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Award2024.10.31

Mr. Ryuzo Kijima from La Salle High School was selected as the Best Presenter at the 88th Annual Conference of the Japanese Psychological Association's "Undergraduate and High School Student Presentation Battle"

At the 88th Annual Conference of the Japanese Psychological Association, held in Kumamoto from September 6 to 8, 2024, the "Undergraduate and High School Student Presentation Battle," organized by the Youth Committee, took place on September 7. In many academic conferences, undergraduate students and high school students are often not allowed to present as primary presenters unless they are in a Master's program or higher. However, the Japanese Psychological Association annually provides opportunities for high school and undergraduate students interested in research to present their work in this format. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these conferences were conducted online through video presentations, but this year's conference returned to in-person presentations.


Mr. Ryuzo Kijima, a second-year student at La Salle High School, has shown an early interest in interventions for mental disorders and neuroscience research. During school holidays, he has visited Professor Miyata's laboratory at Waseda University to further his studies. He has also participated in gatherings related to somatic psychology, gaining experience in both scientific study and mind-body practices.


In this presentation battle, he devised and presented a research plan to advance mindfulness-based interventions for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). His research plan focused on integrating information technologies that affect psychological states through visual and auditory stimuli—namely, virtual reality (VR) and binaural beats—with mindfulness-based intervention programs to reduce OCD tendencies.


His research protocol demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of research design and psychological statistics at a university level, including specific expected outcomes. It was recognized as an excellent contribution to the rapidly developing field of mindfulness studies. As a result, he received the High School Division Award.


In recent years, I frequently receive inquiries from undergraduate students, high school students, and even working professionals who are interested in this laboratory. It is evident that many young individuals are genuinely passionate about engaging in serious research activities from an early stage. I hope to provide guidance that helps such individuals take the next step based on their current situation and aspirations.


Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved award!


Kijima, R., & Miyata, H. (2024). The 88th Annual Conference of the Japanese Psychological Association, Youth Committee "Undergraduate and High School Student Presentation Battle" High School Division Award: "The Effect of Combining Virtual Reality and Binaural Beats with Mindfulness Practice on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Tendencies," September 7, 2024.

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Hiromitsu Miyata
Hiromitsu Miyata

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