Practice-Inspiring Stories Studio × Story Crafting Research Lab (Iba Lab) Seeking New Students! [Syllabus]
Iba Lab A（Keio University SFC）
Practice-Inspiring Stories Studio × Story Crafting Research Lab
(focused on creating and researching methods for manga, animation & films, picture books, visual novels, and songs that inspire creative practices)
We are holding an 'Iba Lab Information Session' on January 16th (Thursday) during the 5th period
The entry deadline is January 26th (Sunday). It's the end of the semester, but don't forget to enter!
The Japanese version of the syllabus is available here.（日本語版シラバスは、こちら）
What are Practice-Inspiring Stories?
"Practice-Inspiring Stories" are narratives designed to foster better practices among people. Proposed by Takashi Iba, in recent years, Iba Lab has been experimenting with creating such stories through manga and songs.
In Practice-Inspiring Stories, characters are depicted engaging in certain practices in specific situations, leading to positive outcomes. People who experience these stories are inspired to think "I want to achieve such good results" or "I want to try doing the same thing!" This encourages them to undertake similar practices in the real world.
In Practice-Inspiring Stories, the characters' practices become the foundation for inspiring the audience's future practices. When the story is immersive, audience vicariously experience the characters' practices and experiences. As a result, even when attempting a practice for the first time, they can approach it with a sense of familiarity, as if they've experienced it before, potentially reducing fear and anxiety about trying new things. Additionally, Practice-Inspiring Stories should not only depict scenes of practice but also convey the necessary mindsets, approaches, tools, and methodological knowledge required for the practice.
For example, I consider Afro's manga and anime "Laid-Back Camp" to be an excellent Practice-Inspiring Story. As the characters go camping in beautiful natural settings and have wonderful experiences, readers and viewers are inspired to try camping themselves. Moreover, the story naturally incorporates practical knowledge about camping, such as explanations about camping equipment and how to set up tents.
Among the recent works of Iba Lab is a Practice-Inspiring Stories manga exhibited in November 2024, designed to encourage visitors to engage in subsequent practices. For more about this initiative, please check out "A New Genre of Narrative: Practice-Inspiring Stories" (in Japanese), presented at the ORF 2024 Iba Lab exhibition booth. Also, take a look at the making of this manga at "ORF 2024 Iba Lab 'Practice-Inspiring Stories' Manga Exhibition Making Story" (in Japanese). It will give you an idea of what activities look like after joining Iba Lab.
As part of this effort, we have also embedded patterns from the pattern language we've developed at Iba Lab (which articulates important aspects of practice) into narratives, creating manga (Pattern Manga) that allows readers to learn practical tips. This initial endeavor has also been presented as a paper at an international conference, so please check out "Pattern Manga: Attractively Expressing Patterns of a Pattern Language in Manga Style" (written in English). Since this paper, we have created several pattern mangas, each artistically unique and appealing.
Note that most members drawing manga at Iba Lab had never drawn panel-based comics before joining . If you like and are good at drawing, you'll be fine learning how to draw manga after joining.
Regarding music, the "Pattern Song" created at Iba Lab can be listened to on music platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Please give them a listen (find them on Spotify's song page, Amazon Music's song page, Apple Music's song page). Also, see the paper "Pattern Song: Auditory Expression for Pattern Languages" (written in English) presented at an international conference.
Moreover, for those interested in research on creative methods, there is the study on Haruki Murakami by Iba, which was presented as an invited presentation at the Haruki Murakami International Symposium in Taiwan. If you are interested in creative research, read the paper "Haruki Murakami's Deep Creation: How Worlds Deviate from the Ordinary" (in Japanese).
Presenting these works at international conferences means they are at the forefront of current research. From 2025, Iba Lab intends to more formally engage in creating Practice-Inspiring Stories through manga, anime/movies, picture books, visual novels, and songs. Why not join us at Iba Lab to explore new forms of expression, create works that support people, and build a better future?
If you're interested in joining us, please read the syllabus below carefully and submit your entry sheet by January 26th (Sunday). Details are written further below.
Contents/Objectives/Teaching Method/Intended Learning Outcome
Stories have the power to change the world. By creating different 'worlds' separate from everyday life, inviting people into these worlds, and generating unique experiences, people's worldviews, thoughts, and even ways of living can be slightly updated. At Iba Lab, we engage in a new type of creation and research that leverages the power of such stories to move toward a better future. We are seeking members to join us in this adventurous challenge to transition to a world line where our creations lead to a better future.
