Research labs at Japan's QS Top 10 universities including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Professor Dongchon Kang's research lab focuses on mitochondrial biology, with a central emphasis on the maintenance, integrity, and functional regulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying mtDNA damage, repair, and mutagenesis, particularly in the context of aging and age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Key research directions include the role of nuclear-encoded factors like MTH1 and TFAM in protecting mtDNA from oxidative stress and ensuring proper transcription, replication, and nucleoid organization. The lab also employs advanced molecular techniques to study the dynamics of mtDNA replication and the in vivo identification of replication origins.
Professor Yuichiro Tanioka's research lab specializes in tsunami hazard assessment, focusing on the mechanisms of tsunami generation from undersea earthquakes. The lab investigates the role of coseismic bottom deformation—particularly horizontal and additional uplift components—on tsunami amplitude, especially in regions with steep bathymetry or complex tectonic structures. Key research directions include numerical modeling of tsunami propagation, inversion of tsunami waveforms to estimate fault slip distributions, and understanding the influence of subducting plate topography on earthquake and tsunami characteristics. The lab also contributes to the analysis of historical and recent large earthquakes, such as the 1896 Sanriku and 2004 Sumatra-Andaman events, to improve tsunami early warning and risk assessment systems.
Professor Hai Jun Cho's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental understanding of advanced oxide semiconductors and functional oxides, with a focus on transparent conducting oxides, transparent electronics, and thermoelectric materials. The lab investigates epitaxial film growth, defect engineering, and carrier transport mechanisms to enhance electronic and thermal properties in complex oxide heterostructures. Key research directions include optimizing wide bandgap oxide semiconductors like La-doped BaSnO₃ and SrSnO₃ for optoelectronic and deep-UV applications, as well as exploring anisotropic thermal conductivity in layered oxides for thermal management. The lab employs advanced pulsed laser deposition and post-growth annealing techniques to control stoichiometry and defect structures at the atomic level.
Professor Hailong Wang's research lab specializes in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, with a strong focus on the mechanical behavior and water-soil interactions in unsaturated soils and expansive clays. Key research directions include the swelling characteristics and water absorption mechanisms of compacted bentonite, the development of advanced testing systems for measuring swelling pressure and water distribution, and the influence of initial conditions on soil liquefaction resistance and volume change. The lab also investigates innovative testing methods, such as membrane filters and multi-ring molds, to improve the accuracy and repeatability of soil-water characteristic curve measurements and swelling pressure monitoring.
Professor Hideyuki Maki's research lab specializes in nanoscale optoelectronics and 2D materials, focusing on the development of advanced photonic and electronic devices using graphene, carbon nanotubes, and wide-bandgap semiconductors. Key research directions include on-chip silicon photonics with graphene-based emitters and optical switches, strain engineering of carbon nanotubes for tunable photoluminescence, and surface doping of ZnO for optoelectronic applications. The lab also explores redox-active molecular systems and novel electrical contact engineering for carbon nanotube devices to enhance device performance and stability.
Professor Masanao Shinohara's research lab specializes in marine and solid-Earth geophysics, focusing on seismic observation and earthquake mechanism analysis using advanced ocean-bottom and fiber-optic sensing technologies. The lab conducts extensive seafloor seismic surveys, particularly using Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBSs) and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), to precisely map aftershock distributions and fault geometries in subduction zones. Their work significantly contributes to understanding large interplate earthquakes, such as the 2007 Chuetsu-Oki and 2011 Tohoku earthquakes, by enabling high-resolution, dense seismic monitoring in challenging marine environments. The lab also investigates geomagnetic pulsations and ionospheric effects, especially at equatorial regions, to explore space weather impacts on Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field dynamics.
Professor Marty Kwok-Shing Wong's research lab specializes in comparative and evolutionary physiology, with a focus on osmoregulation and ion transport mechanisms in teleost fishes. The lab investigates molecular adaptations underlying seawater acclimation, including the roles of cortisol signaling, Na+-binding proteins, and the kallikrein-kinin system, using integrative approaches combining genomics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. A key theme is understanding the evolutionary origins and functional diversification of ion transport systems, particularly in relation to environmental stress and osmotic challenges in aquatic vertebrates. The lab also pioneers non-invasive biodiversity monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to support ecological and conservation research.
Professor Hiroyuki Koga's research lab focuses on the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity and novel morphological structures in plants and echinoderms. The lab investigates heterophylly in amphibious plants like *Callitriche palustris*, exploring how environmental cues trigger distinct leaf forms through cellular and molecular mechanisms, including cytoskeletal reorganization and gene regulation. Additionally, the lab examines the evolutionary co-option of skeletogenic genetic networks in echinoderms, particularly the origin of the larval skeleton, to understand how complex structures evolve through developmental system drift and gene network recruitment. These studies integrate developmental biology, evolutionary genetics, and comparative genomics to uncover fundamental principles of morphological innovation.
Professor Yoshito Tanaka's research lab specializes in plasmonics, nanophotonics, and optical manipulation at the nanoscale. The lab explores the design and application of plasmonic nanostructures for super-resolution optical trapping, directional light scattering, and on-chip optical nanocircuits. A key focus is leveraging localized surface plasmon resonances to achieve enhanced optical forces and tunable light-matter interactions in compact, functional nano-devices. The lab also investigates bioinspired processes, such as carotenoid biosynthesis in aquatic organisms, linking optical phenomena with biological systems.
Professor Hajime Sasaki's research lab specializes in technology and innovation management, focusing on the prediction and analysis of emerging technological trends using data-driven approaches. The lab integrates machine learning, network analysis, and natural language processing to model complex technological relationships, particularly in fields such as nanocarbon, solar energy, and multimedia systems. Key research directions include forecasting technological convergence, identifying high-impact research areas, and improving interpretability in predictive models for supply chains and risk assessment in financial reporting.
