Laboratory Introduction

Developing advanced materials to transform daily life and solve global issues.

"In our laboratory, we are dedicated to the development of next-generation materials. We believe that materials innovation has the power to solve complex global challenges and fundamentally transform our daily lives.

A clear example of this is the development of the Blue LED, which completely revolutionized the world of lighting. Whether we are exploring the vastness of outer space or the mysteries of the deep sea, the journey forward always begins with the creation of new materials."
Within our research into materials development, we place a strong emphasis on solving environmental issues. We have many ongoing projects, and I would like to share some of them with you here.
"Our primary research theme focuses on the development of advanced gels. In our daily lives, we encounter gels in familiar forms such as konjac, tofu, and jelly. Even the superabsorbent materials in diapers are a type of hydrogel.

Recently, however, a new generation of gels has emerged that is fundamentally different from these traditional forms. This is an incredibly exciting field; we are seeing the development of ultra-lightweight gels that can rest atop a flower petals, high-strength gels durable enough to withstand the weight of a car, and smart gels that transform their properties in response to their environment."

Reducing Water Treatment Cost by harnessing the power of Microbial Gels

In collaboration with the University of Guanajuato in Mexico, we are developing advanced gels for sustainable water treatment. In traditional microbial wastewater treatment, organic matter is broken down, but ammonia—which is harmful to our body—remains. This ammonia must be converted into harmless nitrogen gas. While nitrifying bacteria can perform this conversion, the process currently requires pumping massive amounts of oxygen into the water. This aeration process is incredibly expensive. Wastewater management is a critical crisis in many developing nations, where the high operational costs of these systems are often unsustainable.

In our collaborative research, we are developing a system that pairs nitrifying bacteria with oxygen-producing microalgae. While microalgae require light for photosynthesis, that same light can be harmful—or even fatal—to nitrifying bacteria.

To solve this conflict, we engineered a specialized light-shielding gel. By incorporating light-blocking materials into the gel's structure, we can safely encapsulate the light-sensitive bacteria inside. This allows both the algae and the bacteria to coexist in the same treatment device. Because this system eliminates the need for expensive mechanical aeration, it provides a low-cost, sustainable solution that is easily accessible for developing nations.

Passive heavy metals recovery via smart materials

In the field of materials science, 'Smart' and 'Intelligent' materials have recently garnered significant attention. These advanced materials possess the unique ability to change their properties in response to their environment.

In our laboratory, we develop thermosensitive polymers, a type of materials made of long molecular chains that change their structure in response to temperature. By precisely engineering the specific temperature at which this structural change occurs, we can control the polymer’s ability to capture or release heavy metal ions in wastewater. Leveraging this 'switching' mechanism allows us to recover valuable heavy metals with minimal energy input.

In addition to our work with polymers and gels, we are currently pursuing several other research themes, including the development of innovative optical fiber sensors and the synthesis of novel nanomaterials for carbon dioxide separation.

Also, research conducted by other laboratories within Soka University, collaborative research held together with overseas university in Mexico and Malaysia are all actively progressing. 

Environmental issues are often most critical in developing nations; therefore, working directly with local universities to find on-site solutions is crucial. It is incredibly rewarding to work with young local researchers who are passionate about advancing their expertise through these international partnerships. 

Enrolled into Soka University as a member of the inaugural class of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

My passion for solving environmental issues began in high school. It was an era when Japan was grappling with a surge in critical problems, including air, water, and soil pollution. To fuel my passion, I decided to pursue environmentally related field in university. I had a specific university in mind, but my entrance exams didn't go as planned. However, at that time, Soka University had just established its Faculty of Engineering, offering a program in Bioengineering, so I decided to take a chance on this new department.

Admittedly, Soka University wasn't my original destination. However, because the Faculty of Engineering was newly established, the professors were brimming with an incredible passion, often saying, "Let’s build the ideal department together!" My peers also shared this spirit, energized by the thought that "As the inaugural class, we were the ones making history!" I was so swept up in this excitement that I had no time to dwell on past disappointments. Since there were no upperclassmen, the professors treated us like researchers from day one, inviting us into their labs and insisting that "In research, students and faculty are equals." That environment of open discussion had truly drawn out my full potential.

