Keynote | Professor Yamanaka
Programs & Events
Professor Shunji Yamanaka Prototyping in Tokyo Exhibition at Japan House London, 2019. Photo by Jeremie Souteyrat.
Seminar Room • 15 May, 5.30pm–7pm
Book tickets“Our outputs are not limited to science fiction like plots, but contain real life stories experienced with concrete materiality and movement.”—Shunji Yamanaka
Professor Shunji Yamanaka is one of Japan’s most respected designers. An engineer as well as a designer, he has led innovative projects across robotics, advanced communication technologies and wearable designed prosthetics.
Hear Professor Yamanaka talk about the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative processes and consider the question of robotics for design and sociality, not just engineering, in this exclusive keynote at the National Communication Museum (NCM).
Currently on display in FRIEND, Professor Yamanaka’s speculative glasses and concept sketches for the remarkable JIZAI ARMS are shown alongside the supernumerary robotic limbs themselves, developed as part of the JIZAI Body Project. The project aims to enhance human capabilities by integrating wearable robotic arms with human movement with the potential to revolutionize personal robotics and human-computer interaction.
This program includes an after-hours opportunity to view FRIEND during the final week of the exhibition and a complimentary drink on arrival. A Japanese–English translator will attend to assist Professor Yamanaka.
This conversation is part of NCM's ongoing series exploring critical ideas at the forefront of robotics and embodied intelligence.
Program
- 5.30pm: Doors open, FRIEND exhibition viewing
- 6pm–7pm: Keynote | Professor Yamanaka
Speakers
Professor Shunji Yamanaka
Design Engineer
Born in 1957, Professor Yamanaka graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Tokyo. He began his career as a car designer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and served as a specially appointed associate professor at his alma mater from 1991 to 1994. In 1994, he founded Leading Edge Design Co., Ltd.. As a designer, he has created a wide range of products—from wristwatches and consumer electronics to furniture and railway vehicles—and, in collaboration with scientists, has developed advanced prototypes such as robotic vehicles and 3D-printed prosthetic legs for athletes. He is also known for designing the standardized user interface for IC-card ticket gates used across Japan. He became a professor at Keio University in 2008 and returned to The University of Tokyo in 2013. His work is in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art, and he has received honours including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.Professor Yamanaka's Prototyping & Design Laboratory, took part in the development of the ERATO Inami JIZAI Body Project’s JIZAI ARMS in collaboration with other researchers across Japan over five years. This project explored the concept of humans acting in unity with robots and AI while maintaining self-awareness, dramatically expanding the range of human action with a goal to create a “Freeing Body”.
This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2026, an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria
Sponsor
Venue Accessibility
- NCM is fully wheelchair accessible
- All gender and accessible toilets are available on both levels
- Hearing loop available
- NCM is a high sensory space with a variety of noise and lighting.
- This program includes seating for all attendees
- If you have any other access needs please get in touch, we'd love to help hello@ncm.org.au
More public programs exploring the JIZAI Body Project
Learn More About FRIEND
FRIEND
