Although the standard cosmological model now appears to be established, we are still far from a complete understanding of the early Universe: the actual mechanism of inflation is still unknown, we do not know how the Universe has evolved after inflation in the early Universe either, and several issues/tensions raised from observational data are now under debate. In this mini-workshop, we gather to discuss future directions towards the understanding of the early Universe, related fundamental issues and even more. To have in-depth discussions and stimulate collaborations, the workshop is organized such that the participants can interact with each other and have ample time for discussion. 

The 5th EU mini-workshop will be held in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Located near Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ichinoseki serves as a gateway to some of Japan’s most treasured Buddhist temples and gardens, including Chūson-ji Temple and Mōtsū-ji Temple. The city is also famous for its scenic landscapes, hot springs, and delicious local cuisine. This June, join us in Ichinoseki and take the opportunity to explore the cultural and natural wonders of the region.