Ryuta Nakajima

Background

About Ryuta Nakajima

Ryuta Nakajima was born in Tokyo, Japan. He grew up in many places around the world, including Lebanon, Kuwait, Switzerland, Egypt, and Japan. He is currently working as an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Art and Design. Nakajima received his Ph.D. from Kyushu University in Design, MFA from the University of California San Diego, and is an ordained Esoteric Buddhist priest. Nakajima merges biology and art, publishing scientific papers on cephalopod behavior while highlighting art and design represented in this class of animals. Nakajima explores a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, and installation. Nakajima and his colleagues at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate Univesity have established a new world record for a consecutive squid breeding program. Nakajima has also been active in the realm of nature conservation and social reform through a variety of activities. In 2004, he joined the Bicycle Film Festival as a curator promoting the joy of cycling to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall health in urban areas. He also co-founded a custom-made luggage company,"Lazy Monk," in 2005 with his partner Aya Kawaguchi. Together, they make hand-made custom messenger bags and related outdoor luggage. In 2015, Nakajima launched Okinawa Seaside Laboratory, focusing on coral reef conservation, working closely with local scientists and educators conducting lectures and workshops, especially for children from underprivileged families. Locally, he has been corroborating with Minnesota and Wisconsin Sea Grant to produce a traveling exhibition and zine “Black Gold” promotes the conservation of freshwater ecosystems around the Great Lakes region. OSL has social media followers and being accessed by over 20K readers every month. Here are stories about my work CNN NHK OIST Guardian