PublicationsMedia Coverage

This page presents major media coverage and broadcast appearances related to the research, educational, and outreach activities of the laboratory. Major outlets are included as comprehensively as possible based on available records.

I. Television & Broadcast

Television and broadcast appearances, interviews, and media cooperation, including both national and local programs.

2025: October 3, 2025 NHK Fukuoka — “Roku-ichi! Fukuoka” — Does tasty food improve concentration? Latest research featured; also discussed as a “study-time power meal” (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.web.nhk/tv/an/rokuichi/pl/series-tep-QM853J35JW/ep/WWWPZY167Z; June 15, 2025 NHK “Science ZERO” (Nationwide) — Approaching the essence of fire: the frontiers of combustion science (online appearance).; May 27, 2025 TBS TV “THE TIME,” (Nationwide) — Research announcement featured: “delicious fried rice” may “wake up” the brain (online appearance).; May 22, 2025 Fuji TV “Live News It!” / segment “Mokugeki!” (Nationwide) — FNN Prime Online: “delicious fried rice” may activate the brain and enhance motivation; EEG analysis suggests a focused state (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/875974; May 20, 2025 TNC TV Nishinippon (Fukuoka) — news coverage — TNC News (Fukuoka): study using frozen fried rice suggests that “deliciousness” can activate the brain and shift it into a focus mode; may also enhance motivation (Japanese only).
Link: https://news.tnc.co.jp/news/articles/NID2025052025559/
2024: July 23, 2024 TV Tokyo “Ariehen ∞ Sekai” — Rebroadcast of a program to which the laboratory provided reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2023: June 2023 Nippon TV “Kazlaser & Manabu.” — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2022: August 11, 2022 TBS network (Kyushu–Yamaguchi regional broadcast) — Appeared on a medical special program on the brain (Japanese only).; June 2022 TV Tokyo “Ariehen ∞ Sekai” — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2021: July 8, 2021 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting “Tadaima!” — Appeared in a feature on “fragrance pollution / chemical sensitivity” (Part 4) (Japanese only).; June 9, 2021 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting — News Department (reporter) — Experimental cooperation for a nationwide broadcast feature on “fragrance pollution / chemical sensitivity” (Japanese only).; April 16, 2021 TV Asahi “Super J Channel” (Nationwide) — News coverage of the press conference for the research release: air-conditioning comfort depends on wind direction (Japanese only).; February 11, 2021 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting “Tadaima!” — Appeared in a feature on “fragrance pollution / chemical sensitivity” (Part 3) (Japanese only).
2020: December 11, 2020 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting “Tadaima!” — Appeared in a feature on “fragrance pollution / chemical sensitivity” (Part 2) (Japanese only).; November 12, 2020 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting “Tadaima!” — Appeared in a feature on “fragrance pollution / chemical sensitivity” (Part 1) (Japanese only).; January 18, 2020 TV Tokyo “Sports Watcher” — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2017: September 21, 2017 RKB Mainichi Broadcasting “Kyokan News” — Research featured: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).; September 15, 2017 TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting — “Fukuoka Satellite” — Research featured: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).; September 14, 2017 FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting — “Mentai Plus” — Research featured: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).
2015: March 12, 2015 NHK Fukuoka — interview support — Provided background and research input for an NHK reporter (Japanese only).

II. Radio & Audio Media

Radio and audio media appearances, interviews, and media cooperation.

2024: June 16, 2024 KBC Radio “Satoko no Heya” — Guest appearance (Japanese only).; June 6, 2024 TBS Radio “Connect” (Tokyo key station) — “Connect Seminar”: Does a campfire have a healing effect? (live appearance, Japanese only).
Link: https://www.tbsradio.jp/articles/84203/; April 17, 2024 KBS Kyoto Radio “Shohei Kohei’s Hokkahoka Radio” — Live appearance (Japanese only).
2021: May 23, 2021 TBS Radio “Shinichiro Azumi’s Sunday Heaven” — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).

III. Newspapers

Newspaper coverage in print and related media cooperation.

