埼玉大学 List of Products and Services

The atomic nucleus is located at the center of the atom and is composed of numerous neutrons and protons. The interactions between the constituent particles and the overall movement of the nucleus exhibit various properties. Phenomena such as nuclear fission and the emission of gamma rays arise from the individuality of the atomic nucleus. The fission of heavy nuclei, such as uranium, releases a significant amount of energy, which is applied in power generation. In the medical field, radiation is utilized, and medical radioactive materials (RIs) used for cancer treatment and diagnosis are produced domestically using accelerators. The commonly used 99Mo is generated in reactors and has a short half-life (66 hours), and while it is airlifted from overseas, there is always a concern that supply may be interrupted due to disasters or other issues. To secure a domestic supply line for medical RIs, it is essential to establish efficient and pure methods for producing alternative RIs. Using the linear accelerator at the RIKEN research institute, we are investigating practical and efficient incident energies for the production of new medical RIs. By employing activation methods and layered foil techniques, we can examine the energy dependence of the production cross-section all at once.

• Other analytical and testing equipment

Photochemical smog and PM2.5 are very close atmospheric environmental issues. These gas/particulate pollutants can be directly emitted, but many are generated through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. For example, knowing which components exist at what particle sizes in particulate pollutants is crucial information for controlling the occurrence of pollution. On the other hand, these pollutants can also be completely decomposed and neutralized using further photochemical reactions. Therefore, we are engaged in research and development in two main areas. One area is the investigation of the atmospheric behavior of particulate pollutants both indoors and outdoors, which includes the development of particle size classification collection methods, evaluation of chemical components in particles, and reaction model experiments using indoor chambers. The other area involves research on the integration of elemental technologies that can effectively generate reactive species such as vacuum ultraviolet light, photocatalysts, and ultrasound, as well as the effective utilization of reaction fields, aiming to develop air purification methods capable of high-efficiency decomposition of gas/particulate pollutants.

• Other inspection equipment and devices

This is a study that builds a framework to express flow without ambiguity and analyzes phenomena that can be regarded as flow. This is a theory created by my collaborators and me, and it has been applied in various fields such as engineering, medicine, oceanography, and meteorology. As for specific research content, for example, it provides tools to distinguish between two states that appear similar but have significantly different characteristics. Furthermore, it can identify the governing regions of vortices in the sense of topology without ambiguity, thereby making insights that could not be explicitly expressed explicit through the use of topology. In particular, we have implemented a theory for extracting the topology of flow on a computer and are conducting topological data analysis of flow. On the other hand, regarding the implementation of the theory for extracting the topology of flow on a computer, there are parts of the theory that have been implemented and parts that are still under implementation, so we are developing the portions that are still in progress.

• Thermo-fluid analysis

A transformation of the mobility society is about to occur, centered around fully autonomous vehicles. Fully autonomous vehicles operate by having computers make decisions regarding steering, acceleration, and braking, which were previously performed by drivers. The computers utilize information from cameras, omnidirectional distance sensors, GPS, and other sources to make these decisions. They manage this information in a three-dimensional space (see diagram) while driving. For the computer to make accurate judgments, it needs to perform various processes simultaneously, as illustrated in the diagram. For example, to drive safely, it requires functions such as object recognition to identify surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, image processing technology to recognize traffic signals, route planning to determine the intended path of the vehicle, and path tracking to ensure it follows the designated route. These functions operate concurrently and are controlled by the computer. In our research lab, we study the mechanisms of computers that effectively manage these various functions simultaneously (completing processing within a specified time). Furthermore, we aim to enhance the safety of autonomous driving through recognition utilizing infrastructure sensors installed at intersections and traffic lights, as well as simulations using digital twin environments.

• simulator

Moringa, a tropical plant that grows in Asia and Africa, has recently gained significant attention for its health and beauty benefits due to its high content of various nutrients. Its growth rate is remarkable; in a field of 1,600 Moringa plants cultivated in Minuma rice paddies, at least 5 tons of CO2 were absorbed within four months after germination. Moringa is a perennial tree, but it has not been widely cultivated in Japan because it cannot survive the winter. However, its leaves and seeds are harvested in large quantities, and by carbonizing the biomass after harvest, a significant amount of CO2 can be fixed. In the laboratory, we are conducting precise quantitative evaluations of carbon balance. Additionally, Moringa seeds can be used as a natural coagulant for water purification. Thus, Moringa, which has various commercialization opportunities, is not only economically valuable but also easy to utilize in corporate CSR activities, contributing to the resolution of the increasing problem of abandoned farmland. Moringa does not require artificial fertilizers or pesticides if soil moisture is adequate, leading to various research from an agroecological perspective.

