February 6, 2025
Takuto Aizawa, a first-year student in the master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance and a member of the laboratory of Professor Fumio Shimpo of the Faculty of Policy Management, received the Early Bird Presentation Award at the 51st Autumn Conference of the Japan Society for Information and Communication Research (JSICR) 2024.
The Japan Society for Information and Communication Research (JSICR) was established with the aim of "promoting comprehensive and interdisciplinary research and investigation related to information and communication, fostering cooperation among researchers, and thereby contributing to the development of communication." The 51st JSICR conference was held online in December 2024.
The Early Bird Presentation Award is given to presentations in the student category of individual research presentations that are deemed outstanding.
Aizawa's presentation, "Analysis of Social Acceptance of Reviving the Deceased Using Avatar Technology," was recognized for its particular novelty in analyzing the factors that determine attitudes of acceptance toward "reviving the deceased" based on data collected at an event he conducted at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan). In the selection process, the presentation was also highly praised for its appropriate description of the research content, its reference to the practical aspects of applying the research findings to society, and its potential to support future efforts toward the social implementation of the technology.
Comment from Takuto Aizawa
I never dreamed I would receive such a wonderful award for my first conference presentation, and I am truly surprised. At the same time, I am sincerely delighted and feel it is a great honor.
This research was made possible only with the support of the event participants who cooperated in the survey, and my academic advisors, especially Professor Fumio Shimpo, who has always provided me with dedicated guidance. I would also like to express my deep gratitude for the efforts of everyone at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and PocketRD Inc.
This award is the result of the support of everyone involved in this research. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude.
From: General Affairs Section, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office