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Annual Meeting 2024
GTC cover art March 2024

March 2024
This is an ornamental tool called an 'inro' used to carry medicines in the Edo period. On the surface of this inro, the structure of N1-methyl-pseudouridine (N1mΨ), the key to the development of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, is schematically depicted with plum buds (oxygen atoms) and branches, using the maki-e lacquer decoration technique. Coronavirus particles are depicted on the toggle ('netsuke') used to secure the inro to the obi of the kimono. Perhaps one day, wherever we travel, we will enjoy our journey without fear of unknown viruses by swallowing a pill taken from our portable pill case like this inro.

GTC cover art February 2024

February 2024
A fishmonger skillfully cutting a planarian with a high regenerative capacity creates various forms of planarians, including two-headed and four-headed (the planarians are depicted enlarged).