After completing my doctoral studies, I moved to the United States to begin my work as a postdoctoral researcher. Having played basketball throughout middle and high school, I had grown up admiring the NBA and dreaming of one day visiting America. Living and working there felt almost surreal—like a dream come true—and it was an incredibly fulfilling period of my life.

Believe it or not, I struggled more than anyone during my elementary school period

Looking at my career now, you might assume I was a gifted student who always loved science and dreamed of becoming a researcher. In reality, I was far from academic; during my elementary school years, I struggled with my studies more than anyone else in the school.

Back then, my report card used a three-tier grading system: 'Good,' 'Satisfactory,' and 'Needs Improvement.' I was likely the only student whose entire card was filled with 'Needs Improvement.' While I had lost confidence in my own academic abilities, my mother never wavered. She believed in me without reserve, constantly telling me, "You can achieve anything once you set your mind to it." She never once discouraged me. Her steadfast faith gave me the strength to finally embrace the challenge of studying, and my interest grew bit by bit. Another major factor was that she read to me constantly as a child. This instilled in me a deep love for reading, which eventually led me to discover several fascinating science books in the later years of elementary school. Those books truly set the direction for the career I have today.

A Life-Changing University Experience: An Environment of Empathy and Empowerment

While my university years were ultimately joyful, they were not without challenges. There were times, I withdrew from the world. I struggled with my own inferiority complex that led to me constantly comparing myself to others and looking down on my own abilities, eventually feeling that I had to hide my flaws at all costs. I became trapped in playing the role of the 'perfect student,' worrying more about how others saw me than what I truly wanted for myself. Eventually, the exhaustion of maintaining that persona became too much to bear.

Despite my withdrawal, my professors and friends refused to give up on me and reached out constantly, offering their concern and encouragement. At the time, however, I was so consumed by my own struggles that I couldn't recognize the depth of their kindness.

It wasn't until I moved to the United States that I truly understood the hearts of those who had supported me. When a colleague in my laboratory there was going through a difficult time, I found myself desperately wanting to help and doing everything I could to encourage them. It was that moment, I suddenly recognized the same care and concern I received from those who had supported me years before. For the first time, from deep in my heart I truly felt how much people had cared for me.

Believe in yourself, and never stop refining your inner brilliance until the diamond emerges from the rough

Looking back, I truly believe it was the unique spirit of Soka University that saved me—a culture defined by strong horizontal and vertical bonds, a genuine care for one another, and the kindness to believe in and draw out each person’s potential. I see this same spirit living on as a tradition in our students today.  I truly feel that this is a university where every student has the opportunity to flourish and grow beyond their limit.

Therefore, if there are those of you who feel like giving up on your dreams because you think you ‘aren't smart enough,’ I ask you: please do not give up and have faith in yourself. I know that believing in yourself can be difficult, but unless you have that faith and commit to the process, the diamond within you will never emerge from the rough.

Every result, expected or not, is a step forward for science.

Following Soka University’s motto of 'Student-Centered Education,' I believe in empowering my students by entrusting them with the lead on their own research and studies. However, 'entrusting' does not mean 'leaving them alone.' We engage in frequent, detailed discussions to navigate the research together. Because they are given this autonomy and support, our students tackle their projects with remarkable initiative and dedication.

Admittedly, it is painful for me as well when students don’t achieve the results they hoped for. However, I always tell them that a 'positive' result isn't the only thing that matters.

Think of science as a massive, collective effort to fill in a 'grand matrix'. It is just as important for someone to mark an 'X' on a spot and say, "We tried this condition, and it didn't work." By doing so, you prevent others from repeating that same path, allowing the global scientific community to focus their energy elsewhere. Every 'negative' result is a vital contribution to our shared map of knowledge.

With that being said, I always tell my students: "While it is disappointing when research doesn’t yield the results we hoped for, remember that every outcome is a contribution to scientific progress. More importantly, the true value lies in the journey—developing the critical problem-solving skills that will serve you for the rest of your life."

If you are driven to pursue research with autonomy and possess a passion for solving environmental challenges in developing nations, I invite you to join us. Let’s work together to make a meaningful difference!

What does research means to you? What is the word (kanji) that best represent this?

For me, that word is 『共』 (KYO)—meaning 'Together.'

Research is not something that can be achieved alone. As collaborative research becomes increasingly essential, students must learn to work alongside with different diverse group of people to advance their together. That is my view on research and that is why I chose the word 『共』.

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