I do research the image processing using color effects and visual characteristics. For example, the human visual features vary with on age. I advance the development of a lightness transform method considering the visual features of the elderly person.

Artificial intelligence has regained a lot of attention with the emergence of deep learning. However, I am concerned about the problem of disadvantaged people, such as the digital divide.
I study methodologies for introducing IT into niche fields.
Additionally, I develop self-organization algorithms for practical applications.

IT technologies are advancing at breakneck speed, driven in particular by advances in AI and IoT. While connecting vast amounts of information to the internet has enhanced convenience, it has also increased the risk of personal data and corporate confidential information being compromised. This laboratory focuses on securing IoT devices—which typically have limited computational resources and pose significant security challenges—and develops and implements security measures. We primarily concentrate on cryptography and random number generation, exploring applications of these technologies in IoT devices including FPGAs, as well as encryption for various communication channels and device authentication. Furthermore, we are committed to the real-world deployment of IoT technology.

1. Organic light-emitting materials for OLEDs or dyes for OPVs are developed.

2. Novel antiaromatic compounds such as Sondheimer-Wong diynes and diarenopentalenes are developed as new types of organic materials.

3. Organic syntheses using organotin cluster as catalysts are developed.

Numerical and experimental studies on transport phenomena, e.g. chemical reaction in beaker, indoor environment with air conditioner, natural environment, fluid flow and heat transfer in industrial equipment
■ patent number: 4931065
title of the invention: collision micro mixer
objective: increasing the chemical reaction efficiency by the collision of water and organic phases in the micro-channel
■ patent number 5504526
title of the invention: formation of slug flow with micro-reactor
objective: increasing the chemical reaction efficiency with the vortices generated by continuously changing the shapes of water and organic phases inside the micro-channel with zigzag walｌ

Powder and colloid are important for manufacturing processes. We study on fundamentals and applications of powder and colloid to contribute to the manufacturing processes as engineers. For example, we developed dry separator using gas-solid fluidized beds for waste treatment and mineral processing.

Metal nanoparticles show unique properties that are different from those of bulk metals. These properties are dependent on their shapes and sizes. We prepare nanoparticles with various shapes and ones with narrow size distributions. Fluorescence intensities are enhanced at the acuate front ends of nanoparticles and/or at the gaps between nanoparticles. The protective agents of nanoparticles, such as ligands, polymers and surfactants, are exchanged for fluorophores easily to adsorb the surfaces of nanoparticles.
The photoinduced reactions on the micellar and vesicular systems and the properties of the micellar and vesicular systems are studied.

The characteristic reddish color pattern called hidasuki appears where the rice straw is in direct contact with the clay because the rice straw supplies potassium that reduces the melting point of the ceramic surface and thereby converts the contact area into a site for the interesting reactions to take place. The sticklike mullite (3(Al,Fe)₂O₃・2SiO₂) particles, the major phase formed in the absence of rice straw, was replaced by corundum (α-Al₂O₃), hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), and others in the surface region of about 50 μm-thick. The corundum precipitated as hexagonal platelike crystals, and on the edges of these crystals the hematite grew epitaxially.

The interactions of surfactants with proteins have been widely studied. Recently, an attention has been paid to the effects of surfactants on the secondary structural changes of proteins denatured by another denaturing factor.

Organisms that can grow in a “extreme environment”, such as the high temperature environment, are called extremophiles. These organisms have unique biomolecules that are adapted to the environment in which they grow. A typical example are enzymes that catalyse most of chemical reactions in cells. General enzymes lose their molecular structure and function in high temperatures (e.g., 80°C), however hyperthermophiles, which can grow at 100°C, have enzymes with a unique structure that can maintain their function even at 100℃. Proteins from extremophiles can enable new chemical reactions that have not been possible with normal enzymes. We will conduct research to elucidate the structure and function of extremophiles, and apply them to industrial applications.

Biosensors using enzyme and antibody and biochips for using biosensor have been developed. For example, chemical agent sensor based on inhibition of enzyme activity and the RT-PCR biochip for rapid detection of COVID-19 have been studied.