2026: January 4, 2026 The Asahi Shimbun “Think Campus” (Professor Interview Series) — Does delicious food enhance study concentration? Kyushu University research using fried rice reveals links between motivation and brain responses (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.asahi.com/thinkcampus/article-121225/
2025: September 6, 2025 The Asahi Shimbun (Morning Edition, p.27) — Can “deliciousness” enhance motivation? (Japanese only).
2024: May 23, 2024 The Nishinippon Shimbun (p.10) — “Campfires activate the brain”: Book publication by Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).; May 8, 2024 The Yomiuri Shimbun (Evening Edition, p.9) — Why are people drawn to campfires? A neuroscientist’s hands-on investigation confirms relaxation and brain activation; later published as a book (Japanese only).; April 21, 2024 The Gifu Shimbun (p.6) — Featured in the regional books column: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.gifu-np.co.jp/list/show-paper?date=20240421; April 5, 2024 The Nishinippon Shimbun (Evening Edition, p.2) — Featured in the book recommendation column: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).; March 31, 2024 The Toyama Shimbun — Book review of Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).; March 31, 2024 The Sanyo Shimbun — Book review of Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).; March 31, 2024 The Shimotsuke Shimbun — Book review of Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).; March 21, 2024 The Sankei Shimbun (Kyushu–Yamaguchi Edition, p.21) — Campfires may lower alpha waves and induce a state of “arousal”: a neuroscientist measures his own brainwaves for the first time (Japanese only).
2021: April 19, 2021 The Denki Shimbun (Morning Edition, p.4) — Research coverage: air-conditioning comfort depends on wind direction (Japanese only).; April 15, 2021 The Chunichi Shimbun (Morning Edition) — Research coverage: air-conditioning comfort depends on wind direction (Japanese only).; April 15, 2021 The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (Fukuoka, Morning Edition, p.24) — Research coverage: air-conditioning comfort depends on wind direction (Japanese only).; April 4, 2021 The Yomiuri Shimbun (Morning Edition) — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2019: February 22, 2019 The Nishinippon Shimbun — Fragrance sensitivity and “scent harassment” in Japan: expert commentary by Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).
2018: December 8, 2018 The Kishu Shimbun — “Find something no one else has”: lecture by Associate Professor Okamoto at Hidaka Future School (Japanese only).; June 25, 2018 The Japan Distribution Newspaper — Laboratory visit: Kyushu University research suggests air conditioning without direct airflow may be more comfortable (Japanese only).
2013: February 7, 2013 The Nikkei (The Nihon Keizai Shimbun) — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 7, 2013 The Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 7, 2013 The Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 7, 2013 The Yamaguchi Shimbun — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 2013 The Japan Agricultural News — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 2013 The Ibaraki Shimbun — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).; February 2013 The Daily Tohoku Shimbun — Research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).
2011: October 2011 The Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun — Visual information reconstructed in the brain: neurons responsible for recognition identified at Kyushu University (Japanese only).
2006: December 2006 The Hidaka Shinpo — Introduction of research on the Digital Medicine Initiative (Japanese only).

IV. Online Media

Online news and web media coverage.