• Technology Development

My research focuses on the responses of plants and cyanobacteria to abiotic stress and the control of cyanobacterial growth, divided into four areas. 1. The growth and physiological responses of aquatic plants to abiotic stress. I am studying how plants respond to stressors such as microplastics, salinity, and light. 2. Abiotic stress in cyanobacteria. I am researching how cyanobacteria respond to stressors like temperature, light, and microplastics. The goal of studies 1 and 2 is to understand the physiological characteristics of aquatic plants and cyanobacteria under stress. 3. Controlling cyanobacterial growth using the effects of aquatic plants. This study investigates the impact of environmental stressors (salinity, microplastics, light) on the significant relationship between plants and cyanobacteria. 4. Research is being conducted on methods to produce biological building materials without cement by utilizing the biomineralization of cyanobacteria. Additionally, I am studying the effects of electrical signals and electromagnetic radiation on plants.

• Technology Development

We are engaged in a wide range of research themes related to how humans perceive the environment, including streetscape, urban green spaces and waterfront landscapes, and nighttime lighting environments. Through the research results related to landscapes, we propose new approaches to urban development. Our landscape analysis features research methods such as analyzing pedestrian behavior in public spaces, gaze analysis in traffic behavior, and evaluating streetscapes recreated in VR through virtual walking. In the practice of regional landscape creation, we belong to the urban development NPO Saitama and collaborate with Saitama Prefecture, various municipalities, and citizen groups to participate in landscape town development activities in each region.

• Other services

In recent years, as the concept of compact cities and human-centered urban development has spread, the importance of pedestrians in transportation planning has increased. However, the main method used to measure pedestrian comfort, surveys, relies on the willingness of pedestrians to cooperate, making random sampling of subjects impossible. Furthermore, requesting participation in surveys may disrupt the positive mood of pedestrians. To address these issues, by observing and quantifying pedestrians' "smiles," we can theoretically evaluate the quality of pedestrian spaces based on these values, allowing us to encompass all pedestrians in the target area (at least enabling random sampling) and conduct evaluations without the subjects being aware that they are participating in a survey. We are developing a system using advanced image analysis technology and facial expression recognition sensors to analyze pedestrians' expressions, studying how various elements of walking spaces influence pedestrians' happiness.

• Other services

In addition to the advancement of motorization, the spread of online services, population decline, and rising labor costs have put Japan's public transportation in a difficult management situation. On the other hand, considering factors such as aging, its importance as regional infrastructure is actually increasing. In this context, I am researching how to clarify a better form of public transportation for the community, focusing on the public transport network and fare setting. I believe that it is essential to consider not only high convenience but also how the operating costs of public transportation should be borne by users and the community. By creating optimization models based on mathematical programming and conducting theoretical and numerical analyses, I aim to elucidate the strategies necessary for making regional public transportation sustainable. Public transportation is facing a period of dramatic change, and local residents, municipalities, and transportation operators are being forced to make various difficult choices, including decisions about survival or discontinuation. In this regard, I hope that the optimal strategies elucidated in this research will assist in guiding appropriate choices.

• Other services

The impact of climate change is causing frequent river flooding. While we are excavating and enlarging rivers, it is also necessary to increase areas with diverse biological communities in rivers and their surrounding watersheds to achieve nature-positive outcomes. Green infrastructure (such as wetlands, rice paddies, and forest belts) also has functions that reduce disaster risk, so I am interested in how to mix natural elements with artificial structures (such as levees and retention basins) to create a good state for both disaster reduction and ecosystems. Additionally, focusing on the Arakawa River basin, I am conducting research to clarify the changes in flood risk associated with flood control projects in Saitama Prefecture and to accurately estimate flood hazard areas and evacuation timing. I am also researching countermeasures to delay levee breaches caused by infiltration and overtopping within levees and foundational ground, as well as considering the impact of river flow on levee erosion and the interaction between river vegetation and water flow on the long-term maintenance of river channels, all while exploring how to create diverse biological habitats.

• Other services

I studied abroad in Germany and obtained a doctorate, during which I conducted research on multiphase flow in underground environments. I created a model to simulate the transport processes of greenhouse gas methane in underground environments. In Europe, it is often the case that numerical computation experts and experimental/observational experts are separate, which is somewhat different from Japanese researchers who tend to conduct both experiments/observations and computations themselves to deepen their insights. I am not implying superiority, but I learned the rational thinking of Germans. After that, I returned to Japan and began research on flood disasters. While my focus is on numerical computation, I also examine community-based flood mitigation measures with local residents, conduct research related to climate change, study flood forecasting in collaboration with advanced weather simulations, research on paddy field dams, research on flood insurance, and develop evacuation behavior models, as well as conduct hydrological statistics research. Leveraging my experience in Germany's specialized numerical computation research, I also perform flood calculations using the Fugaku supercomputer.