At Iba Lab, we work on the production and research of 'Practice-Inspiring Stories'—stories that support good practices—aimed at a future where people can live naturally and creatively. We particularly focus on intuitive and appealing forms of storytelling through manga, animation & films, picture books, visual novels, and songs.
What Iba Lab aims for and values.
The purpose, vision, mission, and values of Iba Lab can be summarized as follows:
Project
Projects at the Iba Lab are broadly divided into two categories: (1) Production Projects and (2) Research Projects. In (1) Production Projects, members craft Practice-Inspiring Stories works based on project themes, expressed through manga, anime/films, picture books, visual novels, or songs. In (2) Research Projects, members study creators' and works' creative methods and compile their findings into academic papers.
All research group members will participate in and engage with one or more Production Projects and/or Research Projects (decisions about which project(s) to join and how many to undertake will be based on individual preferences, while also considering project circumstances and needs, determined through consultation and coordination).
(1) Production Projects
In each Production Project, members will craft Practice-Inspiring Story works through one of these forms of expression: manga, anime/films, picture books, visual novels, or songs.
Production Projects will address themes from one of these categories: (A) Collaborative Research Themes, (B) Iba Lab's Priority Themes, or (C) Student-Proposed Themes (implemented after consultation). Rather than creating works merely for self-satisfaction, we aim to set themes that will result in works that can make a meaningful impact when shared with society.
In Production Projects, teams of approximately 3-4 members will work together to craft works. While leveraging individual strengths, we ensure the work doesn't simply become divided tasks. Specifically, multiple members will be involved in "story composition," "scriptwriting," and "artwork/lyrics."
Production Projects will follow the "methods and processes for team storytelling" being developed at the Iba Lab.
Those participating in Production Projects will need to allocate time for individual crafting and preparation, as well as attend weekly team meetings for discussion and collaborative work, separate from the general meetings (Thursday periods 4-5). Please understand that creation is a time-consuming endeavor, adjust your schedule accordingly, and commit to the work seriously.
If Production Project outcomes have research value and warrant presentation at academic conferences, we will establish a new "Paper Project" to work on writing and presenting academic papers.
In 2025, we plan to implement manga Production Projects as part of collaborative research on inbound regional tourism and manager training in the welfare sector. We welcome participation in these Production Projects for (A) Collaborative Research theme. Meetings for collaborative research Production Projects are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons.
(2) Research Projects
Each Research Project involves selecting specific creators or works, conducting research on "creative methods," and compiling the findings into an academic paper by the end of the semester. Guidance will be provided as needed regarding subject selection and research approaches.
Research Projects are designed to be carried out either individually or in small groups of around 2 people.
Those participating in Research Projects will need to set aside time to conduct research by reading literature and watching visual materials, and to write papers, separate from the general meetings (Thursday periods 4-5). Additionally, for those working in groups, it is necessary to schedule weekly regular meetings for discussions. Please understand that research is a time-consuming endeavor, adjust your schedule accordingly, and commit to the work seriously.
If Research Project outcomes have research value and warrant presentation at academic conferences, we will establish a new "Paper Project" to work on writing and presenting academic papers.
General Meetings and Other Times
As a research group, we hold a "general meeting" during the 4th and 5th periods on Thursdays, where everyone gathers. During these meetings, we report on the progress of each project and provide feedback to each other to enhance our work. Additionally, we plan to read literature related to narrative creation, conduct lectures to refine our ideas and skills, and invite guests to share their stories.
Following the general meeting, we extend our discussions, watch movies or documentaries together, interact with guests, and hold social gatherings. Therefore, please keep your schedule open after the 5th period on Thursdays.
Active participation in the research group’s Slack for communication outside of the weekly meetings is also required. Please understand that joining this group means not just attending scheduled sessions but living daily in a mode of production and research.
We strongly urge everyone to participate in maintaining and creating our research group's space as if it were their own affair. Creating a 'creative space' is a vital skill, but it is not simple and cannot succeed if approached casually. Let’s consciously and actively build a good community together!
We are particularly looking for the following individuals:
Firstly, those who love to draw, individuals who are currently drawing manga or wish to start, and those interested in creating picture books. Even if you've never drawn manga or picture books but love illustrating, you're welcome to join. Most current members of Iba Lab hadn't drawn manga or picture books before either, but they started creating from their first semester and continue to do so.
Next, individuals who can create or wish to create animation or films. Up until now, Iba Lab hasn't ventured into animation or filmmaking, so we are at the stage of tackling this new challenge. We welcome those who already have the skills, as well as those who enjoy researching and experimenting with creation methods, possibly incorporating generative AI. Those who can write scripts or scenarios also have opportunities to excel in team productions.
