AboutResearch Philosophy and Background

Starting Point

Our research begins with an interest in understanding human sensation, cognition, emotion, thinking, and decision-making through experimental approaches. The brain underlies all human activity, including science, culture, education, and social institutions, yet many aspects of its function remain unclear.

We regard the brain not only as an object for describing the present, but also as a foundation for understanding how people think, what motivates them, and how they orient themselves toward the future.

Future Brain Science

Future Brain Science is a central concept of the laboratory, integrating experimental neuroscience with approaches that reconsider and redesign the present from the perspective of the future.

Here, the “future” is not merely something to be predicted. It serves as a perspective for examining how future benefits and the well-being of future generations can be incorporated into present decision-making, and how this affects human cognition and motivation.

This idea is closely related to Future Design, which explores decision-making beyond short-term efficiency and immediate gain. By connecting this perspective with neuroscience, we aim to deepen our understanding of thinking, decision-making, and creativity.

Redesigning the Present

We view the brain not only as an object for understanding the present, but also as a foundation for introducing the perspective of the future and redesigning the present. By investigating sensibility, cognition, decision-making, and creativity from multiple perspectives, and integrating these with AI, design, and social institutions, we aim to construct sustainable visions of human life and society.

In this sense, understanding the brain is not only an end in itself, but also a basis for exploring better conditions for thinking and decision-making in real-world contexts such as education, industry, and social systems.

Intrinsic Motivation

A central focus of our research is the neural basis of intrinsic motivation that emerges when future benefits are incorporated into present decisions.

Here, motivation is understood not as temporary excitement, but as a stable state that generates sustained and directed action. We investigate its neural mechanisms and explore ways to appropriately enhance or regulate it.

This question extends beyond individual behavior. It is also essential for understanding how people think, act, and make decisions in education, organizations, and social systems.

Field-Based Neuroscience

Another important feature of our approach is the emphasis on measuring brain activity in real-life environments. We study how real-world experiences—such as thermal environments, materials, smells, and campfire settings—affect thinking and emotion.

This approach allows us to connect neuroscience with actual human activities. While maintaining rigorous experimental standards, we continuously consider how findings can be interpreted and applied in real-world contexts.

Diversity of Research

Future Brain Science does not replace conventional experimental neuroscience. Rather, it builds upon it. Fundamental research in sensation, cognition, and affective evaluation provides the necessary foundation for broader understanding.

We respect the diverse interests and research themes of individual students, and support a wide range of research topics. This diversity is essential for sustaining and developing the concept of Future Brain Science.

Next

Based on these conceptual foundations, the laboratory develops concrete research projects and methodologies. Please see Research for an overview of our work, and Overview for specific research themes.