Keio University

Centre for Contemplative Studies(SU)

Publish: June 30, 2025
KGRI

Summary

The past two decades has seen an increased interest in the application of contemplative practice to fields such as education, medicine, welfare, politics, and business. Contemplative learning/practice fundamentally explores the question of who we are - starting from the awareness of our senses, to an awareness of our interdependence with others as part of a systemic whole. Through contemplative practice we learn to skillfully engage with others, and to find common ground towards peaceful, ethical and sustainable flourishing. This centre promotes well-being, creativity and social transformation through contemplative approaches to learning and research - or contemplative studies. Contemplative studies brings together interdisciplinary scientific research on contemplative practice with experiential knowledge and ancient wisdom from diverse cultural traditions, to explore approaches to learning and research that is holistic and embodied. The KCCS will play a leading role in establishing the field of contemplative studies in Japan, and in becoming a global hub for collaborative synergy amongst practitioners, researchers, children, youth, professionals, and all persons, organisms and technologies through offering educational programs, workshops and art events, and through theoretical and empirical research. As a global center located in Japan, it will also foster research on and through Japanese contemplative traditions and cultures - and explore the potentials of innovation within tradition and culture, and within Japanese Studies.

Operational Period

2024/03/01~2026/02/28

Members  ◎ indicates the project leader

Project Members

Principal Investigator

Yuki Imoto

Associate ProfessorFaculty of Science and TechnologyEducational Anthropology, Contemplative Education

Masahiro Niitsuma

Associate ProfessorGraduate School of System Design and ManagementCognitive Science, Acoustic Engineering, AI, Embodiment

Mario Kumekawa

ProfessorFaculty of LettersGoethean Natural Science, Embodiment, Color Theory