Additionally, we're looking for individuals who can compose music. Those who can compose original songs using instruments like the guitar or piano, or through digital audio workstations (DAW) are encouraged to apply. Even if you haven't created vocal music but can compose, and are interested in trying your hand at songwriting, you're a good fit. While we've extensively used generative AI for composing music in the past, we now know it's feasible to create music-like pieces, and we want to challenge ourselves to create soul-stirring songs using human creativity.
Lastly, we're also looking for individuals interested in researching creative methods of narrative works to support creators. This involves collecting and analyzing information from literature and videos about the creative methods of artists you are interested in and compiling these findings into papers.
These interests, skills, and experiences can create new types of valuable "works" and "research" that benefit others at Iba Lab. They can also be leveraged in collaborative research with companies and local governments.
We look forward to welcoming people with various skills and sensibilities!
Voices of Current Members
We asked current members of Iba Lab to share their thoughts on the characteristics and merits of the lab. The words they used were represented in a word cloud, highlighting "creation" at the center, which seems to effectively reflect the essence of Iba Lab.
Below, you can read what they've written. Although it's a bit lengthy, these are valuable insights from the students' perspective on being part of Iba Lab. Please take a moment to read through and think about whether you would be excited to join such a research group, and if you see yourself thriving in this environment.
= About Research and Activities at Iba Lab
"At Iba Lab, interdisciplinary research that is both exciting and socially beneficial is pursued—what we like to call "SFC-like" research. For example, even manga is positioned as a method to support people's practices, elevating it to the level of rigorous research that can be presented at international conferences. Those who enjoy engaging in unusual and interesting research will find this environment particularly stimulating."
"Our research at Iba Lab is always about trying something new. It's not about repetition but about learning from what we have done and applying it to new areas and approaches. As a member, the constant change and the drive to push forward is truly overwhelming and gives a real sense of momentum."
"Iba Lab is continually challenging itself to create new research. We rarely repeat the same thing; if someone comes up with an idea on how to improve, Iba Lab makes it happen. Creating something unprecedented is tough, but the joy of 'creating the way to create' is also experienced here."
"To put it simply, it's tough, but fun. Everyone in the team is committed to creating quality work. Sometimes, we all hit a block and can only shrug in confusion, but it's through navigating this chaos that we create something great, which brings both a sense of achievement and enjoyment. And this isn't just an individual experience—it's a shared one, which makes it all the more meaningful."
"'Painfully fun'—that might be the best way to describe research at Iba Lab (laughs). When we're researching at Iba Lab, we encounter moments we hadn't anticipated that make us say, 'This is it!' It's because we come across something truly great that we want to present it and talk about it enthusiastically. It seems to sparkle, but behind that are vast amounts of time and effort from ourselves and those around us until it becomes something 'truly great.' Because we're creating a new world, there are times when the path forward is unclear, or we may need to break down and redo something we've built once. There are many times when it feels 'tough.' During such times, the resilience of team-based research at Iba Lab has been incredibly beneficial to me. For example, what might be a 'meaningful chaos' could lead me to try and escape it quickly if I were alone, but with a team, it becomes 'This is an important point, let's think about it more,' and by continuing to ponder, we often break through the chaos and reach something good. Looking back at the research projects and activities I've participated in at Iba Lab, every 'tough' moment has turned out to be a great memory and a lot of fun!"
"The most amazing aspect of research at Iba Lab is how everyone treats what each person has thought or written with as much care as if it were their own. We praise each other's work, spend a long time together pondering how to improve it, and genuinely celebrate its completion. Walking through the process together on a single creative activity is truly a unique research experience at Iba Lab."
"One thing I deeply respect about research at Iba Lab is our commitment to conducting research that truly assists someone, and doing interesting and meaningful research. I resonate deeply with this approach to research at Iba Lab and am here because I want to engage in such research. The time spent seriously considering how to make the research genuinely useful, with the help of professors and other members, feels like being in the midst of accomplishing something meaningful and is an irreplaceable experience."
= About Manga Production at Iba Lab
"At Iba Lab, we each think of stories that inspire practice and create manga drafts, which we then refine together. This offers a high degree of freedom and allows us to explore possibilities from the ground up, considering which formats might best inspire practice. Having deadlines helps us complete our manga properly and serves as excellent practice for improving our drawing skills."
"The greatest charm of drawing manga at Iba Lab is the opportunity to participate in challenges that no one has ever undertaken before. Given Iba Lab's history of research in creation, we conduct research through the creation of manga aimed at specific purposes and build respect and execution ability among research group members. I had never drawn manga before, but I am excited daily about conducting research that creates new value using manga."