• Thermo-fluid analysis

In urban areas of developing Asian countries, where rapid economic growth and population increase have brought many social and environmental issues to the forefront, inadequate waste management and disposal are causing serious environmental destruction and health hazards. We focus on proper waste management, disposal, and recycling among the waste issues that need to be addressed in the international community, conducting research on the effective utilization and recycling technology development of industrial waste, which is essential for forming a "circular zero-emission society," primarily targeting developing Asian countries. At the same time, we are also advancing the development of purification technologies for contaminated soil and groundwater that leverage regional characteristics in various countries. Our country has also faced many pollution and environmental issues in the past and has worked to resolve them. Utilizing Japan's experience, knowledge, and technology, we are promoting collaboration among industry, academia, and government to address waste issues in developing Asian countries, while also working in partnership with local communities to solve these problems.

• others

Many heavy metals are both essential resources for our lives and toxic substances. For example, mercury is a liquid metal used in the production of alloys. Mercury can exist as a liquid or gas at room temperature and pressure, making it easy for humans to ingest. In particular, the highly toxic methylmercury undergoes bioaccumulation and exists in high concentrations in the environment. "Environmental risk" is a field of study that evaluates both the effective use of resources necessary for industrial and agricultural purposes and the associated impacts on human health and the environment. Ignoring environmental risks in social development leads to environmental pollution and the emergence of public nuisances. Unfortunately, even today, environmental issues caused by heavy metal contamination persist in some developing countries. In my research, using "environmental risk" as a keyword, I analyze the effective utilization of industrial by-products and evaluate the mobility characteristics of new substances in the ground environment through the use of advanced technologies such as machine learning for future predictions based on statistical analysis and 3D visualization of ground environments using X-ray CT.

• Soil testing

Inspired by the words of my mentor, "To build structures that do not break, one must first understand how they break," I am conducting research through destruction experiments and numerical analysis of various infrastructure structures, including concrete structures, with the aim of making bridges and other infrastructure built with taxpayers' money safer and more secure. With the motto of "aiming for truly applicable research and development," I not only conduct experiments but also engage in technical discussions based on mechanical principles and mechanisms that can explain the phenomena and results obtained. Utilizing both load tests and numerical analysis, I conduct a wide range of research that does not limit itself to the type of materials, including the development of composite and hybrid structures combining steel and concrete, concrete members reinforced with FRP, elucidation of the coupled behavior between structures and surrounding ground, and the mechanical properties of cement-improved ground, which is one of my strengths.

• Structural Analysis

Concrete has low tensile strength, making it prone to cracking. Moisture and harmful ions can penetrate the interior of the concrete through these cracks, potentially affecting the long-term durability of the structure. Traditional repair methods often involve injecting or filling repair materials and covering the cracked surfaces with waterproofing materials; however, there is a possibility of re-cracking or deterioration of the covering layer, as well as environmental concerns due to the outflow of repair materials during construction. On the other hand, in recent years, innovative repair methods using microorganisms have been proposed. This technique involves the reaction between carbon dioxide, a metabolic product of microorganisms, and calcium ions in the cracks, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate that seals the cracks. In addition to reducing environmental impact through the use of harmless microorganisms, there is a potential advantage that if the microorganisms continue to live in the repaired area, they can seal the cracks again when they reoccur. Currently, research and development of crack repair materials using microorganisms such as yeast and Bacillus are underway, and experiments have confirmed that after repair, the cracks were sealed, and the penetration of moisture, which is a factor of deterioration, significantly decreased compared to before the repair.

• others

We are conducting research on the following topics related to bridges: (1) Research on bridge design methods (2) Research on rational decision-making methods for safety factors in bridge design (3) Evaluation of the safety of existing bridges and examination of the necessary safety levels (4) Research on redundancy and vulnerability for bridge maintenance management (5) Development of seismic design models for rubber bearings used in bridges and research on temperature dependence To the general public, bridges may seem to undergo little change, but the materials used, design methods, structural forms, and maintenance management techniques have been rapidly evolving since the 2000s. In terms of materials, high-performance steel and carbon fiber reinforced plastics have started to be used. Moreover, domestic bridge design methods are currently in a state of transition. Therefore, we are focusing our research on the development of next-generation design methods and maintenance management techniques.

• Analysis Services

In Japan, the aging of structures such as bridges is progressing, and it is important to quickly confirm damage to structures for rapid performance recovery after an earthquake. In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the use of robots and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for structural damage and deterioration, and UAVs specialized for expensive inspection tasks have also been developed. However, even regular smartphones and general-purpose aerial photography UAVs can capture many high-precision photos and videos. While it is possible to manually analyze these images, considering the following points: (1) Spending time on processing vast amounts of data, (2) Fatigue and errors due to long hours of work, (3) The need for highly specialized knowledge and stable judgment criteria, automated image data processing or real-time automatic damage detection is desirable. Therefore, by using deep learning to train machines on a large number of damage photos, automatic damage detection becomes possible. This technology has demonstrated high damage detection accuracy as a verification of the usefulness of deep learning for damage images, based on image classification attempts using deep learning on images collected from past visual inspections of bridges.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments

