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 Kazunori Nishio's research lab specializes in the epitaxial thin film growth and fundamental characterization of oxide materials for advanced energy conversion and storage applications. The lab focuses on designing and synthesizing complex oxides—such as Ruddlesden-Popper phases, perovskites, and solid electrolytes—using pulsed laser deposition to achieve precise control over crystal structure, cation stoichiometry, and oxidation states. A key research direction involves understanding and minimizing interfacial resistance in all-solid-state lithium batteries by systematically investigating the role of crystal orientation and interfacial chemistry. The lab also explores quantum control systems, particularly the impact of time delays on feedback control performance in linear quantum systems.
Professor Shinya Hanaoka's research lab specializes in transportation and logistics systems with a focus on intermodal freight transport, port competitiveness, and disaster logistics. The lab investigates sustainable and efficient mobility solutions, particularly through the application of multi-criteria decision-making models and fuzzy logic in evaluating logistics performance and infrastructure planning. It also examines the role of transportation systems in crisis response, including pandemic outbreaks linked to cruise shipping and emergency air operations during natural disasters.
Professor Naoko Mori's research lab specializes in advanced neuroimaging and radiological diagnostics, focusing on improving the accuracy of brain and breast lesion characterization using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Her work emphasizes the clinical application of quantitative imaging biomarkers—such as cerebral blood flow reserve (CVR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and kinetic parameters—for early detection and differentiation of brain vascular disorders like Moyamoya disease and breast lesions. The lab is particularly known for developing practical, routine-friendly imaging methods that enhance diagnostic confidence without increasing scan complexity. Their research bridges radiological science with clinical decision-making, aiming to optimize patient outcomes through non-invasive, quantitative imaging techniques.
Professor Noriko Osumi's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural development, particularly the roles of transcription factors like Pax6 in neurogenesis and cortical patterning. Her work explores how key regulators control neural stem/progenitor cell behavior during embryonic and postnatal stages, with a strong emphasis on the specification, migration, and differentiation of neurons in the mammalian and avian pallium. The lab also investigates the influence of signaling molecules such as retinoic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., ARA and DHA) on neural development and neurogenic potential. These studies contribute to understanding the evolutionary and developmental basis of laminated brain structures, especially the neocortex.
Professor Masahiro Kohzuki's research lab specializes in cardiovascular and renal pharmacology, with a primary focus on the renin-angiotensin system and its role in hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and end-organ damage. The lab investigates the renoprotective and antihypertensive effects of angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors in animal models, particularly in diabetic and hypertensive rat models. A key research direction involves developing precise methods to measure active and inhibited forms of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in tissues, overcoming limitations of traditional enzymatic assays. The lab also explores the differential effects of RAS-modulating drugs on target organs such as the kidney and heart, contributing to a deeper understanding of drug mechanisms and tissue-specific responses.
Professor Keiji Murayama's research lab specializes in the design and application of artificial nucleic acids, particularly acyclic xeno nucleic acids (XNAs) such as serinol nucleic acid (SNA) and threoninol nucleic acid (aTNA). The lab focuses on developing XNAs with enhanced stability, nuclease resistance, and orthogonal hybridization properties for use in synthetic biology, molecular diagnostics, and programmable biomolecular circuits. Key research directions include the creation of stimuli-responsive XNA systems for photocontrol of nucleic acid interactions and the engineering of highly sensitive fluorescent probes for live-cell RNA imaging.
Professor Noritaka Komune's research lab specializes in skull base surgery and otolaryngology, with a focus on the intricate anatomy of the skull base, particularly the jugular foramen and related vascular structures such as the lateral condylar vein. The lab investigates rare head and neck malignancies, including external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma, using whole exome sequencing to uncover key genetic drivers like TP53, CDKN2A, and NOTCH family mutations. Their work also explores innate immune responses to viral infections, particularly the role of inflammasomes in viral recognition and cytokine release. The lab integrates clinical surgery with molecular biology and advanced imaging to improve outcomes in complex skull base pathologies.
Professor Satoshi Hamai's research lab specializes in clinical and biomechanical investigations of knee joint function, with a focus on in vivo three-dimensional kinematics following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and in osteoarthritic knees. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques such as continuous fluoroscopy and 3D-to-2D model registration to analyze dynamic joint motion, implant kinematics, and contact mechanics during daily and sports activities. Key research directions include understanding implant design effects—particularly posterior-stabilized versus cruciate-retaining TKA—on femoral rollback, tibiofemoral contact, and implant impingement during functional movements. The lab also investigates patient-reported outcomes and functional recovery in revision hip and knee arthroplasty, emphasizing real-world activity performance.
Professor Takeshi Horinouchi's research lab specializes in atmospheric and climate dynamics, with a focus on wave-atmosphere interactions, tropical and mesoscale atmospheric phenomena, and planetary atmospheric circulation. The lab investigates gravity waves, equatorial waves, and thermal tides in Earth's atmosphere and applies similar dynamical principles to understand super-rotation in Venus's atmosphere. Using high-resolution models and space-based observations, the lab explores the role of convection, wave breaking, and momentum transport in shaping global wind systems and climate variability.
Professor Shoshiro Minobe's research lab specializes in climate dynamics, with a focus on interdecadal climate variability, atmospheric-oceanic interactions, and the mechanisms behind climatic regime shifts. The lab investigates long-term climate oscillations—particularly the pentadecadal and bidecadal variations—using observational data, reanalysis, and advanced signal processing techniques such as wavelet analysis and optimal interpolation. Key research directions include the role of sea surface temperature anomalies (e.g., in the Gulf Stream and tropical oceans) in driving atmospheric responses, and the dynamics of western boundary currents and sea level changes. The lab also develops innovative methods like the Maximal Wavelet Filter to extract evolving patterns in climate oscillations.
