Tsuruoka Science Park Festival 2024 Was Held

2024.12.17

Tsuruoka Science Park Festival 2024 Successfully Held!

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Tsuruoka Science Park Festival 2024 was held with the participation of the Tsuruoka Science Park (General Incorporated Association). The event was organized by the Tsuruoka Science Park Festival Executive Committee and marked its second edition following last year’s inaugural festival.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the festival welcomed approximately 1,500 visitors, primarily local elementary, junior high, and high school students, making the event a great success.

Nearly the entire Tsuruoka Science Park facility was opened to the public for the occasion. In the main lecture hall, the morning program featured a cross-disciplinary talk titled “Science Talk: Shonai as a Hub of Knowledge,” focusing on environmental issues and climate change, presented by researchers from Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Keio University, Yamagata University Faculty of Agriculture, Tsuruoka National College of Technology, and Tohoku University of Community Service and Science.

In the afternoon, a top-runner talk session titled “Discussing Agriculture through Science and Technology: How the Aigamo Robot Is Transforming Agribusiness” was held, featuring President Yamanaka of SHONAI Inc., Executive Director Inoue of Inoue Farm Co., Ltd., Representative Onodera of Shonai Kyodo Farm, and Keio University student Mr. Nagahisa.

In addition, participants enjoyed interactive activities such as a stamp rally and quiz mission that guided visitors throughout the facility, as well as pre-registration laboratory tours, which provided rare access to normally restricted areas and offered insights into the purpose and significance of the park.

A total of 47 exhibition booths, an increase from last year, were set up, including hands-on bio-experiments, science experiences, and educational programs by organizations and companies based in the science park. Collaborative booths between park-based and local companies were also featured, along with food booths selling products jointly developed by the IAB, Keio University, and regional companies using metabolomics technologies. In addition, 16 food trucks participated, creating a lively atmosphere and ensuring an engaging day filled with science for all attendees.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and to all those who contributed to making this event possible.

Media Coverage

The event was featured in the Shonai Nippo newspaper on November 3, 2024, under the headline:

“「見たい、知りたい」科学の楽しさ伝える 鶴岡サイエンスパークまつり 体験・実験 子どもたち興味津々”

For more details, please visit the official website:
Tsuruoka Science Park Festival 2024