition, your logo (small) will be displayed in the pamphlet distributed on the day and on the screen on the day.
* If you would like to post a video on our website or distribute flyers, we can accommodate your request.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(small) printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (1 person)
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
Two people will be invited to a special seat at the concert.
In addition, your logo (normal size) will be displayed in the pamphlet distributed on the day and on the screen on the day.
* If you would like to post a video on the website or distribute flyers, we can accommodate your request.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(normal size)printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (2 people)
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
Four people will be invited to a special seat at the concert.
In addition, your logo (normal size) will be displayed in the pamphlet distributed on the day and on the screen on the day.
* If you would like to post a video on the website or distribute flyers, we can accommodate your request.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(normal size)printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (4 people)
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the Platinum Sponsorship rewards, we will provide special on-site lectures by members of JPS upon request. We will discuss the specific content and schedule individually.
* Depending on the location, accommodation and transport costs may be charged separately. Locations are limited to within Japan.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(normal size)printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (4 people) / Lecture by a member of JPS
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
In addition to the Diamond Sponsor rewards, we will have PR time as a special sponsor on the day.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(normal size)printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (4 people) / Lecture by a member of JPS / PR time on the day of the event
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （Limited to 3）
In addition to the Diamond Sponsor rewards, we will also ask you to name the concert.
We will also reserve PR time for you as a Premium Sponsor on the day.
Performance & commentary video viewing / Logo(normal size)printed on the day's pamphlet and on the screen on the day / Invitation to special seat at the concert (4 people) / Lecture by a member of JPS / PR time on the day of the event / Naming rights for the concert
Support this project0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （Limited to 1）
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QurioS x The Physical Society of Japan Collaboration Sticker and others
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6
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
Performance & commentary video viewing and others
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7
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
Concert invitation (1 person) and others
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18
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
QurioS × JPS collaboration goods assortment and others
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5
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
Individual concert sponsorship and others
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6
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
[For Corporations] Bronze Sponsor and others
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0
supporters
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[For Corporations] Silver Sponsor and others
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0
supporters
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（No quantity limit）
[For Corporations] Gold Sponsor and others
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0
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（No quantity limit）
[For Corporations] Platinum Sponsor and others
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0
supporters
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（No quantity limit）
[For Corporations] Diamond Sponsor and others
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0
supporters
back
（No quantity limit）
[For corporations and Individuals] Special sponsorship (limited to 3) and others
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0
supporters
back
（Limited to 3）
[For corporations] Premium sponsorship (limited to 1) and others
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0
supporters
back
（Limited to 1）
academist Prize 4th adopted
