The Morioka Regional Development Bureau held a lecture on the International Linear Collider (ILC) for 21 5th-year students at Tairadate Elementary School in Hachimantai City. There, the children deepened their interest in the elementary particles that make up all matter, and the machines that will make up the ILC.

Prof. Shinya Narita of the Department of Physical Science and Engineering at Iwate University taught the lecture, where he explained the history of the ILC project and the discovery of elementary particles. The students discussed in groups about how Iwate might change because of the ILC, and they came up with ideas about the future: “The exchange (of minds and cultures) will lead to world peace.” “It will become a good chance to share Iwate’s culture.”

Prof. Narita put his hopes in the children. “Within the ILC lies the potential to unlock good things and a future for Iwate. I hope you all become the main actors in this project.”

One student, Koga Saito, talked about the future: “I will be happy if the ILC is realized and the world begins to see Iwate.” Sakura Endo said, “Thanks to this class, the ILC feels closer to me than ever before.”