Hyper-Kamiokande (Hyper-K) is a next-generation water Cherenkov detector with a fiducial volume more than eight times larger than its predecessor, Super-Kamiokande. Equipped with over 20,000 newly developed photodetectors, the experiment will allow precision studies of neutrino properties, searches for proton decay, and insights into some of the most fundamental questions about the universe.

The cavern, located 600 meters underground in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, was completed on July 31, 2025. The next stage will transform this space into a gigantic tank holding 260,000 cubic meters of ultra-pure water, where the new detector will be constructed and instrumented. Hyper-K is scheduled to begin operation in 2028.

The project involves about 630 scientists from 22 countries. IFAE participates in the development of detector technologies, together with institutions worldwide, contributing to the preparation of the components that will equip the experiment in the coming years.