Ryuta Kawashima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ryuta Kawashima
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| Born | May 23, 1959 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Alma mater | Tohoku University |
| Known for | Portraying Dr. Kawashima in the Brain Age series of video games |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neuroscience |
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Ryuta Kawashima (川島 隆太, Kawashima Ryūta, [kaɰaɕima ɾʲɨᵝːta]; born May 23, 1959) is a Japanese neuroscientist. He is well-known for appearing in the Brain Age video game series. These games are available on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch.
Contents
About Dr. Kawashima
Early Life and Education
Ryuta Kawashima was born on May 23, 1959, in Chiba, Japan. In the 1970s, he began studying at Tohoku University. After earning his medical degree (M.D.), he traveled to Sweden. There, he worked as a guest researcher at the Karolinska Institute. Later, he returned to Tohoku University. He is now a tenured Professor there.
His Work in Japan
Dr. Kawashima is very famous in Japan. He was once a member of Japan's National Council on Educational Reform. This council helps make decisions about language and culture in education.
Understanding the Brain
Brain Research
One of Dr. Kawashima's main research areas is mapping the brain. This means he studies which parts of the brain control different abilities. These include emotions, language, memory, and thinking. He is an expert in brain imaging, which allows scientists to see how the brain works.
Helping People with Brain Science
Dr. Kawashima also focuses on how this brain knowledge can help people. He works to aid children in their development. He helps older people keep their memory sharp. He also assists patients in recovering their learning abilities.
The Brain Age Games
Dr. Kawashima helped create the Brain Training video game series. In North America, these games are known as Brain Age. He also appears as the virtual host in the games. He famously turned down a large amount of money (royalties) from Nintendo. He believed that such a large sum should only be earned through hard work. Instead, he accepted a yearly salary. He used the rest of the money to fund his important brain research.
Books and Games
Early Studies and Books
In 2001, Dr. Kawashima led a study at Tohoku University. He suggested that certain parts of the brain might not be very active during video game play. However, he found no proof of lasting brain damage.
In 2003, Dr. Kawashima wrote a successful book called Train Your Brain: 60 Days to a Better Brain. It sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide.
The Brain Age Video Games
The book later inspired the video game Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!. This game was released for the Nintendo DS in May 2005. A second game, Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!, followed in December 2005. Both games were very popular and sold millions of copies. They became some of the best-selling Nintendo DS video games.
Dr. Kawashima used the money from these games to build two new laboratories. He did not keep the money for himself.
More Games and Appearances
- In 2009, Namco Bandai released Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima for the iPhone.
- Also in 2009, Train your Brain with Dr. Kawashima was released for PC and Mac.
- In 2011, Dr. Kawashima released Body and Brain Connection for the Xbox 360's Kinect.
- A third Brain Age game, Brain Age: Concentration Training, came out for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012.
- Dr. Kawashima also appeared as an "Assist Trophy" in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014) and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018). He is the only character in the Super Smash Bros. series based on a real person.
- In 2016, a Super Mario Maker course called Dr. Kawashima's Athletic Training was released. It included a special costume of Dr. Kawashima.
- The newest game, Dr Kawashima's Brain Training for Nintendo Switch, was released in Japan in December 2019 and in Europe in January 2020.
See also
In Spanish: Ryuta Kawashima para niños
- Game brain