"Unlike individual manga production, working as a group allows us to discuss and decide on the story and presentation together. While this can be stressful and sometimes frustrating (because you have to explain your artistic intent in ways other than visually, and it's like creating a manga that you're not the author of), aiming to produce works with others is inherently like that, and it teaches how to work smoothly in such situations. Discussions and advice can lead to insights you might not have thought of on your own, and there's a degree of respect for your dedication to your work, which is why I recommend it to anyone who wants to incorporate new perspectives and discoveries into their creative activities."
"As this was my first time involved in manga production, there was a lot I didn't know, but there were also things I wanted to try, and it seemed other members felt the same. Thus, we actively shared ideas and sought new inspiration together, which allowed us to continuously improve and evolve our works by eagerly exploring new concepts and incorporating feedback from others. Through this process, we were able to create manga."
"When we discuss the manga we are creating, Professor Iba, although not a professional manga artist, helps us understand what we want to communicate through our stories, how it can be effectively portrayed, and how it might be perceived. He captures the essence and provides feedback that enhances both the story and its expression. Participating in feedback sessions with Professor Iba on manga has taught me that creating compelling narratives involves thinking about character personalities, relationships, natural dialogue, and postures, making the protagonist relatable, and capturing the essence of the story. The process of combining the creators' ideas and drawings with feedback from Professor Iba and other members, and seeing the narrative become increasingly compelling each week, is astonishing!"
"Creating stories at Iba Lab allows you to experience a creative process that you cannot get from thinking up stories or drawing manga alone. It offers numerous opportunities to learn how to create compelling narratives. Working collaboratively with members and professors during this process, you can learn the framework of storytelling for manga and movies and gain new perspectives on story creation. Additionally, seeing the manga you've contributed to being shared in various venues is a valuable experience."
= About Creating Picture Books and Songs at Iba Lab
"At Iba Lab, the picture books and songs we create are narratives designed to inspire creative thinking and practical action in our audience. At the SFC Open Research Forum (ORF), where we showcased our songs, visitors commented that "the message really comes through in the songs" and "the lyrics really encapsulate what's important, offering great food for thought." These reactions have reinforced our belief in the potential of Practice-Inspiring Stories!"
"This time, we created songs based on existing pattern language content, and by combining different patterns and incorporating them in our own expressive ways, we not only deepened our understanding of these patterns but also encouraged their practice, not just for listeners but for ourselves as well."
"I believe that if I hadn't been at Iba Lab, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to create picture books during my student life. I joined Iba Lab wanting to conduct research that helps others, and indeed, through creating picture books, I feel capable of providing meaningful support. Now, I'm excited about these new ventures. When I start thinking about my own work and share it with the professor and other members, it leads to inspirational recommendations and comments that shift my work towards more interesting and significant directions. This support energizes me and nourishes my creative efforts."
= About the Atmosphere and Professors at Iba Lab
"At Iba Lab, we foster an atmosphere of "Let's create together" and "Let's make It better." If anyone feels even a slight discomfort about what we are creating, we continue the discussion until it is resolved. Here, we engage deeply in genuine creation, going into details that might be considered excessive in other communities."
"At Iba Lab, the ethos is "Have fun when it's time to have fun! When it's time to work, dive deep!" When creating works, we all puzzle over the details until we are satisfied, with the professor brainstorming right alongside us. While it can be very challenging, we learn the attitudes necessary to produce truly great work, and beyond the chaos, we all experience a profound sense of achievement."
"The seniors are incredibly kind! They have given me numerous opportunities. I've used many tools I had never handled before, and now I find it enjoyable to use them. Surrounded by seniors who support new discoveries, I feel I'm having a great experience!"
"The ethos of Iba Lab is to not compromise and to see things through. There's a culture of thinking through every word and every detail of expression, making it a great environment for those who want to create quality work with like-minded individuals."
"Since joining Iba Lab, what I've seen is Professor Iba's seemingly wild ideas, his compelling way of explaining them, involving everyone, and the overwhelming speed with which he realizes these ideas. I am drawn to the future that Professor Iba envisions, his deep dive into these ideas, and his commitment to realizing them. He includes us, the students, in his overwhelming creativity. Accepting his invitation and working hard on what's in front of me, I find myself participating in creative processes I could never experience alone."
"Iba Lab is not only about engaging in research but also about finding hints to deepen and enrich life. Initially, I joined Iba Lab with enthusiasm for a certain type of research, but I was captivated by the cool and attractive way of life of the professor and seniors, and now, my desire to be like them is a major reason I continue my training here."