Buildings that serve as homes or places for work and study are designed and constructed to meet various performance requirements, such as safety against natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, and durability for long-term use. Creating a comfortable and healthy living environment within the building is also one of these performance requirements. Unlike safety and durability, the performance of a building is directly linked to daily life, making the living environment a more important aspect than many might imagine. In our research laboratory, we conduct various studies on environmental vibrations, which are elements related to the living environment. For example, we investigate what size and characteristics of vibrations could potentially pose problems in a living environment by conducting experiments that replicate various vibrations within actual buildings using vibration testing machines. Additionally, since environmental vibrations often occur simultaneously with noise, we are also examining the complex effects of both environmental vibrations and noise on residents by conducting experiments that generate them at the same time.

• Structural Analysis
• Other analyses

Saitama University, in collaboration with the Disaster Prevention Research Institute, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, and the Japan Meteorological Society, signed an agreement on March 6, 2019 (the "Agreement on Collaborative Cooperation for Disaster Mitigation Utilizing MP-PAWR and Other Technologies"). This agreement aims to promote collaboration utilizing the Multi-Parameter Phased Array Weather Radar (hereinafter referred to as MP-PAWR: see photo), which was developed and installed as part of the research project "Research and Development of Heavy Rain and Tornado Prediction Technologies" under the first phase of the Strategic Innovation Creation Program focusing on "Strengthening Resilient Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Functions." The goal is to contribute to the creation of innovations in the field of meteorological disaster reduction and the establishment of a resilient society. Recently, meteorological disasters have occurred almost every year, leading to flooding damage due to internal water overflow. Areas that experience flooding have microtopographical features. For example, around Saitama University, as shown in the diagram, natural levees have developed on both sides of the old river channel, surrounding the floodplain. By identifying areas where rainwater tends to accumulate due to such microtopography and estimating the rainfall in those areas using MP-PAWR, it is believed that it will be possible to predict flooding depth early on.

• Other environmental analysis equipment

To aim for a good life while protecting the environment and coexisting with nature, we must first understand the Earth we live on. Since childhood, I have loved nature, including mountains, rivers, and forests, and I learned about the energy of the Earth and the beauty of nature, which led me to study Earth sciences. Currently, I conduct research that applies geomorphology and petrology as a foundation to civil engineering, architecture, and cultural heritage preservation. Many large structures built for religious purposes or to demonstrate power have been designated as World Heritage Sites or cultural properties. Terms like civil engineering heritage and geological heritage have now become established. However, as time passes, these heritages undergo weathering and deterioration, necessitating preservation and restoration. In such cases, it is essential to first understand the original materials and use the same materials; if that is not possible, alternative materials must be employed. Additionally, the development of durable materials is necessary. I analyze the properties of rocks and the state of weathering and deterioration using various methods, while also investigating their relationship with the surrounding environment.

• others

Japan is located on a plate boundary, which results in a very high frequency of earthquakes globally, and consequently, there is a significant amount of damage to buildings. When an earthquake occurs, you may feel the "shaking." Earthquakes generate waves, causing the ground to shake and move in a repetitive manner. During this time, structures such as buildings and elevated structures experience complex movements, making it extremely difficult to accurately assess the internal deformations of these structures. Our research group has developed a technique to capture the detailed deformation (strain tensor) of small cylindrical rock samples with natural sedimentary structures in order to investigate the deformation of bedrock in detail, thereby improving accuracy. This method can be applied to buildings as long as the application points are creatively designed, regardless of the shape. In the future, we aim to utilize this technique for assessing the health of buildings and concrete structures during complex deformations, such as those occurring during earthquakes.

• Strength Testing Equipment

In 2024, the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred, resulting in the loss of many lives as well as numerous artworks and cultural properties. Many of the works have already lost their creators, making reconstruction and complete restoration difficult. Measures to mitigate earthquake damage to museums and galleries include securing items with fishing line and using seismic isolation devices, but there are not many options available. This research explores new measures to protect cultural properties and artworks from earthquakes. The recently announced "AL (Ant Lion) seismic isolation" is an earthquake countermeasure inspired by the predatory behavior of the insect known as the antlion. This device receives emergency earthquake alerts immediately after an earthquake occurs and, before the seismic waves arrive, pulls the floor in a manner similar to an antlion's nest, thereby protecting the artworks. By utilizing "biomimetics," which draws inspiration from predatory behaviors and nesting structures observed in ecosystems, we propose a novel method for earthquake countermeasures and aim for social implementation.

• others

For many years, I have been working to elucidate complex phenomena occurring in nature and within devices by utilizing numerical simulations. Specifically, I have been delving into the main factors that govern these phenomena, important parameters in device design, and the causes of troubles in devices and equipment. Through these insights, I aim to contribute to the development of new devices and equipment. Currently, I am actively participating in industry-academia-government collaboration activities, leveraging my extensive experience. Through joint research with various industries, I am tackling practical problem-solving while also taking on new projects related to entrepreneurship education and startups. Through these activities, I hope to serve as a bridge between academia and industry and contribute to the realization of a sustainable future.

