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 Sho Takase's research lab specializes in deep learning for natural language processing, with a focus on improving sequence-to-sequence models through structural inductive biases, efficient parameter sharing, and regularization techniques. The lab explores the integration of syntactic and semantic structures—such as Abstract Meaning Representations (AMR)—into neural architectures to enhance generation tasks like headline generation and machine translation. A key research direction involves optimizing Transformer and RNN-based models through novel parameter sharing strategies and effective perturbation methods that improve training efficiency without sacrificing performance. The lab also investigates the theoretical underpinnings of language modeling, particularly through matrix factorization interpretations, to boost model expressiveness and generalization.
Professor Shuo Cheng's research lab focuses on environmental toxicology and the ecological risks associated with microplastics and emerging contaminants. The lab investigates the environmental behavior, bioaccumulation, and toxicological impacts of nano/microplastics and synthetic fibers across single-species and complex microcosm systems. It also explores the bioactive mechanisms of natural plant-based products, such as *Eucommia ulmoides* staminate flower tea, particularly their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. The lab integrates experimental toxicology with advanced analytical methods to assess environmental and human health risks of plastic pollution and bioactive natural compounds.
Professor Equo Kobayashi's research lab specializes in the development of advanced biomaterials for orthopedic and biomedical implant applications. The lab focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and bioactivity of metallic and ceramic-based materials such as titanium-zirconium alloys, magnesium matrix composites, and hydroxyapatite-coated systems. Key research directions include surface modification techniques (e.g., vacuum vapor deposition, spark plasma sintering), in-situ composite formation, and the evaluation of material behavior in physiological environments using immersion and electrochemical testing. The lab also investigates the role of microstructure and grain refinement in improving performance for biodegradable and non-biodegradable implant materials.
Professor Yusuke Hiraga's research lab specializes in advanced meteorological modeling and climate risk assessment, focusing on extreme precipitation and flood hazard estimation under current and future climate conditions. The lab develops innovative numerical weather model (NWM)-based methodologies—such as storm transposition, pseudo-global warming (PGW), and moisture optimization techniques—to estimate Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) for long-duration events, particularly in snowmelt- and atmospheric river-driven regions. Their work emphasizes improving the accuracy of hydrological design storms through sensitivity analysis of cloud microphysics and planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, with applications in flood risk management and infrastructure planning. The lab’s research bridges atmospheric science, climate modeling, and engineering hydrology to support resilient water resource and disaster management systems.
Professor Masato Yoshida's research lab specializes in advanced optical communication systems, focusing on high-capacity, secure, and long-haul transmission technologies. Key research directions include quantum noise-based optical encryption (QNSC), digital coherent transmission with high-order QAM modulation, and novel fiber-optic components for multi-core and WDM systems. The lab also develops innovative light sources and dispersion measurement techniques for next-generation fiber networks.
Professor Natsuko Chiba's research lab focuses on the multifaceted roles of the BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein in genome maintenance, with key research directions spanning DNA double-strand break repair, transcription-coupled repair of UV damage, and the regulation of centrosome duplication. The lab investigates how BRCA1 dynamically localizes to DNA lesions and interacts with diverse protein complexes, including the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme, the MRN complex, and a novel hydroxyurea-induced complex, to coordinate DNA damage responses. A central theme is understanding the molecular mechanisms by which BRCA1 integrates DNA repair, transcription regulation, and cell cycle control to prevent carcinogenesis. The lab also explores post-translational modifications, such as polyubiquitination of CSB, as critical regulatory mechanisms in DNA repair pathways.
Professor Tetsushi Biwa's research lab specializes in thermoacoustics and acoustic energy conversion, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of energy transfer in resonant systems. The lab investigates thermoacoustic engines and prime movers, particularly through innovative designs such as regenerators, stacks, and jet pumps to enhance efficiency and reduce critical temperature ratios. A key focus is on optimizing acoustic power generation and minimizing energy losses via advanced measurement techniques and system configurations. The lab also explores coupling phenomena in thermoacoustic oscillators, including amplitude death for vibration suppression in energy systems.
