Naoko Tosa

Musashino Art University, Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics

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About

Naoko Tosa is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of art, technology, and human emotion, best known for her work in affective computing and interactive digital art. Her key research areas include human-robot interaction, emotional communication agents, and computational creativity. Tosa’s most influential contribution is the development of "MIC" (Museum of Information and Communication) and "MUSE," life-like communication agents that explore why humans form emotional attachments to anthropomorphic objects—from ancient figurines to modern robots. This work, cited 76 times, laid foundational insights for designing empathetic virtual characters. She also created the "Network Neuro-Baby," an early robotic hand system (13 citations), and the interactive art installation "i.plot" (2 citations), which blends computing with poetic inspiration. Tosa’s work bridges engineering and the humanities, challenging how we perceive consciousness in machines. Her achievements include recognition as a leading figure in media art and technology, with her projects exhibited globally. For students and researchers, Tosa’s career demonstrates how technical innovation can deepen our understanding of human emotion and creativity.