东京大学、京都大学、大阪大学等日本QS前10名大学的研究室信息。
Professor Akihiko Ito's research lab specializes in terrestrial biogeochemistry and ecosystem modeling, focusing on the global cycles of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide. The lab employs process-based ecosystem models like VISIT to simulate carbon and water fluxes, water-use efficiency, and emissions from natural and anthropogenic sources, including wetlands, soils, biomass burning, and agricultural systems. A key research direction involves quantifying uncertainties in the global methane budget and assessing the impacts of climate change and land-use change on ecosystem functions. The lab also produces high-resolution global datasets on soil mineral composition and terrestrial productivity to support climate modeling and environmental policy.
Professor Yoshihisa Harada's research lab specializes in advanced spectroscopic techniques, particularly high-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopy, to investigate electronic structures and dynamic processes in quantum materials, molecules, and surfaces. The lab focuses on resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy methods such as PIES and UPS to probe electronic states, charge transfer excitations, and molecular orbital distributions with element- and orbital-specific sensitivity. Their work spans from fundamental studies of electron correlation and magnetic excitations in transition metal oxides to the electronic and vibrational characterization of water and organic semiconductor films, often combining experimental precision with theoretical interpretation to reveal subtle electronic and structural phenomena at the atomic scale.
Professor Tomohiro Yasukawa's research lab specializes in the development of chiral metal nanoparticle catalysts for asymmetric synthesis, with a focus on carbon-carbon bond formation reactions. The lab pioneers heterogeneous chiral catalyst systems using noble metals such as Rh and Ag, supported on sustainable materials like cellulose and polymers, to achieve high enantioselectivity and recyclability. Key research directions include understanding the active species in nanoparticle-catalyzed reactions, minimizing metal leaching, and enabling one-pot and scalable transformations. The lab also explores cooperative catalysis involving metal nanoparticles and metal triflates to activate challenging substrates such as α,β-unsaturated amides.
Professor Hirokazu Takami's research lab specializes in the molecular and pathological characterization of central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) and diffuse gliomas, with a focus on identifying genetic drivers, such as TP53 mutations, and their clinical implications. The lab investigates the molecular heterogeneity, genomic alterations (e.g., 12p gain), and tumor microenvironment influences that shape tumor behavior and treatment response. A key direction involves translating molecular findings into improved diagnostic strategies and personalized therapeutic approaches, particularly for rare and challenging pediatric and adult-onset CNS tumors.
Professor Tadayuki Takahashi's research lab specializes in high-energy astrophysics, focusing on the development of advanced X-ray and gamma-ray detectors for space-based observatories. The lab's main research directions include the design and optimization of semiconductor detectors such as CdTe and CdZnTe for improved energy resolution and efficiency in hard X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy. They also contribute significantly to mission development, particularly in instrumentation for X-ray space telescopes like Suzaku and ASTRO-H, emphasizing low-background detection techniques and high-throughput spectroscopy across a broad energy range. Their work bridges materials science, detector physics, and observational astrophysics to explore energetic phenomena in the universe, such as active galactic nuclei and flaring sources like BL Lac objects.
Professor Yoshiharu Omura's research lab specializes in space plasma physics, focusing on the generation and nonlinear dynamics of electromagnetic and electrostatic waves in Earth's magnetosphere. The lab investigates wave-particle interactions, particularly the role of whistler-mode chorus emissions and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in accelerating electrons to relativistic energies. Using advanced particle-in-cell simulations and theoretical modeling, the lab explores nonlinear wave growth mechanisms, wave trapping of resonant electrons, and the conditions for self-sustaining wave emissions in inhomogeneous magnetic and plasma environments. Their work provides critical insights into radiation belt dynamics and space weather phenomena.
Professor Shuhei Yoshida's research lab specializes in materials science and biomedicine, focusing on the development and characterization of advanced metallic alloys—particularly high and medium entropy alloys—with an emphasis on composition-structure-property relationships. The lab investigates mechanical behavior, dislocation dynamics, and thermal transport properties in complex concentrated alloys and refractory metals, utilizing advanced experimental and theoretical techniques. Additionally, the lab explores neurological disorders, particularly juvenile ischemic strokes and hypoxia-induced neuronal dysfunction, bridging materials science with clinical neurology.
Professor Li Ji's research lab specializes in computational and mechanistic studies of cytochrome P450 enzymes, focusing on their role in the metabolism of environmental pollutants, drugs, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The lab employs advanced quantum chemical methods such as DFT and QM/MM to unravel complex reaction pathways, including regioselective hydroxylation, desaturation, ipso-substitution, and phenol coupling, with an emphasis on predicting toxic metabolite formation. Their work bridges computational chemistry with biochemical risk assessment, providing molecular-level insights into metabolic activation and detoxification processes.
Professor Fumio Matsuda's research lab specializes in plant metabolomics and systems biology, focusing on unraveling the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis and regulation of specialized metabolites in plants. The lab employs advanced LC-MS-based metabolome analysis, quantitative trait locus (mQTL) mapping, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to link genetic variation to metabolic phenotypes in crops such as rice and Arabidopsis. A key focus is enhancing metabolomic coverage and data interpretation through multi-platform analytical strategies, enabling comprehensive profiling of phytochemical diversity and its implications in plant development, stress adaptation, and biotechnological applications.
Professor Nobuhiko Kamada's research lab focuses on the intricate interactions between the host immune system, intestinal microbiota, and pathogenic or commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The lab investigates how dysregulation of innate immune responses—particularly in intestinal macrophages—contributes to chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Key research directions include the molecular mechanisms of microbial recognition, the role of specific immune cell subsets in maintaining gut homeostasis, and the impact of dietary factors on immune function and microbial ecology. The lab integrates host immunology, microbiome science, and translational models to uncover pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for IBD and related disorders.