• Thermo-fluid analysis

We are engaged in research that aims to improve our everyday lives while continuing to study our immediate environment, infrastructure, and social systems in an interdisciplinary manner. Focusing on reducing environmental impact, we seek to uncover the invisible challenges faced by the environment, infrastructure, and social systems, exploring their causes and searching for solutions. Additionally, we study the design of planning processes for local governments and large-scale projects to aid in consensus building, aiming to contribute to sustainable community development. Currently, we are focusing on water supply and sewage systems, challenging ourselves to identify areas where business efficiency may decline due to population decrease, as well as developing methods for visualizing water flow and estimating future district-specific operational costs. We explore integrated and sustainable measures to address the challenges posed by the decrease in users, the increasing burden of fees, and the need to secure local water environments, which encompass social, economic, and environmental aspects. We will also apply the developed methods to other infrastructures and social systems.

• others

This research explores the "sustainable small private university model" in light of the harsh environment surrounding universities, including the decline in the population of 18-year-olds, cuts in public funding, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to further specify previous studies on "COVID-19 and American universities" by analyzing the history, culture, and governance of small private universities in the California region. Additionally, it focuses on the systemic structure and complementary functions of the consortium composed of the surveyed universities. The reasons for selecting small universities in the California region as the research subjects are: (1) Higher education on the West Coast of the United States emerged around the same time as the birth of universities in Japan, continuing to develop uniquely while being influenced by Europe and the East Coast; (2) Small universities and consortia characterized by "diverse liberal arts" have received high evaluations; (3) Private universities have thrived and survived amidst ever-changing social demands and values by nurturing distinctive human resources. By focusing on these points, I aim to elucidate the mechanisms of development and sustainability of small private universities.

• others

Why is the issue of race a significant problem in America? Many may think that racial discrimination has disappeared due to the abolition of slavery by President Lincoln and the achievements of the civil rights movement, famously associated with Dr. King. However, incidents and protests stemming from discrimination continue to occur, and as you know, it remains a major topic in the current presidential election. What I am researching is the process by which racial discrimination, which should have been eradicated, continues to persist within urban environments and institutions. Even when rights are guaranteed, many racial minorities who have not been given sufficient opportunities in employment and education remain trapped in poverty. Focusing on this point, I analyze over time factors such as living conditions, schools, and the scale of public services to investigate how and why their poverty has been maintained and rendered "invisible," and how such situations are ultimately connected to racial discrimination. It is also my task to demonstrate that discrimination is not an inherent, sensory trait of humans, but rather something that is structurally generated and maintained in connection with economic and environmental factors.

• others

In recent years, the number of Japanese language learners with multilingual backgrounds has been increasing. It is expected that in the future, the number of foreign language users staying for short and long terms will also rise. In this context, this research aims to develop a system that supports effective Japanese phonetic learning for multilingual Japanese language learners and proposes it as a platform, conducting empirical research. In particular, this study focuses on the aspect that is often a major concern when learning a language, which is the "authenticity of the language." "Natural Japanese" is very subjective, and evaluations can vary greatly depending on the listener, making it elusive for learners of Japanese and complicating the learning process itself. Therefore, this research intends to explain the authenticity of the language more objectively by using evaluations based on indicators that simulate the perceptual processing that people actually engage in, and to connect this to language support. I believe that this research will serve as foundational research for the development of autonomous language learning applications in an increasingly diverse society.

• others

Starting with Shochiku Co., Ltd., the Japanese entertainment industry is an important organization that supports Japanese society. Its roots are believed to lie in the commercial sphere associated with kabuki theaters during the early modern period. Despite often being in opposition to those in power within Japan's feudal society, kabuki theaters never disappeared from the town of Edo. One reason for this is that landowners and theater tea houses, among other related entities, profited from the audiences gathered at the theaters, making them a vital part of an independent commercial sphere that supported the livelihoods of many people. One of the objectives of this research is to clarify how the commercial sphere surrounding the theaters operated. However, on the other hand, kabuki theaters were spaces where anyone, regardless of social status, could purchase tickets, allowing nobles, samurai, and townspeople's daughters to enjoy the same stage under the same roof. This led to a shared understanding that transcended social classes, making kabuki theaters an indispensable presence in the town of Edo. This research aims to reveal the specific types of people who gathered at kabuki theaters and their relationships, drawing from the diaries of the second generation Ichikawa Danjuro, who made significant contributions to the kabuki industry in the first half of the 18th century, and Yanagisawa Nobukatsu, the lord of the Yamato Koriyama domain, who was a regular patron of kabuki.