2026: February 2, 2026 Mainichi Shimbun — Featured research and book: “Campfires are ‘five-senses entertainment’”—a neuroscientist’s conclusion after examining the healing effect (web: Jan 31, 2026; print: Feb 2, 2026, morning edition, p.8) (Japanese only).; January 23, 2026 Kumanichi Spice (Issue 810; Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun) — Book featured in a wood-stove special (web: “Warm cafés, hot springs, and lodgings with wood stoves in Kumamoto”) (Japanese only).
2025: December 24, 2025 Atmos (U.S. environment & culture magazine) — Long interview published: “What Happens When a Town Governs From the Future?”
Link: https://atmos.earth/climate-solutions/what-happens-when-a-town-governs-from-the-future; July 10, 2025 The Yomiuri Shimbun (Morning Edition, p.23 & online) — Can “deliciousness” wake up the brain? Motivation and concentration may rise after a meal—Kyushu University & Nichirei Foods (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/20250710-OYT1T50035/; June 30, 2025 The Asahi Shimbun (Evening Edition, p.3 & online) — “Buratto Lab”: Can deliciousness boost motivation? (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.asahi.com/articles/DA3S16246389.html; June 4, 2025 The Asahi Shimbun (online) — Can a delicious meal boost motivation? Tested with frozen fried rice; links between taste and the brain (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST6302LST63UTFL017M.html; February 15, 2025 The Nishinippon Shimbun (p.19) & Nishinippon Shimbun me — A campfire talk event at Tonaru Village (Fukuoka) featuring Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto was introduced (Japanese only).
2024: September 2, 2024 The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (online and print) — “Author Spotlight”: Tsuyoshi Okamoto, Neuroscience of Bonfires: Why Humans Get Hooked on Campfires (Japanese only).; June 28, 2024 MSIISM (media supervised by Mathematical Systems Inc., NTT DATA Group) — Interview article published (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.msiism.jp/article/okamoto-firepit-and-neuroscience.html; May 23, 2024 Nishinippon Shimbun me — “Campfires activate the brain”: Book publication by Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/n/1214337/; May 8, 2024 The Yomiuri Shimbun Online (Kyushu news) — Why are people drawn to campfires? A neuroscience researcher’s hands-on investigation; later published as a book (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kyushu/news/20240508-OYTNT50087/; April 13, 2024 Chubu Keizai Shimbun Online — Book introduction: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
Link: https://chukei-online.com/article/OK0002404130a0101; April 5, 2024 Nishinippon Shimbun me — Featured in the book recommendation column: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/n/1197584/; April 4, 2024 Shinbunka Online — Book introduction: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.shinbunka.co.jp/archives/7397; March 25, 2024 Nikkei COMEMO — Article introducing Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
Link: https://comemo.nikkei.com/n/ncfc1afc52d99; March 18, 2024 Sankei News (top page feature at 12:00) — Campfires may lower alpha waves and induce a state of “arousal”: a neuroscientist measures his own brainwaves for the first time (Japanese only).
Link: https://www.sankei.com/article/20240318-5CZBLBO53FIGVMNYDFHFOCO54I/; January 31–February 2, 2024 HVAC&R JAPAN 2024 — The laboratory’s work was introduced at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems “AirFlex” booth (Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 1–2) (Japanese only).
2021: August 30, 2021 MyNavi News (TECH+) and other online outlets — News coverage of the research release: three-day EEG training improves long-term memory (Japanese only).; April 15, 2021 The Nikkei (The Nihon Keizai Shimbun) (print p.2 & online) — News coverage of the research release: air-conditioning comfort depends on wind direction (Japanese only).
2019: February 27, 2019 The Nishinippon Shimbun (web) — Deep-rooted “fragrance pollution” debate: expert interview (Part 1). Individual differences in odor perception—Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).
2018: September 14, 2018 The Nikkei (web) — Press-release coverage: citrus odors impair memory for the color orange (Japanese only).; September 14, 2018 ITmedia Business Online — Kyushu University finding: adding fragrance may backfire; citrus odors make the color orange harder to remember (Japanese only).; September 1, 2018 University Journal Online — Effects of odors that are “pleasant but disliked” or “unpleasant but liked” (Kyushu University research) (Japanese only).; August 17, 2018 The Nikkei (web) — Kyushu University clarifies odor characteristics such as “smells nice but I dislike it” (Japanese only).
2017: September 20, 2017 Kensetsu Tsushin Shimbun (web) — Research coverage: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).; September 15, 2017 The Nikkei (web) — Research coverage: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).; September 15, 2017 MyNavi News (Technology) — Research coverage: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).; September 14, 2017 ITmedia LifeStyle — Research coverage: world first—revealing how HVAC airflow affects brain activity (Japanese only).
2013: March 13, 2013 Rinsei News (magazine article) — Introduction of a research project analyzing comfort of wooden living environments using neuroscience (Japanese only).
2011: November 2011 Nature Japan (web) — Featured in “Scientific Reports: Noteworthy papers.” Context-dependent response modulation predicted to vary with distance from pinwheel centers in orientation maps (Japanese only).; March 2011 Mycom Journal (web news) — Kyushu University and collaborators propose a new hypothesis on functional organization of the primary visual cortex (Japanese only).

V. Magazines & Trade Media

Magazine coverage, book reviews, and trade or industry media, including member magazines and catalogs.

2025: September 22, 2025 MEXT Education News (Monbukagakusho Kyoiku Tsushin), No. 612 — Featured in a Ryukoku University professor’s series, “Designing the Future Society and Universities through Future Design,” introducing Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto’s Future Design initiatives (Japanese only).; February 1, 2025 Mizuho Bank member magazine “Fole” (February issue) — Interview article featuring Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).
2024: December 10, 2024 Magazine “Garvy” (January 2025 issue) — “Camp People” Vol. 13: Tsuyoshi Okamoto (Japanese only).; July 9, 2024 Magazine “Sarai” (August issue) — Featured book: Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
2023: January 2023 Weekly Josei (Shufu to Seikatsusha) — Reporting/production support (Japanese only).
2021: October 2021 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries — Saison air-conditioner catalog (21PAC PA-2), pp. 5 and 17 — Introduced our joint research with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems and the related paper (Japanese only).
2018: November 28, 2018 AROMA RESEARCH — Special feature: “Current Fragrance and Odor Research at Research Institutions III” — Okamoto Laboratory (Japanese only).

VI. Other

Items that do not fit neatly into the categories above.

2026: January 25, 2026 Book: Practical Future Design: A Quiet Social Revolution (Nikkei BP) — Introduces Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Okamoto’s work and the Future Design Consortium (Japanese only).
2024: April 25, 2024 The Okinawa Times (Morning Edition, Culture p.11) — Book review of Neuroscience of Bonfires (Japanese only).
2018: December 8, 2018 The Hidaka Shinpo — Talk at Hidaka Future School: “Right-brain vs. left-brain is a myth” (lecture by Okamoto, neuroscientist) (Japanese only).; December 7, 2018 The Hidaka Shinpo — Announcement/coverage: Associate Professor Okamoto invited to Hidaka High School for a Hidaka Future School lecture (Japanese only).

First published: August 13, 2014.
Major revision: February 21, 2026.
Last updated: April 6, 2026.