Professor Kiyotaka Nakajima's research lab specializes in the development of sustainable solid acid catalysts for green chemical synthesis. The lab focuses on designing heterogeneous acid catalysts—particularly sulfonic acid-functionalized amorphous carbon and mesoporous silica-based materials—that offer high activity, reusability, and environmental compatibility. Key research directions include the catalytic conversion of biomass-derived feedstocks like glucose and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) into valuable chemicals, with an emphasis on minimizing byproduct formation and enabling efficient separation processes. The lab also explores advanced functionalization techniques for metal oxide and hybrid materials to enhance catalytic performance in aqueous and continuous-flow systems.
Professor Futoshi Nakamura's research lab specializes in fluvial geomorphology and riparian ecosystem dynamics, focusing on the interactions between coarse woody debris, stream channel morphology, and sediment processes in mountainous forested landscapes. The lab investigates how geomorphological disturbances—such as debris flows and channel aggradation—shape stream and floodplain ecosystems over time, particularly in response to natural and human-induced changes. A key focus is on river restoration, including meander reconnection and floodplain reintegration, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded river systems. The lab also examines land-use change and landscape transformation driven by demographic shifts, especially in aging societies like Japan.
Professor Norio Amizuka's research lab specializes in skeletal biology, with a focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bone and cartilage development, mineralization, and homeostasis. The lab investigates the roles of key regulatory molecules such as PTHrP and its receptor in chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, particularly within the growth plate. A central theme is the regulation of mineralization processes in both bone and cartilage, including the function of matrix vesicles and the impact of systemic factors like vitamin D analogs on bone remodeling. The lab employs advanced histological, molecular, and imaging techniques to dissect these complex biological events in vivo and ex vivo.
Professor Kotaro Matsumoto's research lab focuses on infectious diseases and immunology, with a particular emphasis on tick-borne pathogens such as *Rickettsia* and *Bartonella* species, and their transmission dynamics in vector and host populations. The lab investigates host-pathogen interactions, especially the role of innate immune cells like neutrophils and platelets in inflammatory diseases such as ANCA-associated vasculitis. It also explores T cell responses in cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune conditions, including giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis, with a focus on T helper and T follicular helper cell dynamics. The lab integrates molecular diagnostics, immunophenotyping, and experimental models to understand immune pathogenesis and improve therapeutic strategies.
Professor Megumi Honjo's research lab focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates for ocular diseases, particularly glaucoma and retinal ischemic disorders. The lab investigates the role of signaling pathways such as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and inflammatory receptors like LOX-1 in ocular physiology and pathology, with a strong emphasis on intraocular pressure regulation and neuroprotection. Key research directions include the development of ROCK inhibitors to reduce fibrosis after glaucoma surgery and the exploration of repurposed drugs like statins for neuroprotective effects in retinal diseases. The lab integrates in vivo animal models with in vitro cellular studies to translate molecular mechanisms into clinical applications.
Professor Yepeng Ding's research lab specializes in decentralized systems and privacy-preserving technologies, focusing on building secure, trustworthy, and scalable infrastructure for data management in distributed environments. The lab explores the integration of distributed ledger technology (DLT), self-sovereign identity (SSI), and homomorphic encryption to address critical challenges in access control, data privacy, and identity management. Key research directions include decentralized database platforms, secure data aggregation frameworks, and privacy-preserving smart health systems.
Professor Hajime Sato's research lab specializes in the mechanistic elucidation of terpene biosynthesis, focusing on the complex carbocation cascades and rearrangements that govern the formation of structurally diverse natural products. Using a synergistic approach of computational chemistry—particularly density functional theory—and experimental techniques such as isotopic labeling, gene cluster identification, and enzyme reconstitution, the lab investigates the stereochemical and regiochemical control in terpene cyclization. Key research directions include the biosynthesis of sesterterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and meroditerpenoids, with an emphasis on understanding elusive cyclization mechanisms and the role of enzyme active sites in directing reaction pathways.
Professor Yutaka Suzuki's research lab specializes in integrative genomics and systems biology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and gene expression control in human diseases, particularly cancer. The lab employs multi-omics approaches—combining whole-genome sequencing, RNA-Seq, epigenomics, and chromatin profiling—to decode the functional impact of genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptional aberrations in cancer genomes. A central theme is the identification and characterization of regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers, with a strong emphasis on how mutations in these regions disrupt gene regulation. The lab also investigates the role of non-coding regulatory variants in oncogenesis, aiming to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Professor Gen Ohtsuki's research lab focuses on the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying cerebellar plasticity, with a particular emphasis on how immune activation and inflammation modulate neuronal excitability and circuit function. The lab investigates the roles of microglia, inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, and intrinsic neuronal properties—especially SK2 channel-dependent plasticity—in shaping Purkinje cell activity and contributing to psychiatric and motor disorders. A central theme is the interplay between synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity in the cerebellum, linking these mechanisms to learning, memory, and neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism and depression.
Professor T. Nishikawa's research lab specializes in seismology and geophysics, focusing on slow earthquake phenomena, interplate deformation, and the seismic behavior of subduction zones. The lab investigates the spatiotemporal patterns of tectonic tremors, very-low-frequency earthquakes, slow slip events, and earthquake swarms to understand the mechanics of megathrust faults and their role in triggering large interplate earthquakes. Utilizing advanced seismic and geodetic data, including ocean-bottom seismograph networks like S-net, the lab applies statistical and modeling techniques—such as the epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model and matched-filter methods—to detect and characterize subtle seismic signals. Their work contributes to improved earthquake hazard assessment and the identification of precursory signals for major seismic events.