Professor Tatsuki Kuribayashi's research lab focuses on the intersection of natural language processing, cognitive modeling, and human-computer interaction. The lab investigates how neural language models can be made more cognitively plausible by aligning their context access mechanisms with human reading behavior, particularly through syntactic and discourse-level constraints. A key direction involves improving language models' ability to simulate human cognitive load using information-theoretic metrics, while also exploring how instruction tuning and prompting strategies affect their psychometric fidelity. The lab further develops advanced span representation methods for discourse structure analysis, enhancing performance on complex argumentative texts.
Professor Shuhei Kobayashi's research lab focuses on the immunological roles of intracellular lipid-binding proteins, particularly FABP family members (FABP3, FABP5), in regulating immune cell function, inflammation, and tissue homeostasis. The lab investigates how lipid metabolism in immune cells—such as T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and plasma cells—affects adaptive immunity, autoimmune diseases, and tumor surveillance. Using genetically modified mouse models, the lab uncovers molecular mechanisms linking lipid metabolism to immune cell differentiation, cytokine production, and tissue repair. Their work highlights the dual roles of FABP5 in promoting anti-tumor immunity and suppressing allergic inflammation, revealing novel therapeutic targets in immune-related diseases.
Professor Seiji Kojima's research lab specializes in the molecular mechanisms of bacterial motility, with a primary focus on the structure and function of flagellar rotary motors. The lab investigates ion-conducting stator complexes—such as MotA/MotB in E. coli and PomA/PomB in Vibrio species—that couple ion gradients (protons or sodium ions) to mechanical rotation. Using structural biology, biochemistry, and mutagenesis, the lab elucidates how these motors generate torque and are anchored to the cell wall via peptidoglycan-binding domains. Their work also explores the roles of auxiliary proteins like MotX and MotY in stator assembly and motor function.
Professor Katsunori Yogo's research lab focuses on advanced materials and their applications in energy conversion, environmental remediation, and biomedical technologies. Key research directions include the development of zeolite-based catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to mitigate air pollution, and the design of functional nanomaterials—particularly gold nanoparticles—for enhancing radiation therapy in cancer treatment. The lab also investigates fundamental biological processes, such as DNA topology management by type-II topoisomerases, using single-molecule biophysics techniques. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science, catalysis, radiation oncology, and molecular biology to address environmental and medical challenges.
Professor Akihiro Hamanaka's research lab specializes in sustainable mining and environmental remediation, focusing on underground coal gasification (UCG) technologies, soil stabilization, and rehabilitation of mine-impacted lands. The lab investigates innovative methods to enhance energy recovery from coal through UCG while minimizing environmental impacts, utilizing advanced monitoring techniques such as acoustic emission (AE) for real-time process control. It also explores the use of industrial byproducts like fly ash for ameliorating acidic soils and developing erosion control strategies in tropical mining environments. The lab’s work bridges energy engineering and environmental science to support safe, efficient, and eco-friendly mining practices.
Professor Akira Terasaki's research lab specializes in ultrafast spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and the optical characterization of low-dimensional systems and free ions. The lab focuses on developing advanced spectroscopic techniques—such as cavity ringdown and photon-trap spectroscopy—to study electronic transitions, hyperfine structures, and photodissociation dynamics in clusters, ions, and molecular systems with high sensitivity. Their work spans from fundamental studies of transition metal ions and dimers to the dynamics of cluster-surface collisions and the freezing behavior of nanoscale water droplets.
Professor Masamichi Kamihira's research lab specializes in biotechnological and biochemical engineering, focusing on innovative methods for protein purification, microbial sterilization using supercritical fluids, and tissue engineering. The lab develops advanced separation techniques such as aqueous two-phase systems with functional polymers for selective protein and cell purification, and explores applications in transgenic animal production and regenerative medicine. A key focus is on creating functional biomaterials—like magnetically labeled myoblasts—for engineering three-dimensional, biomimetic tissues with physiological relevance. The lab also investigates the sterilizing potential of supercritical CO₂ for industrial and medical applications, particularly in preserving biological materials without thermal damage.
