SOFAS Inaugural Conference Kobe 2026
New Frontiers and Possibilities in Atmospheric Studies
Kobe, Japan, 24–26 September 2026
From 24 to 26 September 2026, the SOFAS Inaugural Conference Kobe 2026: New Frontiers and Possibilities in Atmospheric Studies will be held at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe and the Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University.
The conference is organised by the Kobe Institute for Atmospheric Studies (KOIAS) as part of the JSPS Core-to-Core Program, World-Networking Project for the Establishment of Atmospheric Studies (Grant Number JPJSCCA20250001).
The conference will bring together more than 60 scholars and artists to explore new cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary possibilities for Atmospheric Studies. It takes the concept of atmosphere developed in New Phenomenology as an important point of departure, while remaining open to approaches that extend, revise or critically challenge it. Respiratory Philosophy and Sensory Studies will also be explored as particularly promising connective fields.
During the conference, the Society for Atmospheric Studies (SOFAS) will be formally founded. SOFAS will provide an international platform for future collaborative research, exchanges among early-career researchers, conferences and publication projects. With KOIAS as one of its international hubs, the initiative aims to further develop Atmospheric Studies as a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary field.
Conference Information
Dates: 24–26 September 2026
Thursday, 24 September | ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe
Founding session of SOFAS, opening performance, and research presentations and discussions
Friday, 25 September | Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University
Research presentations, discussions and workshops in parallel sessions
Saturday, 26 September | ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe
Plenary session on international collaboration, SOFAS General Assembly, early-career researchers’ roundtable, and closing discussion
Who can participate: Open to everyone.
Researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and members of the public interested in atmosphere, sensory experience, art, architecture, culture and the environment are warmly welcome.
As there are a large number of speakers, please refer to the conference website for the full list and further details.
Language: English
Format: In-person participation and online viewing
Online viewing will be available via live stream. All times are in Japan Standard Time T / GMT+9).
Participation fee: Free
Registration deadline: 15 September 2026
Presenter applications are closed.
For the full programme and registration, please visit: