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 Yusuke Haruki's research lab specializes in the neural mechanisms underlying interoception—the perception and awareness of internal bodily states—focusing on how the brain represents and processes signals from different organs such as the heart and stomach. The lab investigates the roles of specific brain regions, particularly the insular cortex, in interoceptive attention, accuracy, and metacognition, using neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and real-time neurofeedback. A key focus is understanding individual differences, including gender disparities in interoceptive awareness, and the impact of modern behaviors—such as excessive smartphone use—on mind-body integration and cognitive control.
Professor Kohei Yuyama's research lab focuses on the role of neuronal exosomes in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The lab investigates how neuron-derived exosomes capture and clear amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, promoting their degradation via microglial uptake, thereby offering a novel endogenous clearance mechanism. Key research directions include the biogenesis and cargo sorting of exosomes, their role in intercellular Aβ transport, and the molecular mechanisms underlying exosome-mediated neuroprotection. The lab also explores the therapeutic potential of exosome-based strategies for Aβ clearance in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Kohei Imura's research lab specializes in the nanoscale optical characterization of plasmonic nanostructures, focusing on the near-field optical properties of gold nanoparticles such as nanorods, nanospheres, and nanoplates. The lab employs advanced scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) techniques to visualize and analyze localized surface plasmon resonances, electromagnetic field distributions, and ultrafast electron dynamics at the nanoscale. Key research directions include two-photon-induced photoluminescence, plasmon mode engineering, and real-space imaging of optical local density of states, with applications in nanophotonics and optoelectronic devices. The lab combines experimental measurements with theoretical simulations to uncover the fundamental optical behaviors of metallic nanostructures.
Professor Makoto Nakakido's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and microbial pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on posttranslational modifications of tumor suppressor proteins and oncoproteins. The lab investigates how enzymes such as methyltransferases (e.g., SMYD2, PRMT6) regulate key cell cycle and survival proteins like PTEN and p21, contributing to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance. Additionally, the lab explores novel host-pathogen interactions, exemplified by the role of bacterial adhesins like EbpS in *Staphylococcus aureus* virulence, and develops biotechnological tools such as engineered nanobodies and protein stabilization strategies using arginine hydrochloride. Their work bridges structural biology, cancer biology, and microbial pathogenesis to identify new therapeutic targets and molecular tools.
Professor Yasushi Umeda's research lab focuses on advancing sustainable product design and intelligent manufacturing systems through function-based engineering and life-cycle thinking. The lab pioneers methodologies in functional modeling (such as FBS modeling), self-maintenance and upgradable product design, and life-cycle simulation to support environmental sustainability and innovation. It also explores cyber-physical systems and digital twins in the context of Industry 4.0, aiming to empower manufacturing system engineers with intelligent, adaptive design and operational support tools. The lab's work bridges conceptual design, functional reasoning, and sustainable development to enable next-generation engineering systems.
Professor Ngoc Kien Bui's research lab specializes in sustainable construction materials, focusing on the valorization of construction and demolition waste (CDW) through innovative recycling and carbonation-based technologies. The lab explores the development of eco-friendly concrete alternatives—such as recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), calcium carbonate concrete (CCC), and sulphur-bitumen binders—by optimizing particle size distribution, enhancing mechanical properties, and leveraging carbonation processes for CO₂ sequestration. Key research directions include the microstructural evolution of cement-based materials under carbonation, the use of pozzolanic and silicate treatments to improve recycled aggregate performance, and the application of low-temperature carbonation for waste stabilization and strength development. The lab's work emphasizes sustainable construction practices with a strong focus on environmental remediation and circular economy principles in the building industry.
Professor Norio Narita's research lab specializes in exoplanet science, with a focus on detecting and characterizing transiting exoplanets through high-precision photometry and spectroscopy. The lab develops advanced instrumentation such as MuSCAT and MuSCAT3 for simultaneous multi-color photometry, enabling detailed studies of exoplanet atmospheres and spin-orbit alignment. Their work contributes significantly to understanding planetary system formation and dynamical evolution, particularly through observations of extreme systems like highly eccentric or retrograde planets. The lab also investigates atmospheric signatures in exoplanet transmission spectra using high-resolution spectrographs like Subaru HDS.
Professor Kanami Tsuno's research lab specializes in occupational health psychology, focusing on the psychological and organizational determinants of workplace bullying, stress, and mental well-being. The lab investigates how leadership styles, power structures, safety climate, and perceived social inequality influence employee mental health and work engagement. Key research directions include the development and validation of psychosocial assessment tools (e.g., NAQ-R, J-MWIS) and the longitudinal impact of workplace victimization and conflict on psychological distress. The lab emphasizes evidence-based interventions in public and industrial sectors to promote healthier work environments.
Professor Kazuto Yoshimi's research lab specializes in genome engineering and molecular diagnostics using CRISPR-Cas systems. The lab develops innovative CRISPR-based technologies for precise genome editing in rodents, including efficient knock-in strategies using single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides and dual-guide RNA systems. They also pioneer novel CRISPR-diagnostics, such as Cas3-mediated nucleic acid detection (CONAN), for rapid, low-cost, and mutation-specific detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the lab contributes to the creation of genetically engineered animal models for human diseases, such as the KAD rat model for colorectal cancer.
Professor Junya Uchida's research lab specializes in the design and development of functional supramolecular and liquid-crystalline materials with a focus on self-assembly, self-healing properties, and interfacial control. The lab explores dynamic molecular architectures based on metal-ligand coordination, hydrogen bonding, and dendritic mesogens to create advanced materials such as self-healing liquid-crystalline networks, giant spherical coordination complexes, and aquatic functional liquid crystals. Key research directions include the integration of functional molecules—like nanoparticles, fullerenes, and carbon dots—into ordered supramolecular frameworks for applications in sensing, water purification, and optoelectronics.
