01
Mind & Aesthetic Experience
The cognitive and neural processes behind beauty, art, emotion, awe, empathy and meaning.
A new research community · Founded in 2026, Japan
Exploring beauty.
Understanding humanity.
At the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, art and society, we investigate how aesthetic experiences shape the way we live and connect.
ART × MIND × SOCIETYNeuroaestheticsLab / 2026
01 — ∞New connections, new questions.
01 / ABOUT
OUR PURPOSE
What can aesthetic experience bring to our world?
We seek to understand how aesthetic experiences shape our relationships with ourselves, others, society and culture — and to contribute to human flourishing and the creation of cultural value.
Founded in September 2026, Neuroaesthetics Lab (NAL) is an independent interdisciplinary initiative based in Japan. We connect the sciences and the arts, creating opportunities for research, dialogue and real-world collaboration.
NeuroaestheticsHuman flourishingCreative inquiryInterdisciplinary
02 / WHAT WE EXPLORE
Research across boundaries.
From basic science to creative practice and social impact, NAL brings different perspectives into dialogue.
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Art, Culture & Creativity
How artistic expression and creative experiences interact with human development, values and cultures.
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Society & Well-being
Research and partnerships that explore how art and aesthetic experiences can enrich lives and communities.
03 / OUR COMMUNITY
People make the connections.
An evolving network of researchers, thinkers, artists and collaborators.
Board of Directors
03Research Fellows
02Collaborators
04Design Partner
01Affiliations are listed for identification and do not imply institutional endorsement. Individual portrait photographs are being prepared.
04 / LATEST
News & encounters.
2026.12.02—03
UPCOMING
↗Connecting at the Neuroarts Global Summit 2026
NAL will be represented at the inaugural Neuroarts Global Summit in Washington, D.C. We look forward to meeting researchers, artists and organisations from across the world.
2026.09
ANNOUNCEMENT
✳Introducing Neuroaesthetics Lab (NAL)
A new independent interdisciplinary research lab has been established in Japan, with a head office in Kyoto and an office in Tokyo.
05 / LET'S CONNECT
Curiosity is
better shared.
We welcome conversations with researchers, artists, cultural organisations, clinicians, educators, designers and anyone exploring the relationship between art, mind and society.
nwakao3@gmail.com ↗Kyoto Head Office · Tokyo Office, Japan
Start a conversation / Collaboration enquiry