114th metaPhorest Seminar

November 21th, 2025 (Friday) 19:00-20:40

114th metaPhorest Seminar: Shota Okabe hosted by AKI INOMATA

This event will be primarily in Japanese.

The metaPhorest seminar on Friday, November 21st will feature Shota Okabe as our speaker. Mr. Okabe will discuss “Building Relationships with Others Beyond Species. AKI INOMATA, a metaPhorest member, will host the event. We hope you can join us.

The talk will focus on the “Rat Petification Experiment” to explore the mechanisms behind harmonious relationships between different species. We will also discuss research stemming from this, including studies on humans and social robots (LOVOT), researchers' perspectives on animals, and research on compassion fatigue in animal experiment researchers.

Date, Place

November 21th, 2025 (Friday) 19:00-20:40 Waseda TWIns 3F Seminar room 3 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wy23SqPPMo3P7V8JA

ONLINE

This seminar can also be held online. Zoom Link

Shota Okabe

Shota Okabe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Graduate School of International Academic Studies, Chiba University. His research focuses on the mechanisms underlying the formation of affectionate relationships between humans and animals, humans and robots, and the social and psychological impacts of these relationships. Grounded in ethology, his research employs a cross-disciplinary approach, utilizing quantitative methods such as recording neuroendocrine states and conducting social surveys, alongside qualitative methods like interviews. His research subjects range from rodents to humans and social robots. Previously served as Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Azabu Veterinary College, Assistant Professor at Jichi Medical University, and Researcher at Benesse Senior Care Research Institute, Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd. Assumed current position in 2025. https://researchmap.jp/shotao

AKI INOMATA

Artist / Visiting Professor, Musashino Art University / Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Digital Hollywood University Graduate School) Creates works through collaboration with living creatures. Her works are held in major museums worldwide, including MoMA, Art Gallery of South Australia, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art. She has participated in numerous international exhibitions, such as the 15th Shanghai Biennale (2025), Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, and Aichi 2022.