Speaker: Jin Akiyama (Tokyo University of Science)
Date and Time: 24 April, 2014, 7:30 PM
Location: CSIC Student Residence
Presented by: Fernando Blasco (Polytechnic University of Madrid)
Abstract: Certain mathematical principles can be used to perform magic tricks. Although these two fields may seem far apart, the systematic way of thinking inherent in mathematics proves extremely useful in magic. Furthermore, certain mathematical properties, cleverly combined with subtle magical techniques, are extraordinarily powerful. Jin Akiyama, professor at Tokyo University of Science, is an expert at blending both worlds, as demonstrated in his television show The Most Fascinating Lecture in the World, which has been a prime-time hit on Nihon TV since 2005. Akiyama has successfully brought mathematics to mass media and wide audiences since the early 1980s in Japan, and for the first time in Spain, he will present his surprising and captivating show at Mathematics at the Residence.
About the Speaker and Presenter
Jin Akiyama
Jin Akiyama (Tokyo University) is a researcher in graph theory and discrete and combinatorial geometry, and he is also a major television star. Since 1991, he has hosted a prime-time TV show on NHK Japan, which under different names has brought recreational mathematics to the general public. His popularity extends to appearances on radio programs, movies, TV series, Nintendo video games, and even as a character in manga. As a researcher, he has authored over 10 books (on discrete and recreational mathematics) and more than one hundred articles in scientific journals.
Fernando Blasco
Fernando Blasco Contreras is a professor of Applied Mathematics at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. An expert in science outreach and a magician, he is particularly interested in the relationship between education and popularization and in integrating science as part of culture. He is the author of the books Matemagia (2007), El Periodista Matemático (2009), and Tu hijo puede ser un genio de las mates (2013).