The "Research Group for Compiling a Natural History of Excretion" is a research group dedicated to the study of excretory behaviors and excreted matter in living organisms, including humans.
The theme of the 4th research meeting approaches excretion from two contrasting perspectives: flushing and remaining. In the keynote lecture, Noriko Yuzawa from Hosei University will use public toilets in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, as a case study to examine excretion as something that is "flushed away" through the modern history of waste management in natural parks. Meanwhile, in the special lecture, Kentaro Izumi from Chiba University will introduce research that decodes the feeding strategies of ancient organisms and their transitions from benthic coprolites, discussing the academic value of excretion as something that "remains."

In the general discussion, Taro Yamauchi from Hokkaido University and Takuya Matsumoto from Shinshu University will also join to discuss the "whereabouts and value of excreta" transcending time and space, ranging from modern social hygiene to traces of life hundreds of millions of years ago. We also welcome active opinions from participants.

＜概要＞
The 4th "Compiling the Natural History of Excretion" Research Meeting
Flush / Remain: The Journey and Value of Excrement

Date and Time: Friday, January 30, 2026, 13:30–

Format: Hybrid format of venue and online
[Venue] Shinshu University Matsumoto Campus, Faculty of Science, Building C, Lecture Room 13 (Walk-ins welcome)
[Online Streaming] Zoom (Registration required*, first 200 people)

*How to register for the online live stream:
Please enter the required information using the URL (Google Form) below and submit it.
https://forms.gle/4vAf9TXm5jscSJoX9

Admission: Free

Event site URL: https://sites.google.com/view/shinshu-evo-anthro/seminar/haisetsu_4th

Inquiry: Shinshu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology Course
evo.anthropol.shinshu@gmail.com