Professor Junko Morikawa's research lab specializes in the advanced characterization of thermal, mechanical, and optical properties at the micro- and nanoscale, with a focus on developing and applying innovative thermal wave analysis techniques. The lab investigates thermal transport in functional materials such as polyimide thin films, doped single crystals, laser-structured sapphire, and biomimetic nanostructures like cicada wings, emphasizing anisotropy and local property variations. A key innovation is the application of temperature wave analysis (TWA) and Fourier transform thermal analysis to measure thermal diffusivity and heat capacity with high spatial and frequency resolution, enabling insights into phonon scattering and material heterogeneity.
Professor Yuta Nabae's research lab specializes in the development of advanced carbon-based materials and electrochemical systems for sustainable energy applications. The lab focuses on non-precious metal catalysts, particularly nitrogen-doped carbon and Fe-containing polyimide-derived catalysts, for fuel cells and electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. Key research directions include hybrid direct carbon fuel cells (HDCFCs) using solid oxide and molten carbonate electrolytes, electrocatalysis for oxygen reduction, and metal-free oxidation catalysis using carbon materials. The lab emphasizes materials design, kinetic analysis, and practical performance optimization for clean energy conversion and storage technologies.
Professor Jike Han's research lab specializes in computational mechanics and numerical modeling of fracture mechanics, with a focus on developing advanced phase-field and damage models for ductile and brittle fracture under finite strain conditions. The lab integrates innovative numerical methods such as isogeometric analysis, the finite cover method, and topology optimization to enable stable, accurate, and efficient simulation of complex crack propagation in structures with geometric and material nonlinearities. Key research directions include gradient-enhanced damage modeling, diffusive-discrete crack transition schemes, and energy-based formulations for fracture evolution.
Professor Akiko Yagi's research lab specializes in the synthesis and functionalization of novel carbon-based nanomaterials, with a focus on cyclic π-conjugated systems such as cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs), carbon nanorings, and carbon nanobelts. The lab develops innovative synthetic strategies—particularly using transition metal catalysis and the active metal template method—to construct complex molecular architectures with unique electronic and photophysical properties. A key research direction involves the design of functionalized nanocarbons for applications in organic electronics, molecular machines, and biomedical imaging.
Professor Toyoaki Murohara's research lab specializes in vascular biology and regenerative medicine, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function. His team investigates the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in promoting blood vessel formation and vascular repair, particularly in ischemic conditions. The lab also explores the therapeutic potential of EPCs derived from sources such as umbilical cord blood for postnatal neovascularization and tissue regeneration. Their work bridges basic vascular biology with translational applications in cardiovascular repair and therapeutic angiogenesis.
Professor Taito Matsuda's research lab focuses on the regulation of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) and microglia in the context of brain repair, neurogenesis, and neurological disorders. The lab investigates how intrinsic factors like HMGB2 and extrinsic signals such as TLR9 activation by self-DNA influence NSC activation and neurogenic potential, particularly in pathological conditions like epilepsy and early-life anesthesia exposure. A key direction involves understanding and manipulating cellular reprogramming—especially microglia-to-neuron conversion—using transcription factors like NeuroD1 to develop novel regenerative strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury. The lab also explores epigenetic mechanisms, such as chromatin accessibility changes, that underlie long-term functional impairments following developmental insults.
Professor Takashi Nakanishi's research lab specializes in the design and self-assembly of functional supramolecular nanostructures, particularly focusing on fullerene-based materials. His group explores the hierarchical organization of alkyl-conjugated fullerenes to create dimensionally controlled architectures—from 1D fibers to 3D flower-shaped microparticles—driven by π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions. The lab develops advanced materials with tunable optoelectronic and surface properties, including superhydrophobic nanocarbons and white-light-emitting inks, for applications in flexible electronics and coatings.
Professor Shingo Takada's research lab focuses on the metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms underlying exercise intolerance and muscle dysfunction in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, particularly heart failure and diabetes. The lab investigates how exercise modalities—such as low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction—and pharmacological agents (e.g., DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers) can improve skeletal muscle metabolism, mitochondrial function, and exercise capacity. A central theme is the role of metabolic stress, oxidative stress, and substrate utilization in muscle adaptation and disease progression.
Professor Naoki Oishi's research lab focuses on auditory neuroscience and otology, with a strong emphasis on understanding the pathophysiology of hearing disorders such as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and tinnitus. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying drug-induced ototoxicity, including aminoglycoside-induced protein misfolding and endoplasmic reticulum stress, while also exploring the role of psychological factors—such as depression and anxiety—in tinnitus and hearing-related distress. A key translational goal is developing pharmacological interventions, including oral drugs for NIHL and SSRIs like paroxetine for tinnitus, with clinical outcomes assessed through audiometric and psychometric tools.
Professor Toru Komatsu's research lab specializes in the development of advanced fluorescent probes and labeling techniques for live-cell imaging and single-molecule detection. The lab focuses on designing small-molecule probes with unique photophysical properties—such as ratiometric fluorescence, FRET-based signaling, and resistance to photobleaching—enabling real-time, wash-free visualization of protein dynamics. Key research directions include covalent protein labeling using quinone methide chemistry, BODIPY-based ratiometric probes, and ultrasensitive single-molecule enzymatic assays for multiplexed detection in biological samples. The lab's work bridges chemical design with cell biological applications, particularly in studying receptor dynamics and enzyme activities in living systems.