Professor Takayuki Miki's research lab specializes in the design and application of de novo self-assembling peptides for synthetic biology and biomedical engineering. The lab focuses on creating peptide-based nanostructures—such as β-sheet fibrils and amyloid-like assemblies—that can form functional protein assemblies or artificial condensates inside living cells. By leveraging sequence-structure relationships and proximity labeling techniques, the lab develops tools to study protein clustering, intracellular organization, and dynamic biomolecular interactions in a controlled manner. Their work bridges peptide engineering, live-cell imaging, and systems biology to advance synthetic biomaterials and cellular engineering.
Professor Rikima Mitsuhashi's research lab specializes in cybersecurity, with a primary focus on detecting advanced cyber threats in encrypted network traffic. The lab develops machine learning-based systems to identify malicious activities such as DNS tunneling and DGA (Domain Generation Algorithm)-based malware, particularly in the context of encrypted DNS protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH). Their work emphasizes hierarchical machine learning models and transfer learning techniques for malware classification and network anomaly detection, enabling real-time threat identification while maintaining privacy. The lab also investigates the impact of deep learning architectures on malware variant recognition, aiming to reduce the workload of security analysts through automated classification systems.
Professor Hiroki Tsuji's research lab specializes in atmospheric science, with a primary focus on the dynamics and thermodynamics of heavy precipitation events, particularly in western Japan. The lab investigates the roles of moisture transport, water vapor flux convergence, and large-scale atmospheric systems such as atmospheric rivers and cutoff lows in modulating extreme rainfall. Using observational analysis, reanalysis data, and numerical modeling, the lab explores the mechanisms behind mesoscale convective systems, vortex size evolution, and the environmental preconditioning that leads to persistent and intense rainfall. The research also extends to the impact of climate-scale phenomena on regional weather hazards.
Professor Ryohei Kobayashi's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational studies at the intersection of quantum many-body physics, topological phases of matter, and molecular biophysics. The lab investigates quantum spin systems, topological order, and anomalies in gauge theories using advanced field-theoretic and lattice methods, with a focus on generalized symmetries and topological invariants. In parallel, the lab explores the mechano-chemical dynamics of molecular machines, particularly ATP synthase and F1-ATPase, through single-molecule biophysics experiments. These diverse efforts are united by a common theme: understanding emergent quantum and biological phenomena through symmetry, topology, and non-equilibrium dynamics.
Professor Yuichiro Cho's research lab specializes in planetary science and in situ analytical techniques for planetary exploration, focusing on the mineralogy, surface evolution, and geochronology of airless bodies such as asteroids, moons, and planets. The lab develops advanced instruments—such as compact Raman spectrometers and K-Ar isochron systems—designed for space missions, emphasizing technical feasibility and scientific return in extreme environments. Current research integrates remote sensing, sample analysis, and experimental validation to understand planetary formation and volcanic history, particularly through data from lunar and asteroid sample return missions like MMX and Hayabusa2.
Professor Keisuke Kokubun's research lab specializes in neuroscience and brain health, focusing on the impact of lifestyle, stress, and nutrition on brain structure—particularly gray matter volume (GMV). The lab employs advanced neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI-based quotients like the gray-matter brain healthcare quotient (GM-BHQ), to objectively assess brain health and its relationship with modifiable factors. Key research directions include identifying biological markers for cognitive decline, understanding the neural effects of stress and unhealthy behaviors, and exploring preventive strategies through diet and lifestyle interventions. The lab also investigates psychological and organizational factors affecting mental well-being in workplace settings, especially in cross-cultural contexts like Japanese companies in China.
Professor Tatsuo Kurihara's research lab specializes in microbial biochemistry and molecular enzymology, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of specialized bacterial enzymes, particularly dehalogenases involved in organohalogen metabolism and lipid biosynthesis in psychrotrophic bacteria. The lab investigates cold-adapted enzymes and their applications in bioremediation and biotechnology, including the development of low-temperature protein expression systems using Antarctic bacteria such as *Shewanella* sp. strain Ac10. Key research directions include enzyme structure-function relationships, fatty acid metabolism in extreme environments, and subcellular compartmentalization of metabolic pathways in yeast.
Professor Miki Imanishi's research lab focuses on epitranscriptomics, particularly the regulation and functional roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of m6A-modifying enzymes, including methyltransferases and demethylases, and develops innovative tools—such as fusion proteins and m6A-sensitive enzymes—for precise manipulation and detection of RNA methylation. Their work also extends to understanding the physiological impact of RNA modifications in disease contexts, including hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, integrating molecular biology with translational medicine.
Professor Hiroyuki Sato's research lab specializes in computational and systems biology, with a strong focus on plant genetics, particularly in rice. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying important agronomic traits such as starch composition, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, integrating molecular biology with advanced bioinformatics and systems analysis. Additionally, the lab contributes to optimization theory and algorithms, especially in the context of Riemannian optimization and path-finding problems on manifolds, applying these to real-world biological and engineering challenges. Their interdisciplinary work bridges life sciences and computational mathematics to support sustainable crop improvement and algorithmic innovation.
Professor Chikae Tatsumi's research lab focuses on the ecological and microbial dynamics underlying forest soil health, particularly the roles of mycorrhizal fungi in regulating nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and plant-microbe interactions. The lab investigates how urbanization and land-use change disrupt symbiotic relationships between trees and their fungal partners—especially ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi—impacting soil microbial community structure and function. A central theme is understanding the competition for nitrogen among soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi, and how this affects ecosystem stability and forest regeneration. The lab also explores the biochemical mechanisms of enzyme stability, particularly in thermolysin, to understand protein-salt interactions at the molecular level.