• others

I am researching distribution management and marketing in Southeast Asia and China. The main focus of my research is on channel strategies in the consumer goods sector in Asia. I compare and analyze Japanese, Western, and local consumer goods manufacturers in Asia regarding how marketing channels (distribution routes) are created for consumer goods such as daily necessities and cosmetics, from manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers to consumers, and study what channel strategies are suitable for Asia. In particular, Japanese companies face challenges in finding appropriate local partner companies and building suitable relationships. Additionally, online sales are growing rapidly in Asian countries, even more so than in Japan. New business models that integrate online and offline (stores) in unprecedented ways, as well as promotional strategies utilizing live commerce, are emerging. From my research, I want to emphasize that Japanese companies and people should completely move away from viewing Asia as a latecomer and instead learn openly from the new changes occurring in Asia.

• others

We have examined the issues related to the adjustment of interests among the three parties when there are ownership rights held by the owner, usage rights such as surface rights and lease rights, and exchange value control rights held by mortgagees and security interest holders for a single piece of land. Additionally, we have analyzed and clarified the factors that hinder the sustainability of management in the context of business succession issues for land-utilizing organizations, such as agricultural management corporations, which utilize land as a production base rather than merely as a foundation for buildings. The analysis method is primarily centered on fieldwork. Furthermore, there is currently an increase in so-called "unknown owner land" due to the progress of declining birth rates and an aging population, an increase in inheritance cases, a decrease in the demand for agricultural land use, and a weakening awareness of land ownership. This issue is more serious in cases where the land is communal or where multiple rights are established, making problem-solving an urgent priority. Moreover, recently, the "Act to Partially Amend the Civil Code and the Family Affairs Procedure Act," which revises inheritance laws, was enacted in 2018. This amendment is being examined for its impact on intra-family succession, which primarily involves business succession to relatives, as opposed to external succession to corporate officers and employees.

• others

I am researching corporate transformation and the promotion of innovation. Once a company matures or experiences a certain level of growth, even startups can encounter barriers within departments, divisions, and hierarchies, leading to a state of "structural incompetence" where it becomes difficult to maintain sustainable corporate growth solely through individual capabilities or the acumen of management. This condition can be likened to a "chronic illness," characterized by a lack of clear solutions and a gradual worsening of problems over the long term. For example, issues such as the slow emergence or progress of new business development, poor inter-departmental collaboration, and high turnover rates are common. To address such situations, I conduct research surveys across various companies and focus on dialogue as a unique perspective in my studies. Generally, the lack of a sense of crisis is often seen as a conscious issue in corporate transformation, but in reality, it arises structurally, creating a state where it is unclear "what the problem is" or "where to start addressing it." I focus my support on this aspect.

• others

The social security system is a mechanism that prevents our lives from falling into difficulty through various benefits. At the same time, it plays a role in correcting disparities through income redistribution and in stabilizing society and the economy by supporting consumption to mitigate economic fluctuations. However, amidst serious issues such as the widening and entrenchment of disparities, the progression of an aging population with low birth rates, and worsening fiscal conditions, the social security system is being called into question. My main research themes, in light of this situation, are: (1) quantitatively measuring disparities and poverty in Japan (2) creating evidence (scientific basis) to consider the structure of the social security system. For the former, I am advancing the understanding of the realities of poverty using a poverty indicator called the "deprivation index," which directly measures people's living conditions from the perspective of the availability of goods and services, as it is difficult to grasp the realities of poverty using income-based indicators alone. For the latter, in addition to conducting research on individual areas such as pensions and medical care and nursing, I am focusing on those who have "fallen through the cracks" of Japan's social security system, which is based on universal health insurance and pensions, and working to understand their actual circumstances.

• others

We individuals live connected to a diverse range of people. Friends from high school, seniors from the soccer club, juniors from my previous workplace, and my current boss... people are interconnected through various elements, and this "personal network" can be analyzed and visualized using data such as place of origin, educational background, work history, professional experience, and hobbies. Recently, with the availability of such data, research analyzing the economic effects of these connections has been conducted globally. It has been found that connections can influence factors such as escaping personal poverty, corporate misconduct, innovation, and the performance of financial transactions. For many years, I have analyzed the functions and behaviors of banks in the economy and researched how banks can be improved. In this process, I encountered personal networks and have expanded my research to analyze their roles and impacts not only in banking but also in general businesses.

• others

I am conducting research on job evaluation. By conducting a job evaluation survey, we can check whether the wages within the company are maintained at a fair level regardless of gender or employment type. Job evaluation is widely practiced in Europe, the United States, Canada, and other places, and it is a survey that quantifies the value of the jobs held by workers. First, we conduct a job analysis. By conducting a job analysis (interview survey), we independently create job evaluation criteria that reflect the characteristics of the jobs within the company (a scale or measurement to assess the value of the job) and carry out the job evaluation. The job evaluation criteria (measurement) are created by breaking down four items necessary for performing the job: "knowledge and skills," "responsibility" associated with the job, "burden" incurred while performing the job, and "working environment" of the job. This is an essential survey when constructing the recently discussed "job-based employment." By checking how much the internal wage levels differ by gender and employment management categories (such as full-time employees, part-time workers, temporary workers, and contract employees), and whether these differences are commensurate with the value of the jobs, we can confirm whether unconscious biases or other factors have infiltrated the internal wage amounts.