Our laboratory focused on a phosphoryl (Ph2P(O)) group’s chemistry as an electron-withdrawing and removable protecting group on terminal alkynes, development of new reation and synthesis of functional molecules are currently investigated. For example, we demonstrated a process-controlled regiodivergent synthesis of triazole derivatives with bromo(phosphoryl)ethyne as common starting material, an alternative synthesis of commercially available pharmaceutical molecule was also succeeded (Org. Lett. 2020, 22, 5099–5103.)

More recently, we synthesized novel π-extended aromatic amines from ynamine (= alkynylamine), and further applications to luminescence, photovoltaics and hole-transporting materials are in progress.

Recently, ε-Fe2O3 has attracted interest because of its magnetic potentiality, but there are some difficulties to straightforwardly obtain the pure/single ε-Fe2O3 phase. We have found that ε-Fe2O3 crystallizes epitaxially on crystals of mullite in our study on a Japanese traditional stoneware called “Bizen” . Since the particle morphology of ε-Fe2O3 and the relative ε-Fe2O3-to-mullite crystallographic orientation strongly depend on the oxygen partial pressure during firing and the temperature range, the formation conditions is very complicated. We believe that elucidating the formation mechanism of ε-Fe2O3 will contribute to the development of novel magnetic materials.
We are also working on the development of Al-B-C high-temperature structural materials. Ternary metal borocarbides, Al3BC3, have been considered as promising candidates for lightweight structural components. We have succeeded in synthesizing hexagonal plate-like Al3BC3 particles by a simple synthesis method, and the sintered sample exhibited anisotropic mechanical properties and higher bending strength due to particle orientation. Currently, we are proceeding with various physical property measurements.

In order to ensure safety during construction and to assure quality and performance of buildings, I am conducting research on methods to predict and to evaluate deformation of ground and structures accurately.
Also, to reduce cost, period, and environmental load of re-building, I am researching survey or evaluation methods of existing piles and foundation design reusing them.
In case of disasters such as earthquakes or heavy rains, I quickly survey on site, analyse the cause of damage, and utilise the results for subsequent disaster prevention and mitigation.

By conducting experiential surveys and research with an emphasis on fieldwork in the living environment, we will conduct practical research in collaboration with industry, government, and academia for the revitalization of living environments that people can feel enriched by.
The following are some of the studies we have conducted so far.
Practice and verification of the “Two-stage renovation experiment of public rental housing (UR Freestyle House)” conducted jointly with the Urban Renaissance Agency.
Co-sponsoring the 3rd Renovation City Planning Conference @ Nagoya 2017 in collaboration with the Renovation City Planning Center, Inc.
Co-hosted “Hong Kong-Tokyo Collaboration Workshop,” an international exchange workshop in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The way of manufacturing is undergoing major changes. One of the changes is co-creation. Development of a new manufacturing method beyond the gap between the creator and the user is a big challenge.
In my laboratory, I am studying a method to eliminate the barriers between creators and users as much as possible using Stress Index, Virtual Reality and so on. And we aim to construct a place where co-creation is possible.

The landscapes of traditional townscapes and villages are based on the natural conditions of the land, such as climate and topography, and are the tangible manifestations of social characteristics such as history and livelihoods, which have been inherited through traditional lifestyles and local traditions. In our laboratory, we are conducting research to clarify what kind of background has formed such a beautiful landscape, and what kind of elements it is composed of, fucusing on the characteristics of the traditional architecture of the region. We are also examining methods of heritage conservation that involve local residents in order to inherit these cultural heritages to future generations.

It is verified that about 80% of 6,400 victims by 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake are caused by collapse of a large number of wooden houses. So after that earthquake a very large number of researches on seismic design of wooden houses have been preformed. Our research group has worked on various experimental studies on timber structures, such as full scale existing houses, shear walls, frames, members, and also we often participate in damage survey in big earthquakes.

We are developing and verifying building methods and equipment technologies for the realization of comfortable and energy-saving construction. Analysis of meteorological data to utilize natural energy is also one of the important tasks.
We are conducting research toward zero energy architecture and the realization of cities.

Study and practice on design methods of architecture in the context of urban space, public space, strategic urban regeneration by micro-intervention.
The main emphasis of my laboratory is to grasp architecture in the context of urban space and social situation, and use this for the basis for constructing both a new design theory and practical architectural projects.