NIMS Open Days

NIMS facilities are open to the public as part of Science and Technology Week,.

Every year, during the Monday to Sunday period that includes April 18th (which is known as ‘Invention Day’ in Japan) various events are held by organizations around the country as part of national Science and Technology Week. We usually participate by opening our facilities to the public during this time.

What is NIMS Open Day?

NIMS Open Day is an annual event that we hold during national Science and Technology Week. We open up to the general public, allowing you to come and enjoy exploration of our facilities.


During national Science and Technology Week, which is the week including April 18th, ‘Invention Day’, the NIMS laboratories and other facilities are open to the public. Visitors have the opportunity to witness demonstrations by our researchers and to participate in hands-on events related to materials science. Come and experience things you won’t typically see in your daily lives!


Main Open Day activities

We put on two main types of events: facility openings and special projects (maker projects) for young people. Our facility openings include exhibitions and demonstrations of research results related to materials and substances, while the special projects focus on hands-on experiences related to ‘making’. Some of these are so popular that there are waiting lists every year and some have fans who come regularly.

Facility openings

We open research facilities at our various sites to the general public. Visitors can explore our laboratories and witness demonstrations and talks by NIMS researchers.

Special projects (maker projects) for young people

Complementing our facility openings, we hold various events that provide hands-on experiences of ‘making’ using materials and substances. Those taking part get to take their creations home afterwards, as souvenirs of their visit. These events attract a wide range of attendees, from children to young adults.
Examples of past events
Around the Sengen site:
Handmade Mineral Foundation Workshop
This event is extremely popular among women. Learn to make skin-friendly mineral foundation using iron oxide materials. The foundation you create will be gifted to you on the spot!
Challenge Pewter Craft!
Challenge yourself to create a unique, one-of-a-kind medal with your family! Carve a mold with a carving knife, pour in melted tin, and cool it down to finish your very own medal!
Demonstration of Iron Casting
We will demonstrate sand casting of cast iron, a typical casting process. Watch the process of melting approximately 10kg of cast iron, heating it to about 1500°C until it liquefies and flows, pouring the molten iron into various sand molds, and making small cast items like frying pans!
Create Your Own Engraved Keychain
Try making your original keychain, stamping letters and patterns on a brass plate! Don’t worry if you have small children, our staff will provide careful support!
 Note: These are just a few examples of the events we put on.


About Science and Technology Week


National Science and Technology Week was established by a cabinet decision in 1960 to promote interest in and understanding of science and technology. It refers to the Monday-to-Sunday period that includes April 18th, which we call Invention Day. The 50th anniversary of this annual event was marked in 2009.
Organizations with links to science and technology often hold special events during this period.

Related files

Events in Tsukuba City

During Science and Technology Week, various events will be held in Tsukuba Science City, Ibaraki Prefecture, including those by NIMS and other research institutions. For details about the events at each institution, please visit their respective websites.


Inquiries about NIMS Open Day

Public Relations Office, Division of International Collaborations and Public Relations
1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
TEL. 029-859-2026
FAX. 029-859-2017
E-Mail: pr=nims.go.jp(Please change "=" to "@")
Please Note
For general inquiries about Science and Technology Week or related events at other institutions, please use the link below.

Related links