• others

We are approaching a super-aged society often referred to as the 100-year life era, but it seems that only the negative aspects, such as labor shortages and regional decline, are being emphasized. Considering the next few decades, not only in Japan but especially in many countries and regions in Asia, the rapid advancement of aging is expected to be certain. In this regard, by integrating Japan's strengths in robotics and automation technology with financial support, there is a great opportunity to globally build a market for products and services that address aging in fields such as healthcare, nursing care, shopping, and transportation. Utilizing popular anime technology could also make even inorganic robots more vibrant. Additionally, behaviors such as refraining from consumption (increasing precautionary savings) due to future anxieties are being observed. The uncertainty of the future may stem from two types: the "inevitable uncertainty" that everyone experiences and the "uncertainty due to lack of knowledge," which is caused by a deficiency in correct financial knowledge (literacy). In this context, promoting financial education to enhance financial literacy could be an effective measure to eliminate the latter type of uncertainty and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Japanese economy.

• others

We have been facing internal and workplace misconduct up to today. Why do people commit fraud even when they know it is "wrong"? As we conduct more on-site hearings, we see employees caught between the demands of customers and business partners for QCT (high quality, low cost, short delivery time) and the realities of the workplace, such as a lack of personnel, time constraints, and budget shortages, leading them to think that "fraud is unavoidable." It is said that internal reporting systems are effective against misconduct. However, when we listen to the voices from the field, we hear genuine concerns like "Will I be retaliated against?" and "I don't want to escalate this." There are also strong opinions from executives saying, "We can't secure that much budget," and "If you do that in a close-knit community, you'll be treated as a traitor." So, what should we do? Many employees working on the ground care deeply about "our company." At the same time, even if they meet legal and regulatory standards, we live in an era where there are potential compliance violations in how we engage with customers and business partners. Taking these realities into account, we will support (1) the design and operation of compliance systems based on the actual conditions within the company, and (2) the planning and implementation of more in-depth compliance training, all from the customer's perspective.

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From the perspective of urban development, I am researching where the unique values of a city lie in order to enhance its charm and sustainability. The unique values of a city are sometimes expressed with the term "authenticity." In Japanese, this can be referred to as the city's "distinctiveness." Every city has its own "distinctiveness," and it is essential to properly discover and utilize it for future urban development. I originally started this research in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is a city where "distinctiveness" is easy to envision, but there are also diverse resources within Saitama Prefecture. I believe that in Saitama, it is necessary to share values while seeking the participation of diverse people in discussions. Additionally, as a way to enhance urban value, various regions have been conducting social experiments on the utilization of public spaces in recent years. I will consider the creation of new values in the city through practical applications that leverage "distinctiveness," including community building.

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My specialty is "self-assessment." Specifically, I am researching the One Page Portfolio Assessment (OPPA) theory. Here, "self-assessment" refers to the awareness of how one's concepts and ways of thinking have changed through learning. Self-assessment often focuses on emotional changes, such as whether "today's learning was good or bad," but my research emphasizes cognitive aspects (thinking, judgment, etc.). Recently, I have been focusing on the transformation of "teachers' educational perspectives." Educational perspective refers to the way of thinking related to the essence of education, such as "What is education?" and "What does it mean to learn?" By re-examining the essence of things through "self-assessment," it has been shown that this can promote changes in thinking and clarify the elements necessary for improvement. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that this is effective in fostering non-cognitive skills, such as "self-esteem" and "self-affirmation," which are considered difficult for Japanese people to develop.

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Enzymes are said to be excellent catalysts that enable highly active and regio- and stereoselective transformations under mild conditions of normal temperature and pressure. However, what kinds of enzyme reactions can be realistically utilized? To effectively harness enzymes for targeted reactions, it is important to understand their characteristics from a molecular perspective. We are conducting research focused on understanding enzymes and enzyme reactions from a chemical viewpoint, as well as exploring the utilization of enzymes with non-natural substrates. In particular, we are creating new added value in "metalloenzymes" and "PLP enzymes," which are expected to be utilized due to their ability to perform complex reactions.