"During reviews, I receive various feedback not only from the professor but from most of the members of the research group. Everyone is enthusiastic about creating, interested in each other's work, deeply committed to their creations, and we all spend time refining the details to aim for a better final product."
"Being able to create something together with the incredibly creative Professor Iba is also a huge charm of Iba Lab. I was captivated by his way of continuously creating new things when I took his class as a sophomore. Joining Iba Lab, I could see such an attitude up close. I am always amazed by his imagination. When he first said, "Let's express patterns through manga!" I was surprised, but such ideas always have logic and necessity behind them, and he explains them well, allowing us to confidently follow along in this interesting world!"
"In Iba Lab, the exciting aspect of learning and researching is the experience of something you surely wouldn't get anywhere else, such as feeling up close the way of life of a researcher like Professor Iba, and being able to be involved in it. The days in the research group are a valuable opportunity to learn while engaging in creative research activities. What I feel from seeing Professor Iba's research up close is his steadfast dedication to his studies. Thoroughly thinking through one thing, being committed, and creating high-quality outputs is a learning and stimulation for me, desiring to do good research here. Additionally, Professor Iba opens up the creation process, allowing us to participate while slightly conveying our thoughts and watching the process of making something good, which becomes an opportunity to think about what elements are important for a good creation. At Iba Lab, you learn not only research methods and gain knowledge but also how to live and research creatively. I believe exciting research days, learning from the professor's demeanor, and powering our studies await us here!"
"In Iba Lab, phrases like "That makes sense!", "Indeed!", "That's great!", "Nice! Let's try it!" are common, creating a collaborative learning space full of "exploration," "surprise," "discovery," "understanding," "empathy," and "creation" along with peers. That's what I think Iba Lab is all about."
= About Collaborative Research with Companies and Local Governments
"The beauty of collaborative research at Iba Lab is truly feeling that your work is making a tangible difference in society. The sense of fulfillment when something you created is turned into a booklet used within companies, and receiving feedback on it, is immeasurable. Moreover, the opportunity to conduct interviews with dozens of corporate employees or have meaningful discussions with municipal staff over drinks are experiences that are not typically available to university students, making it all the more enjoyable!"
"Collaborative research is possible because there are people who find Iba Lab's research compelling and are willing to financially support it to work together on projects. It's a profoundly valuable experience to think daily and create solutions for people who genuinely need and seek Iba Lab's research or face certain challenges. Receiving feedback from a perspective different from a student’s, and seeing your creations actually being used in society, are opportunities uniquely available at Iba Lab."
"In collaborative research, you get the chance to see your research from an outsider's perspective, and explaining your work helps deepen your own understanding of it. Considering that the outcomes from Iba Lab go out into the world and are genuinely used makes you feel the weight of your work, and this gravity further inspires and motivates us! Participating in such valuable opportunities is truly rare and something to be cherished."
= About Participation and Presentations at International Conferences
"At Iba Lab, creating research outputs that don't just remain as projects but are presented at academic conferences is an integral part of the research process. Writing papers, especially in English, not only helps reach a broader audience but also turns our work into something meaningful. Participating in international conferences allows us to engage in serious discussions with researchers from around the world. These conferences are not just about work; they also include meals and fun times, providing an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable environment. It is unusual for undergraduates to attend international conferences, but it is an experience that you can definitely have at Iba Lab."
"What makes Iba Lab special is our commitment to developing projects into contributions to academic fields, not just stopping at "undergraduate research" or project completion. I had the privilege of presenting research as a co-author in my first year under a senior's leadership, and by my second year, I presented as the first author, which is quite rare for undergraduates. When I tell my family and friends about it, they are often amazed. This opportunity to pioneer new fields is genuinely unique to Iba Lab."
"Despite never having traveled abroad and struggling with English, I attended an international conference in Germany in my third year! The bright and genuinely engaging scholars there inspired me, setting new personal and professional goals for myself. In my fourth year, as the first author on a paper, my own research became like a business card, helping me make connections and receive feedback from international colleagues. Organizing workshops at these conferences has also allowed me to witness firsthand how our ideas from Iba Lab are pioneering the frontiers of our field."
"Being able to present at international conferences as an undergraduate is another highlight of Iba Lab. I started writing conference papers as a sophomore, and it has become a regular part of my academic routine. Starting early has allowed me to learn essential skills such as structuring papers and presenting results with the audience in mind. At these conferences, we engage in mutual feedback on our papers, which is gratifying and feels like a meaningful contribution when I can comment on others' work."
