During the last week, the "Brain and Evolution 2018” workshop took place in one of the most exciting cities in Japan: Sapporo. Supported by the DAAD and the Japanese Society for Zoology, students, young academics and senior scientist from the biopsychology lab and different Japanese labs had the opportunity to discuss their projects, plan new experiments and intensify Japanese-German cooperation in the field of comparative neuroscience and brain evolution. From cetacean neuroanatomy to chicken behavior and fish brains (and many other research areas) the summer school covered a wide range of fascinating topics within the field of comparative neuroscience and brain evolution. Despite unfortunately being cut short by an earthquake that hit Sapporo, the summer school was a great experience and received overwhelming positive feedback from all participants. We are looking forward to further cooperations and activities with our old and new friends from Japan!