EducationProspective Students
This page is intended for those who are interested in joining the laboratory. It outlines the laboratory’s basic principles, research environment, admission conditions, and contact procedures. For an overview of our research fields and themes, please also see Overview. For our approach to education and research supervision, please refer to Supervision Policy as well.
Guiding Principles
The laboratory values students’ autonomy and independence, grounded in strong integrity. Research is not the completion of assigned tasks; it is the practice of facing the unknown, formulating questions, designing methods, testing ideas, and communicating results. We therefore consider self-directed engagement a prerequisite for joining the laboratory.
We do not discourage the use of AI tools, but we do not support over-reliance on them. Students are expected to think independently, work with their own hands, and make evidence-based decisions.
What We Expect
- Motivation: A clear interest in research itself and the willingness to pursue it seriously.
- Learning attitude: The ability to fill gaps in fundamentals proactively and persist through trial and error.
- Integrity: Reliability in communication, commitments, and collaborative work.
- Discussion: Openness to improvement through explanation, Q&A, and constructive review.
Prior experience and starting expertise vary. In our view, growth depends most on attitude and sustained effort.
Languages (English and Japanese)
English proficiency is essential for publishing and presenting research. We encourage international conference presentations and train students in reading, writing, and presenting in English.
At the same time, many university procedures (e.g., administrative forms and compliance-related documentation) are conducted primarily in Japanese. If you have very limited Japanese reading and writing ability, it may be difficult to complete required procedures smoothly, and admission may not be feasible.
How the Laboratory Operates
The laboratory does not impose fixed core hours. This does not mean an unstructured environment. We value the quality of work rather than time spent, and we expect students to develop the self-management skills required of graduate-level researchers.
We actively engage in research discussion through laboratory seminars (journal clubs and research conferences), and we encourage clear organization and sharing of research progress in order to improve research quality.
Contact and Application Process
- Please contact us via Contact, and briefly describe your affiliation, research interests, and preferred timing.
- After the initial email exchange, we may arrange an interview, typically before you apply.
- Admission is finalized only after you pass the official entrance examination and your affiliation is confirmed.
Responses may be delayed during busy periods. Clear and well-structured inquiries are appreciated.
Types of Affiliation
Graduate Students
Graduate students are accepted within the framework of the relevant graduate school or department. Feasibility is determined comprehensively, taking into account research fit, supervision capacity, laboratory conditions (themes, timing, and group size), and related constraints.
Students from Other Departments or Universities
In some cases, we can provide advice or co-supervision as an extension of collaborative work. Please consult your home supervisor first and obtain their approval before contacting us.
Postdoctoral Researchers
We welcome postdoctoral researchers supported by competitive fellowships (e.g., JSPS PD). Depending on the availability of external funding, we may also recruit postdoctoral researchers or research assistants. Openings, when available, will be announced on this website and/or through formal listings.
Research Students (Non-degree)
As a general rule, we do not accept non-degree research students. Short-term stays often make it difficult to ensure adequate supervision quality for both parties. Applicants are encouraged to consider degree programs as the primary route.
First published: August 20, 2014.
Major revision: February 23, 2026.
Last updated: April 15, 2026.