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Organic materials, such as plastics, are ubiquitous in our surroundings, but they typically do not conduct electricity. However, in the past 50 years, rapid advancements in material development have established the field of organic electronics, making these materials, which excel in flexibility and lightweight properties, essential to modern society. In my research, I focus on using organic materials not only to conduct electricity but also to explore phenomena that are difficult to understand within traditional physics, such as materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance known as superconductors, quantum spin liquids, charge glasses, and Dirac electron systems. These properties are believed to involve electron correlations and characteristic electronic structures, harboring unknown physics, with potential applications in next-generation technologies like quantum computers and energy-efficient devices. In my regular research, I combine molecular synthesis techniques with precise physical property measurement techniques, advancing research with innovative ideas at the boundary of chemistry and physics that have not been explored before, in order to discover organic materials that surpass conventional performance and new physical phenomena.

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The creation of "new chemical species" that do not exist in conventional contexts allows for the simultaneous elucidation of new properties such as bonding, structure, and reactivity, as well as the clarification of the new reactivity they confer. In particular, composite compounds that combine main group elements and transition metals generate unique "elemental characteristics" between the elements, enabling the creation of highly active catalysts and highly reactive chemical species. As examples of such "elemental characteristics," we have worked on (1) the development of precision olefin polymerization catalysts and (2) the synthesis of low-coordinate compounds of high-period group 14 elements (tetrelens). In (1), we achieved high activity that surpasses conventional catalysts and successfully produced polyolefins with controlled stereostructures. In (2), the synthesized tetrelens exhibited unique coordination behavior towards transition metals and were found to be usable as alternatives to rare transition metal catalysts. Currently, we are challenging the development of catalysts that enable the conversion reactions of carbon dioxide into useful chemical products using tetrelens.

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New electronic materials are always based on new structures. These are shaped by new electronic systems. In particular, delocalized electronic systems that allow electrons to change their locations are key to new condensed matter science. From this perspective, focusing on "aromaticity," which has been studied for nearly 200 years since the discovery of benzene, where electrons delocalize under special conditions, we have revealed for the first time in the world that aromaticity can also occur in combinations of carbon with heavy elements like tin or lead. We have also succeeded in generating a different type of aromaticity using heavy atoms. These findings represent foundational research that could rewrite textbooks and serve as seeds for new condensed matter science. Additionally, leveraging the size of heavy atoms, we discovered an unprecedented electrical conduction path that allows for interaction and conduction of electricity even without bonds. This led to high electrical conductivity in molecules with non-planar structures, which is significant as foundational research that brings new principles to single-molecule electronics. We are also developing highly active transition metal catalysts.

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Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires... beautiful gemstones have captivated people since ancient times. These are not only used for jewelry; diamonds are utilized in polishing and cutting, rubies in lasers, and sapphires in blue LED substrates, demonstrating their industrial applications as well. We are conducting daily research with the aim of creating crystals that are useful to people (working gemstones). One example is high-temperature piezoelectric crystals, which can be used for safety management through non-destructive testing in geothermal and thermal power plants, environmental considerations via dust monitoring in chemical plants, and improving combustion efficiency through monitoring combustion pressure in automotive and marine engines. Currently, we have discovered melilite-type crystals as new materials and are working on scaling them up while evaluating their properties at high temperatures and designing and prototyping sensor structures. In addition to this theme, we are also engaged in the synthesis of solid electrolyte crystals that enable the all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries and the creation of microwave dielectrics for 6G communication.

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In a certain substance, a state where atoms are arranged in a regular periodic manner in three dimensions is called a crystal, while compounds without periodicity are referred to as amorphous (such as glass). Furthermore, a substance is only called a "material" when it is used for human purposes. Our research group focuses on functional inorganic materials such as oxides and halides (especially iodides), conducting research on "bulk single crystals" where the periodic arrangement of atoms is organized over millimeters to centimeters. We primarily engage in the growth of bulk single crystals of inorganic materials with electrical and optical functions, as well as crystal structure analysis, physical property evaluation, and characterization. By using bulk single crystals, it is possible to exhibit special functions that reflect the crystal structure or evaluate physical properties unique to single crystals. The lineup of crystal growth methods is also diverse, allowing for the selection of appropriate growth methods based on the chemical properties, melting points, and sizes of the substances (two Czochralski furnaces, two vertical Bridgman furnaces, one floating zone melting method, one resistance heating micro-pulling furnace, and flux slow-cooling method).

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By slightly adjusting the shape of a molecule, its function can change dramatically. For example, ethanol brings about a pleasant intoxication, but acetaldehyde, which is derived from ethanol by removing two hydrogen atoms, is the source of hangovers. Industrially, functional molecules such as aldehydes and esters are synthesized from alcohol as a raw material, helping to create products around us. Until now, alcohol has been converted using heat (obtained by burning fossil resources) and oxidants (reagents that pull out hydrogen), but the combustion of fossil resources leads to carbon dioxide emissions, and oxidants generate a large amount of waste. We are pioneering a new alcohol conversion process driven by "electric power" generated from sources like solar power. The key lies in catalytic membranes and ion exchange membranes. By working together, these can create high-value-added molecules from alcohol. This reaction also simultaneously produces hydrogen, which is the next-generation energy source.

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