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 Yongsheng Ren's research lab specializes in advanced materials development, with a primary focus on high-entropy alloys, aluminum alloy purification and refinement, and high-purity silicon crystal growth. The lab investigates innovative processing techniques to enhance material properties, including novel purification methods for aluminum and silicon, and the use of reactive elements like zirconium to remove impurities such as boron. Their work spans from fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics to practical applications in aerospace, electronics, and photovoltaics.
Professor Yasuhito Sakuraba's research lab focuses on plant molecular biology, particularly the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying leaf senescence, abiotic stress responses, and chlorophyll catabolism in monocotyledonous plants such as rice. The lab investigates key transcription factors—especially NAC family members—involved in regulating senescence and stress tolerance, as well as the roles of chlorophyll degradation enzymes and photoreceptors in developmental transitions and stress adaptation. Their work integrates functional genomics, gene expression analysis, and mutant phenotyping to uncover regulatory networks controlling plant longevity and environmental resilience.
Professor Masato Machida's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental investigation of advanced functional oxides for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on rare-earth-based materials, particularly lanthanide oxides, oxysulfates, and tantalates, with an emphasis on their redox properties, oxygen storage capacity, and photocatalytic activity. Key research directions include designing efficient catalysts for diesel soot oxidation and low-temperature NOx removal, as well as exploring novel photocatalysts for solar-driven water splitting using UV light. The lab integrates materials synthesis, spectroscopic characterization (e.g., in situ FT-IR, XPS), and theoretical calculations to understand structure-activity relationships at the electronic level.
Professor Takao Arimori's research lab specializes in structural biology and enzymology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of protein-ligand interactions, particularly in enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and nucleotide signaling. The lab employs a combination of X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the structural basis of substrate specificity and catalytic function in glycoside hydrolases, nucleotide hydrolases, and cell adhesion molecules. Key research directions include understanding the structural dynamics of chitinases and their unique substrate-binding architectures, the mechanism of nucleotide diphosphatase activity in NUDT5, and the development of novel protein tags for structural and functional studies.
Professor Nobuhiro Yoda's research lab specializes in computational and biomechanical modeling in oral and maxillofacial implantology, focusing on the integration of advanced imaging, finite element analysis (FEA), and artificial intelligence to optimize dental implant outcomes. The lab investigates implant biomechanics, bone remodeling, and load distribution in implant-supported prostheses, with particular emphasis on patient-specific factors such as implant location, attachment types, and bone quality. Their work bridges clinical dentistry with engineering, using in-silico simulations and clinical CT data to predict long-term stability and improve treatment planning.
Professor Michio Homma's research lab specializes in bacterial motility, with a primary focus on the structure, assembly, and function of the bacterial flagellum. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying flagellar rotation, ion-driven motor function, and the dynamic assembly of flagellar components such as the hook, filament, and stator complexes. Using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques—including immunoelectron microscopy and fluorescent protein tagging—the lab elucidates the roles of key proteins like HAPs, PomA/B, MotX/Y, and the T ring in flagellar biogenesis and motility. Their work provides fundamental insights into how bacterial cells achieve directed movement through complex environments.
Professor Keisuke Nagai's research lab focuses on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in rice, particularly the unique submergence tolerance mechanisms of deepwater rice. The lab investigates hormone signaling pathways—especially ethylene and gibberellin—involved in submergence-induced internode elongation, a key survival strategy in flood-prone environments. Using QTL analysis, gene cloning, and comparative genomics, the lab identifies and characterizes key genes such as *SD1*, *SNORKEL1/2*, and regulatory networks that enable deepwater rice to grow rapidly under water. Their work bridges plant developmental biology and agricultural biotechnology, aiming to improve flood-resilient crops.
Professor Toshiaki Onitsuka's research lab focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia, with a particular emphasis on structural and functional brain abnormalities linked to core symptoms such as impaired facial processing and cognitive integration. The lab investigates neuroanatomical alterations—especially in the temporal lobe regions like the fusiform and superior temporal gyri—and explores neurophysiological deficits using EEG and MEG to examine early sensory processing and neural synchronization, particularly in the gamma band. A central theme is identifying biomarkers, such as the auditory steady-state response, to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and support early diagnosis and intervention.
Professor Michiyuki Kawakami's research lab specializes in neuroendocrinology and behavioral neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying reproductive behavior and hormone regulation in rodents. The lab investigates how sex steroids, pituitary hormones, and neuropeptides such as LH-RH modulate brain activity, particularly in the hypothalamus, limbic system, and brainstem, using electrophysiological and neurochemical techniques. Key research directions include the neurophysiological basis of the estrous cycle, the role of specific brain regions in hormone release and sexual behavior, and the neural control of pituitary function. The lab also explores the electrophysiological correlates of behavioral states such as post-coital EEG after-reactions and the effects of hormonal treatments on neural excitability.
Professor Ryo Ishikawa's research lab specializes in advanced electron microscopy techniques to investigate atomic-scale defects and dopants in functional materials. The lab focuses on developing and applying quantitative electron microscopy methods—such as aberration-corrected STEM, differential phase-contrast imaging, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy—to directly observe and characterize single-atom dopants, vacancies, and their bonding states in semiconductors like wurtzite AlN. A key research direction involves 3D atomic localization and dynamic diffusion processes using low-dose, high-resolution imaging, enabling precise correlation between atomic structure and material properties. The lab also explores the impact of material microstructure on device performance, particularly in optical and electronic applications.