"The chance to present at international conferences, held in places like the United States, Germany, and other countries, offers a unique opportunity to showcase one's research beyond national and professional boundaries. My first conference experience as a senior undergraduate was transformative, feeling the earnest engagement from scholars regardless of their status, and realizing that we are all gathered to advance the frontier of our respective fields."
"Participating in international conferences from the undergraduate level, facilitated by Iba Lab, is a priceless opportunity to see and learn about research on a global stage. Even with my limited English, participating in these events broadened my world significantly, showing me the scale and scope of global research efforts."
"The opportunity to present research at international conferences is a significant aspect of being at Iba Lab. Joining the lab as a third-year student and soon becoming a co-author at an international conference helped me step out of my small world and embrace global challenges. This experience not only boosted my motivation for research but also was one of the most valuable experiences of my life, allowing me to see and feel how research is conducted by students and researchers in other countries."
= Message to Those Interested in Iba Lab
"If you love creating something new, are passionate about conducting deep research, and want to develop your ability to think critically, Iba Lab is the place for you! I have been part of Iba Lab for about four years, and during this time, I've learned invaluable lessons about proactive learning, collaborative creation, and the importance of thorough contemplation. It's rare to find mentors as supportive as our professor and peers who genuinely care for each other. Welcome to a university life that is both challenging and enjoyable—what we call 'painfully fun'!"
"You might wonder, "What exactly does Iba Lab do?" Indeed, it might not be straightforward to explain everything we tackle because the activities at Iba Lab are diverse. However, the consistent aim is to create a world where every individual can express their inner creativity. Here, people think, explore, learn, and continually refine their skills every day. If you're serious about creating, want to share joys and challenges with others, and co-create something meaningful, Iba Lab will be an exhilarating and enjoyable environment for you."
"When I joined SFC, I wanted to engage in activities unique to SFC—engaging in new, interesting, and appealing research, creating a new future, which led me to Iba Lab. Now in my third year, the allure of Iba Lab remains unchanged; it’s evolving incredibly fast and becoming even more compelling! Practice-Inspiring Stories are tools for building a new future and a creative society. Why not join us in crafting narratives that shape the future?"
Key Passages that Resonate with Us
We would like to share key passages from books that resonate with the philosophies of Iba Lab. These excerpts will help you understand our thoughts from different perspectives, enriching your comprehension of the principles that guide our research and creative activities.
"We are moving from an economy and a society built on the logical, linear, computerlike capabilities of the Information Age to an economy and a society built on the inventive, empathic, big-picture capabilities of what’s rising in its place, the Conceptual Age. ... the six essential aptitudes—what I call “the six senses”—on which professional success and personal satisfaction increasingly will depend. Design. Story. Symphony. Empathy. Play. Meaning." (Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind)
"we are entering a new age. It is an age animated by a different form of thinking and a new approach to life—one that prizes aptitudes that I call “high concept” and “high touch.” High concept involves the capacity to detect patterns and opportunities, to create artistic and emotional beauty, to craft a satisfying narrative, and to combine seemingly unrelated ideas into something new. High touch involves the ability to empathize with others, to understand the subtleties of human interaction, to find joy in one’s self and to elicit it in others, and to stretch beyond the quotidian in pursuit of purpose and meaning. ... For individuals, families, and organizations, professional success and personal fulfillment now require a whole new mind." (Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind)
“To be creative is, in short, to be human” (Michael Ende, Kunst und Politik Ein Gespräch, 1989)
"I want to start moving something... I want the readers to [experience] something. For example, I want them to [experience] a process that starts moving together with the readers themselves." (Michael Ende, Die Archäologie der Dunkelheit [The Archeology of Darkness], 1985)
"When a good poem is written, a tree will be planted somewhere else. In other words, it is planted within us. Also, a tree is planted not only because it is useful or bears apples, but because we want the tree to be there without any reason; it is necessary. The same goes for a good poem. The question is not whether it is useful or not, but whether it enriches our inner workings." (Michael Ende, Fantasy, Myth, and the Present, 1986)
"Isn't literature the work of carefully cultivating flowers in your small garden and giving them one by one to passersby? ... I dream of being able to write short stories in this state. To casually offer something fun, happy, and good-hearted like a single flower. It would be nice if something I wrote while playing around could encourage someone who is feeling down. But this is a state that can only be reached after a long experience and training as a craftsman." (Teru Miyamoto, Guideposts of Life)
"As a novelist, as a person who writes fiction, I believe in the power of good stories. When you read a good story, you enter into it. At that moment, you are immersed in the truth within the story... as long as you focus on reading. It's a wonderful thing to try putting your feet into someone else's shoes. You can feel as if you are that person. It's a sense of empathy and sympathy. A good story takes you to another place, and there you can feel as if you've become someone else." (Haruki Murakami, I Wake Up Every Morning to See Dreams, 2012)