Professor Ai Kuzumi's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The lab investigates key cytokines such as IL-31 and IL-34 in fibrosis and immune dysregulation, explores novel autoantibody detection technologies for improved diagnosis, and evaluates emerging therapeutic agents like rituximab and cannabidiol (CBD) in autoimmune and fibrotic conditions. A central theme is the translation of basic immunological findings into clinical applications for fibrosis and autoimmunity.
Professor Issei Sato's research lab specializes in probabilistic machine learning, with a focus on scalable Bayesian inference, latent variable models, and deep learning with biological plausibility. The lab develops efficient and theoretically grounded algorithms for large-scale data analysis, particularly in topic modeling, variational inference, and continual learning. Key research directions include stochastic optimization, Bayesian nonparametrics (e.g., hierarchical Dirichlet processes), and incorporating neuroscientific principles—such as neural variability—into artificial learning systems to address overfitting and catastrophic forgetting. The lab emphasizes practical algorithms that are both theoretically sound and computationally efficient for real-world streaming and high-dimensional data.
Professor Daisuke Kuroda's research lab specializes in computational biology and biomaterials science, with a strong focus on antibody drug development and the design of advanced biomaterials for medical applications. The lab pioneers computer-aided methods for modeling antibody structures—particularly the highly variable CDR-H3 region—enabling more accurate prediction of antigen recognition and accelerating therapeutic antibody discovery. In parallel, the lab investigates corrosion-resistant, nickel-free high nitrogen stainless steels for use as implantable biomaterials, evaluating their stability and biocompatibility in physiological environments. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge structural bioinformatics, computational immunology, and materials engineering to advance personalized medicine and implantable device technologies.
Professor Hirokazu Tanaka's research lab focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying motor control and learning, with a particular emphasis on the cerebro-cerebellum's role in predicting movement outcomes through internal forward models. The lab investigates how the brain represents and generalizes visuomotor transformations, optimizes movement duration under accuracy constraints, and integrates predictive computation across cortical and subcortical circuits. Using a combination of primate neurophysiology, computational modeling, and behavioral analysis, the lab aims to uncover the principles of sensorimotor integration and motor planning in the brain. Recent work also extends to molecular mechanisms in DNA replication, highlighting a broader interest in biological systems with predictive and regulatory functions.
Professor Hidetarō Abe's research lab specializes in experimental solid-state physics and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, focusing on the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal compounds. The lab investigates paramagnetic resonance in single crystals of copper and manganese-based coordination compounds, emphasizing the role of spin-orbit coupling, exchange interactions, and crystal field effects. Their work combines microwave spectroscopy with X-ray crystallography to elucidate the local electronic structure and magnetic interactions in hydrated metal salts and low-dimensional magnetic systems. The lab also contributes to high-energy astrophysics through studies of gamma-ray sources, particularly in the context of cosmic ray acceleration in supernova remnants.
Professor Yoshizumi Kajii's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry and environmental monitoring, focusing on the impacts of biomass burning and industrial emissions on air quality and atmospheric composition. The lab conducts satellite remote sensing analysis to estimate fire-induced emissions of ozone precursors, particularly in boreal and high-latitude regions such as Siberia and northern Mongolia. Ground-based measurements at stations like Happo are used to study long-term trends and seasonal variations in tropospheric ozone and carbon monoxide, providing insights into photochemical pollution processes. The lab integrates satellite and ground-based data to understand the role of wildfires and anthropogenic sources in regional and global atmospheric chemistry.
Professor Tatsuhiko Ohto's research lab specializes in the design and characterization of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy conversion, with a primary focus on electrocatalysts for water splitting. The lab integrates experimental techniques such as sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to probe interfacial water structures and reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Key research directions include the development of noble-metal-free electrocatalysts—particularly based on NiMo alloys and graphene-encapsulated systems—optimized for high activity and stability in acidic and alkaline environments. The lab also investigates charge transfer, proton transport, and surface electronic states to rationally engineer materials for efficient hydrogen evolution reactions (HER).
Professor Junya Nakanishi's research lab specializes in human-robot interaction, with a focus on developing socially intelligent robots and communication media that enhance emotional connection, attention, and learning in educational and service settings. The lab explores the design and application of huggable and humanoid robots to support children’s concentration in storytelling, facilitate intergenerational interaction, and improve customer satisfaction in hospitality environments. Key research directions include the use of teleoperation and proactive social behaviors—such as soliloquizing and expressing goodwill—to make robots more relatable and effective companions in private and public spaces. The lab emphasizes empathy-driven design, aiming to bridge emotional and social gaps through technology in real-world contexts.
Professor Daisuke Ino's research lab specializes in the intersection of neuroscience, materials science, and advanced spectroscopy, focusing on understanding biological signaling at the molecular and cellular level. The lab develops innovative optical sensors and spectroscopic techniques to visualize dynamic biological processes in real time, such as neuropeptide release in the brain and mitochondrial signaling in Schwann cells. They also investigate electronic and excited-state dynamics in organic semiconductors and 2D materials, with applications in optoelectronics and bio-sensing. Their work bridges fundamental science with translational potential in neuroscience and materials engineering.
Professor Masatoshi Hara's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing cell cycle regulation and translational control during early animal development, particularly in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. The lab investigates key regulators such as the PNG kinase complex, M-phase-promoting factor, and kinases like Greatwall, elucidating their roles in cell cycle progression and mRNA translation. Using model systems including Drosophila and starfish, the lab combines biochemistry, cell biology, and live imaging to dissect signaling networks that ensure faithful cell division and developmental transitions. Their work reveals critical post-translational control mechanisms, including phosphorylation-dependent activation and substrate specificity, with implications for developmental biology and human disease.
