Hadron physics at J-PARC

Hadron spectroscopy and dilepton measurement are essential parts of the hadron physics programs at the J-PARC hadron facility, which is designed as a multipurpose experimental facility for a wide range of particle and nuclear physics programs. The topics of interest are hadron structure, the search for exotic states, and medium modification of the vector meson mass. As the first experiment, the search for the Θ⁺ pentaquark via a pion-induced hadronic reaction began in the autumn of 2010. Programs to use the kaon beam will start in the autumn of 2012, in accordance with the increase of beam power. Of the various experimental programs concerning hadron physics, only selected topics are briefly described here. (author)