Exploring the "Chikyu" Ship: Professionals Behind Scientific Frontiers (Miraikan)

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Odaiba will host "Professionals Supporting the Forefront of Science" on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the "Chikyu" deep-sea drilling vessel and the professionals who make its cutting-edge research possible.

Behind the Scenes of the Deep-Sea Vessel "Chikyu"

The "Chikyu" is a state-of-the-art scientific drilling vessel operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). By drilling into the seabed to retrieve geological samples and installing observation equipment, it has achieved significant results in understanding the mechanisms of large earthquakes, deciphering environmental changes, exploring life in the deep subsurface, and searching for new marine resources. The success of projects that drill even deeper beneath the seabed relies not only on researchers but also on a diverse team of professionals, including drilling engineers and sample analysis technicians. This event will shed light on their crucial roles.

The Work and Teamwork of Professionals

Featured speakers include Nobuhisa Eguchi from JAMSTEC, who manages research and drilling teams, and Soichi Moriya from Marine Work Japan, responsible for "Chikyu's" onboard laboratories and sample analysis. They will share insights into their daily work, the variety of jobs on the ship, and life at sea. Haruka Maruyama, a science communicator at Miraikan, will join them to discuss the teamwork involved, highlighting the 2025 operation to install a thermometer in the ultra-deep sea.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
• Time: 14:00 - 15:30
• Venue: Miraikan, 3F Hub Space (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
• Target Audience: Recommended for 3rd graders and up, especially those interested in science and manufacturing.
• Capacity: 36 participants
• Fee: Admission fee only
• Application Period: July 23, 2026 (Thu) 17:00 - August 1, 2026 (Sat)

How to Participate

Registration for a Miraikan ID (free) is required to apply. Parents registering for children should use their own ID and add the child's name under family settings. Photography may occur during the event for use on official websites and reports; please inform staff if you do not wish to be photographed. Personal photography is permitted, but please be mindful of others. Subtitles will be provided via a speech recognition app.

Access

The venue is accessible via Yurikamome Tokyo Big Sight Station or Rinkai Line Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. Please check the official website for the latest information, including ticket availability and any restrictions on items brought into the venue.