Professor Megumi Ota's research lab specializes in advanced optical materials and biomedical engineering, focusing on the development of liquid crystal-based photonic devices for next-generation optical technologies. The lab pioneers innovative photoalignment techniques—such as scanning wave photopolymerization (SWaP)—to fabricate high-precision molecular alignment patterns in liquid crystals, enabling applications in q-plates, diffractive waveplates, and vector beam generators. In parallel, the lab investigates neuromuscular imbalances in chronic low back pain (CLBP), using ultrasonography to assess abdominal muscle morphology and symmetry, aiming to improve conservative treatments through targeted stabilization exercises. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science and clinical rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on translational applications in both optical engineering and musculoskeletal health.
Professor Naohiko Yoshikai's research lab specializes in the development of transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization and cross-coupling reactions, with a strong focus on nickel, cobalt, and iron catalysis. The lab pioneers innovative ligand designs—particularly phosphine-based and bidentate ligands—that enable the activation of challenging substrates such as aryl fluorides, chlorides, and phenol derivatives under mild conditions. A key theme in their work is the synergistic effect between transition metals and main-group metals (e.g., Mg) in bimetallic catalytic systems, enhancing reactivity and chemoselectivity. The lab also explores the use of first-row transition metals like cobalt and iron as sustainable alternatives to noble metals in selective C–H functionalization.
Professor Gaoyang Li's research lab specializes in the integration of computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering to address challenges in clinical cardiovascular diagnostics and intervention. The lab focuses on developing advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques—particularly point cloud-based networks and convolutional neural networks—for patient-specific hemodynamic simulation and pulse-wave pattern classification. Key research directions include the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with data-driven optimization, near-infrared spectroscopy for food authenticity detection, and intelligent robotic welding systems using laser sensing and trajectory recognition. The lab emphasizes clinical translation by reducing computational costs and improving the accuracy and efficiency of medical decision support systems.
Professor Kuniharu Ijiro's research lab specializes in the development of functional nanomaterials and plasmonic nanostructures for advanced biosensing and bioimaging applications. The lab focuses on creating tunable, responsive substrates—such as thermoresponsive hydrogel-based SERS platforms and DNA-templated assemblies—that enable dynamic control over molecular detection at the nanoscale. Key research directions include surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for label-free protein and DNA detection, biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles, and the integration of DNA with lipid and protein architectures for sensing and nanofabrication. The lab emphasizes innovative material design that bridges biology, nanotechnology, and analytical chemistry to enable sensitive, real-time detection of biomolecules.
Professor Kazunori Iwabuchi's research lab specializes in sustainable bioenergy and soil amendment technologies, focusing on the conversion of organic waste—particularly livestock manure and forestry residues—into high-value biochar and hydrochar through advanced thermal processes such as pyrolysis, co-hydrothermal carbonization (co-HTC), and torrefaction. The lab investigates the physicochemical properties, nutrient release dynamics, and environmental impacts of these materials, with an emphasis on enhancing soil fertility, reducing air pollution from biomass combustion, and improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production. Key research directions include optimizing slow-release biofertilizers and developing water-efficient hydrothermal carbonization techniques for industrial scalability.
Professor Takaya Sugiura's research lab specializes in advanced semiconductor materials and devices, with a strong focus on energy-efficient and high-performance technologies for sustainable applications. The lab conducts cutting-edge research in crystalline silicon photovoltaics, including bifacial PERC solar cells and novel emitter structures, aiming to optimize efficiency and scalability. It also explores wide-bandgap semiconductors such as 4H-SiC and GaN for high-temperature and robust micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) applications, particularly through piezoresistive effect characterization. The lab integrates numerical simulation and experimental validation to design next-generation energy harvesting and sensing devices.
Professor Tomonori Nochi's research lab specializes in mucosal immunology and oral vaccine development, focusing on leveraging plant-based systems—particularly rice—to deliver antigens that induce robust systemic and mucosal immune responses. The lab investigates M cell-targeted delivery systems and novel mucosal adjuvants to enhance vaccine efficacy, with applications in infectious disease control and global health. Key research directions include understanding immune responses in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), developing rice-based vaccines for enteric and respiratory pathogens, and utilizing human-mouse chimeric models to study human immune system development and pathology.
Professor Ryohei Yamamoto's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular defense responses, particularly the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, which regulates the expression of cytoprotective genes in response to oxidative stress and electrophilic insults. The lab investigates the roles of ubiquitin ligases, redox-sensitive cysteine residues in Keap1, and transcription factor dynamics involving small Maf and CNC proteins in disease pathogenesis. Additionally, the lab explores the clinical implications of lifestyle factors—such as sleep duration, meal frequency, and exercise—on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and metabolic health, with a strong emphasis on translational outcomes like end-stage kidney disease and mortality. Their work bridges molecular biology with clinical epidemiology to identify novel therapeutic targets and preventive strategies in renal and metabolic diseases.
Professor Masaaki Kitano's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials, particularly focusing on heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable energy and chemical processes. Key research directions include the design of novel catalysts for efficient ammonia synthesis under mild conditions, the development of solid acid catalysts for biomass conversion and organic transformations, and the creation of non-precious metal-based photocatalysts for solar energy conversion. The lab also explores innovative synthesis methods for complex oxynitride and oxyhydride materials with unique ionic conductivity and catalytic properties.
Professor Kenshi Yamasaki's research lab focuses on innate immunity and host defense mechanisms in the skin, with a central emphasis on antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin (LL-37) and their roles in inflammatory skin diseases. The lab investigates the molecular regulation of cathelicidin processing, inflammasome activation by damage-associated molecular patterns (e.g., hyaluronan), and the crosstalk between antimicrobial peptides and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-36γ in conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Using integrative approaches including proteomics, genetic knockdowns, and clinical studies, the lab aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for immune-mediated dermatoses.