Professor Michio Nakaya's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptotic cell clearance, particularly the roles of small GTPases, GPCRs, and associated signaling pathways in phagocytosis. The lab investigates how phagocytes, including macrophages and non-professional phagocytes like cardiac myofibroblasts, recognize and engulf dying cells to maintain tissue homeostasis, especially in pathological contexts such as myocardial infarction. Using advanced techniques like FRET biosensors and genetic models, the lab uncovers novel regulators—such as GRK6 and Rab GTPases—involved in Rac1 activation and cytoskeletal remodeling during engulfment. Their work highlights the physiological significance of G protein-independent signaling and the emerging role of non-professional phagocytes in tissue repair and inflammation control.
Professor Masato Akiyama's research lab specializes in statistical genetics and genomic medicine, with a focus on dissecting the genetic architecture of complex human traits, particularly human height. The lab integrates whole-genome sequencing data from diverse populations—especially East Asian cohorts such as the Japanese—to identify rare and low-frequency genetic variants associated with complex phenotypes. By developing high-coverage reference panels and applying advanced imputation and association methods, the lab advances the understanding of genetic contributions to human variation and disease susceptibility. Their work emphasizes population-specific genetic insights and the functional implications of non-common variants in complex trait genetics.
Professor Soichiro Sonoda's research lab specializes in dental and mesenchymal stem cell biology, focusing on the therapeutic potential of stem cells derived from dental tissues—particularly SHED (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth) and DPSCs (dental pulp stem cells)—in regenerative medicine and immune-mediated diseases. The lab investigates the role of extracellular vesicles and secreted RNAs, such as microRNAs, in modulating cellular functions in target cells, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, to treat conditions like postmenopausal osteoporosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A key focus is understanding the immunomodulatory and odontogenic differentiation potential of stem cells under pathological conditions, such as irreversible pulpitis, and exploring gasotransmitter signaling (e.g., nitric oxide) in tissue regeneration. The lab also examines epigenetic influences of stem cells on developmental disorders, such as cleft lip/palate, to uncover novel therapeutic mechanisms.
Professor Yoshitaka Uchida's research lab focuses on the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in agricultural soils, with a particular emphasis on nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions—especially those triggered by waterlogging, crop residues, and fertilizer management. The lab investigates microbial mechanisms driving N₂O production and emission, including denitrification and nitrification, under varying soil types (such as Andosol and Fluvisol) and agricultural practices. Key research directions include the mitigation of N₂O emissions through green manures, biochar amendments, and controlled-release fertilizers, with a strong integration of molecular techniques like qPCR and high-performance chromatography to link microbial communities with ecosystem functions.
Professor Hiroshi Maejima's research lab specializes in neurophysiology and aging-related motor control, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of ion channels and neurotrophic factors in neural plasticity. The lab investigates how exercise and neuromodulation influence motor function, balance, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in elderly populations. Key research directions include the effects of long-term physical activity on neural control, postural stability, and the pathophysiology of age-related mobility decline. The lab also explores the role of GABAergic inhibition and sodium channel modulation in motor system regulation.
Professor Toshiki Uji's research lab specializes in marine algal biology, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction and development in red and brown macroalgae. The lab investigates plant hormone signaling—particularly ethylene precursors like ACC—beyond their classical roles, revealing novel regulatory pathways in sexual reproduction. They also pioneer genetic tools, such as codon-optimized selection markers, to enable stable nuclear transformation in economically and ecologically important species like *Pyropia yezoensis*. Additionally, the lab explores extracellular matrix proteins and their roles in cell communication and life cycle regulation, using bioinformatics and transcriptomic approaches.
