During the 2026 Tohoku University Open Campus, held on July 29 and 30, the Chicago-Tohoku
Quantum Alliance (a collaboration between the University of Chicago and Tohoku University)
presented an interactive exhibit on quantum-related fields. Approximately 400 people of all ages,
primarily elementary, junior high, and high school students, visited it.
This year, the University of Chicago unveiled a newly developed quantum game, expanding the
range of activities compared to last year. The games, which were well-received, were designed to
allow visitors to understand quantum behavior visually and intuitively through interaction. After
participating, many of the student visitors had positive comments, such as ‘I’ve become even more
interested in quantum research’, and ‘It made me feel drawn to learning at university.’
The display was operated by Tohoku University’s Fukami-Kanai Laboratory at the Research
Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC). Visitors were guided in both Japanese and English by
a team that included members of Tohoku University and five members from the University of
Chicago (faculty and students). Through the introduction of a new game this year and discussions on
technical explanations and operational methods in advance of the event, the Chicago-Tohoku
Quantum Alliance students were able to learn through collaboration and build upon their previous
mutual exchange.
This project enabled Tohoku University to share its globally engaged research and educational
activities with people from a wide range of age groups and provided a valuable opportunity to
increase interest in science.
