The Japanese Medical Society of America, (JMSA) hosted the Kids Life Science forum on
Sunday April 28th with the support of the JAA NY. The event was a part of the JAA Sakura
Health Fair and took place at the JAA Hall on W. 45th Street. Dr. Ayako Kawatake-Kuno, a PhD
candidate in neuroscience at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was the main organizer of the
event with support from Dr. Sei Higuchi (JMSA Board Member), Dr. Keichii Ito (JMSA Member), and
Ms. Nina Harano (the former main organizer of the event).
Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath, President of JMSA, delivered an opening speech, highlighting the
mission of the Kids Life Science Forum: to spark children’s interest in STEM, medicine, and
science through engaging and playful activities. The event hold two sessions, each attended by
15–20 children aged 5 to 10. Participant kids rotated through six interactive stations focused on
medical and scientific topics, with activities led by physicians and life scientists. Five students
from the Keio Academy of New York volunteered to support the event.
Children had the opportunity to practice surgical suturing, learn about the human heart and
cardiovascular system using stethoscopes, explore how vocal cords produce sound, and
understand the origin of sounds. Other stations introduced them to using microscopes to
observe the veins in a leaf and making slime. Additionally, MIKIHOUSE had a booth where
children could experience the size of a newborn baby and compare their foot sizes. They
offered gifts, including a lunch box and bandanna, to the participating children.
The event provided early exposure to life science and medicine for children amongst the
Japanese community, and I hope it continues in future years.