"If the story being told has power, the protagonist, the writer, and the reader can all reach a 'world that is not here.' It is the original world, yet it is a world that is somehow different from the past." (Haruki Murakami, I Wake Up Every Morning to See Dreams, 2012)
"I believe that by reading and writing good stories, we can change the world." (Haruki Murakami, I Wake Up Every Morning to See Dreams, 2012)
"Creativity, if understood concretely rather than abstractly, is about 'getting a job done,' and creativity means having the capability to complete a task." - Jiro Kawakita
"A 'job' is not merely the addition of several tasks but has a more complex structure... A job is not reduced to the mere addition of physical tasks because it involves 'judging,' 'deciding,' and 'evaluating' the quality of work. For instance, collecting information and then discerning which information to keep for project planning, as well as evaluating the results after the work is completed, are not mere tasks but parts of a 'job.'... Having a structure and completing it from beginning to end signifies the accomplishment of a job. I call this an 'accomplishment experience,' a profoundly important element that forms the basis of 'job satisfaction.' Thus, as these accomplishment experiences accumulate—i.e., as job satisfaction builds—it becomes a joy of living." - Jiro Kawakita
"Completing a problem from start to finish, somehow managing to do it creatively—that's what it means to 'get a job done.' People who have experienced work in this way, in my observation, invariably find work interesting and fulfilling. Those who only work in a task-oriented manner find that escape from labor is the only place where they find joy and happiness in life. However, those who have experienced work as a comprehensive endeavor, if denied such work, feel wronged as to why they are not allowed to engage in it. Through such comprehensive work, people achieve much richer human growth." - Jiro Kawakita
"When a team tackles a job in a creative way and achieves it, the team grows stronger than it was before beginning the task. Because it is a growing team, it can take on more challenging teamwork, and achieving these challenges leads to further team improvement." - Jiro Kawakita
Faculty Member's Messages to Students
We are committed to seriously engaging in new production and research that fully utilizes the charm and power of narrative expressions like manga, picture books, and songs to nurture a better future. Would you like to join us in this unique and futuristic creative practice research, typical of SFC, and live creatively? We are waiting for entries from those who want to embark on this creative adventure with us!
Remarks
Communications in our study group are primarily in Japanese, but we will provide support in English as needed, especially if there are participants who find it difficult to understand Japanese.
Course Schedule
Session 1: Introduction
We will understand how the research group sessions will proceed and other important details, and members will introduce themselves.
Session 2: Project Planning Presentation
Each project will present what they plan to work on in terms of production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 3: Discussion on Literature
We will review and discuss important content from literature related to the research group, which everyone should read in advance. We will also consider how we can apply this knowledge to our work.
Session 4: Project Progress Presentation
Each project will present its progress and interim results in production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 5: Sharing Tools and Techniques
We will teach each other how to use tools for production and share skills with everyone.
Session 6: Project Progress Presentation
Each project will present its progress and interim results in production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 7: Guest Lecture & Networking
We plan to invite a guest relevant to the theme of the research group for a lecture and networking. (The timing of this session will be adjusted based on the guest's availability.)
Session 8: Project Progress Presentation
Each project will present its progress and interim results in production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 9: How to Write a Research Paper
We will learn about writing research papers. Since research projects require writing a paper at the end of the term, and production projects might also lead to academic papers based on outstanding results or new challenges, we will cover the basics of paper writing in this session.
Session 10: Project Progress Presentation
Each project will present its progress and interim results in production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 11: Guest Lecture & Networking
We plan to invite a guest relevant to the theme of the research group for a lecture and networking. (The timing of this session will be adjusted based on the guest's availability.)
Session 12: Project Progress Presentation
Each project will present its progress and interim results in production and research, and we will provide feedback to each other.
Session 13: Discussion on Literature
We will review and discuss important content from literature related to the research group, which everyone should read in advance. We will also consider how we can apply this knowledge to our work.
Session 14: Project Presentation
Each project will present the results of its production and research.
Session 15: Project Presentation
Each project will present the results of its production and research.
Academic Field
Synthetic and Integrated Fields (Interdisciplinary)
Active Learning Methods
Experiments, practical skills, practicum / Presentation / Group work / Flipped classroom
Preparatory Study (Advance Preparation, Revision, etc.)
