Projects
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Development of hydrogen production technology using plasma-assisted water electrolysis
In “contact glow discharge,” an electrolytic reaction where plasma and water come into contact, phenomena where the Faraday efficiency exceeds 1 have been reported, but the reaction mechanism remains unclear. We aim to develop a plasma-driven electrolysis method that generates stable direct-current plasma in water, elucidate the mechanism behind the phenomenon where hydrogen production increases significantly compared to conventional electrolysis, and establish a highly efficient hydrogen production technology.
Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Pioneering) 2025.6.27～2029.3.31
Research and Development of Core Technologies for Next-Generation Semiconductor Microfabrication
In April 2025, an R&D project for innovative fundamental technologies considered essential for the further development of next-generation semiconductor technologies has been launched, bringing together institutions and human resources with cutting-edge technologies related to EUV lithography (the overall principal investigator is Katsumi Midorikawa, special advisor to RIKEN). The research topics will mainly be the development of new lasers, mirrors for EUV, and laser microfabrication technology for back-end processing. In this project, Tomita will be responsible for the development of measurement and optimization techniques for the plasma for EUV light sources generated by the laser.
Kentaro Tomita, and Katsumi Midorikawa
Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community (Collaboration Program) 2025.4.1～2027.3.31
Creation of a Novel Evaluation Method for Assessing the Efficacy of Water Treatment Processes on Hard-to-Culture Viruses Without Relying on Conventional Cell Culture Approaches
This study aims to elucidate the removability of “non-culturable” viruses, such as norovirus, in water treatment processes—whose behavior in such treatments remains completely unknown. In this study, virus-like particles (VLPs) composed of viral capsid proteins will be produced using genetic engineering techniques. By incorporating foreign genes into these VLPs using non-viral vector construction methods and applying them to water treatment experiments, we seek to establish a novel evaluation method for viral removability that does not rely on cultivation.
Taku MATSUSHITA, and Nobutaka SHIRASAKI
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(A) 2025.4.1～2028.3.31
Green Conversion of Palm Oil Wastes into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) for Renewable Energy Diversification in Malaysia
This collaborative research aims to enhance the production and upgrading of bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG) by effectively utilizing two major byproducts generated from Malaysia’s palm oil industry: palm oil mill effluent (POME) and empty fruit bunches (EFB). Specifically, the Japanese team will develop and support the operation of anaerobic digestion processes, conduct microbial community analyses, and apply machine-learning-based data-driven modelling to improve process stability and enable rapid and precise optimization of CO2 adsorbent performance. The Malaysian team will optimize pretreatment and fermentation conditions for EFB and lead the development and evaluation of gas separation technologies using EFB-derived biochar. Through collaborative research between the two countries, the project is expected to contribute to establishing a renewable energy technology platform that supports Malaysia’s transition toward a decarbonized energy society
Mamoru Oshiki, and Adeline Seak May CHUA
Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN (NEXUS) 2026.1〜2028.12
Evaluation of Phosphorus Release from Lake Sediments Using Passive Sampling and Phosphate Oxygen Isotope Analysis
In eutrophic lakes, the persistent high phosphorus concentration in lake water poses a significant problem. This study employs passive sampling techniques and phosphorus oxygen isotope analysis to identify the sources supplying phosphorus to the lake water. This approach will also reveal contributions from lake sediments, which have not been evaluated previously. This research is expected to contribute to the assessment and conservation of lake water environments.
Akira Hafuka, Takuya Ishida, and Kazuto Sano
The Sumitomo Foundation, Grant for Environmental Research Projects 2025.11.01～2026.11.30
Development of Ethical Mining Technologies to Achieve Responsible Mineral Sourcing: The Future of Mining Development Enabled by Blockchain
Assistant Professor Okada of Hokkaido University, with support from the JST Sakura Science Program, will invite eight faculty members and students from Aksum University in Ethiopia. Using blockchain and GIS, they will examine new technological frameworks for ensuring transparency in responsible mineral sourcing and for environmentally conscious resource development through joint research, practical exercises, and presentations of results.
Sakura Science Exchange Program 2026.2.4~2026.2.18
Collaboration on bulk-edge correspondence in gapless topological > phases
To significantly progress our joint research, we will invite a researcher from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to engage in 11 days of in-person discussion focused on bulk-edge correspondence and in gapless topological phase and effects of disorders. We also plan to discuss future application plans aimed at continuing collaborative research.
Hideaki Obuse (researchmap.jp, scholar.google.de), Soumya Bera, Ranjith R. Kumar, and Ishita Modak
JST Sakura Science Program (B course) 2025.8.21～2025.8.31
High-harmonic generation of by topological magnon edge states
Theoretical and experimental research on high harmonic generation originating from topological edge states of magnons is conducted.
Hideaki Obuse (researchmap.jp, scholar.google.de), and Hirori Hideki
Construction of an Energy Forecasting GIS and Development of Design Methods for Power Sharing Networks Utilizing Existing Buildings
Moving forward, Japan’s decarbonization must be driven by efforts that capitalize on the distinct characteristics of each region. Our research aims to develop a tool for predicting energy consumption in large building groups and evaluating the availability of renewable energy. In parallel, by proposing an optimized design methodology for power interchange networks that facilitates efficient electricity use, we will make it easier to formulate the best decarbonization plans tailored to specific regions.
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists 2025.4.1～2028.3.31
A study on the application of accelerated carbonation cement paste powder by wet-dry cycle technique to supplementary cementitious material
Carbonated recycled concrete paste can serve as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with pozzolanic properties from alumina-silica gel. Additionally, since it contains fine particles of calcium carbonate, it is expected to enhance concrete performance through its filling effect when used as SCM. Previous studies have shown that the wet-dry cycle method promotes CO₂ absorption and increases the porosity of concrete paste. Based on this, the study aims to efficiently absorb CO₂ using waste concrete paste through the wet-dry cycle method and seeks to recycle resources and enhance concrete performance by reusing the carbonation products as SCM.
Dayoung OH (researchmap.jp, researchgate.net, scholar.google.com), and Ryoma KITAGAKI
The Taisei Foundation 2025.4~2026.3