At Iba Lab, in addition to the regular study group meetings, each member works independently on the tasks required for their projects. Following this, project members gather to discuss and collaborate. Additionally, everyone engages in reading relevant key literature and exploring various works. Members also write "reflection" notes after activities to review and deepen their understanding of their experiences and insights. The estimated amount of time required for preparatory study outside of the research meeting is approximately 12 hours per week. Daily participation in online communication via the communication tool Slack is also expected. By diligently engaging in these activities outside the regular study group times, we significantly elevate the level of our activities and learning.
Method of Evaluation
Grades are comprehensively assessed based on contributions and outcomes in project activities, participation and contributions during study group sessions, submission of reflections and assignments, online communication, contributions to building and supporting the study group community, and participation in external events and academic conferences.
Equipment/Software for Student Use
As needed for production and research, creation and editing software, generative AI subscriptions, and individual work equipment such as drawing tablets and musical instruments.
Textbooks
Takashi Iba, Hiroaki Tanaka, Sae Adachi, Mizuki Ota, and Urara Tajima, “Pattern Manga: Attractively Expressing Patterns of a Pattern Language in Manga Style,” in the 30th Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs (PLoP 2023), 2023.
Takashi Iba, Mayu Ueno, and Ayaka Yoshikawa, “Pattern Song: Auditory Expression for Pattern Languages,” in Pursuit of Pattern Languages for Societal Change: A Comprehensive Perspective of Current Pattern Research and Practice, Edition Donau-Universitat Krems, 2018, pp.560-579, 2017.
Hiroaki Tanaka, Takashi Iba. 2024. "Essential Patterns for Crafting Engaging Manga: 10 Fundamental Patterns for Beginners," in the PLoP '24: Proceedings of the 31st Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs, People, and Practices (PLoP 2024).
Reference Books
Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, Riverhead Books, Reprint, Updated, 2006
Keith Sawyer, Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration, 2nd edition, Basic Books, 2017.
Hayao Miyazaki, Starting Point: 1979-1996, VIZ Media, 2006
Haruki Murakami, Novelist as a Vocation, Knopf,2022
Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Scribner, 2000.
Mason Currey, Daily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration, and Get to Work, Picador, 2020
Christopher Alexander, The Timeless Way of Building, Oxford University Press, 1979
Christopher Alexander, The Nature of Order, Book One: The Phenomenon of Life, The Center for
Environmental Structure, 2002Takashi Iba, Mizuki Ota, Urara Tajima, “Communication Using Manga Expressions: The ‘Exhibition by Manga’ Pattern and a Case Study,” in the 10th Asian Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs, People, and Practices (AsianPLoP 2024), 2024.
Barbara Minto, The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking, third edition, Pearson Education Limited, 2021
[How to Entry]
Planned number of participants: 20
Please create an entry sheet that includes the specified content by January 26, 2025 (Sunday), and submit it via the designated form. Face-to-face interviews are planned to be held at SFC around January 28 (Tuesday) and 29 (Wednesday).
Entry Method
After thoroughly reading this syllabus, please create your entry sheet by January 26 (Sunday) and submit it as a PDF file (please include your name in the file name). The address for the submission form is: https://forms.gle/gFSJSUTgBWMiAUm3A
Iba Lab (Spring 2025) Entry Sheet
(1) Name (with phonetic transcription), Faculty, Grade, Student ID, Login name, Face photo (a snapshot is fine)
(2) Self-introduction and your interests and hobbies (please include photos for easier visualization)
(3) Reasons for applying to Iba Lab and the parts of this study group syllabus that strongly attracted or resonated with you, along with your thoughts and reasons
(4) Whether you are interested in working on a "Production Project" or a "Research Project" or both
(5) If opting for a Production Project, which medium (manga, anime/film, picture books, visual novels, songs) would you like to work in? If opting for a Research Project, which creator's method would you like to study?
(6) Skills and strengths you possess (foreign languages, drawing/illustration, video editing, graphic design, music, programming, generative AI, etc.)
(7) Whether you have ample time to commit to the project (if not currently, whether you can arrange your environment accordingly), and your willingness to actively participate in the study group's communications and contribute to building and maintaining the community
(8) Any classes taught by Iba that you have taken before
(9)Your favorite classes taken so far, research groups you've been part of, etc. (multiple responses allowed)
(10) Please include or attach some samples of your artwork, comics, videos, picture books, songs, scripts, etc., that showcase your style or specialty. (For those intending to participate only in Research Projects and who have not created anything themselves, please attach a one-page A4 description of the appeal of the creator you wish to study.)
After submitting your entry sheet, face-to-face interviews will be conducted at SFC around January 28 (Tuesday) and 29 (Wednesday). The interviews will be conducted in the presence of current members of Iba Lab, so your entry sheet will also be seen by current members. Please be aware of this in advance.