Student Activities

Human-robot interaction is an inherently interdisciplinary field

Chung, Mung Tim Steki（Social Informatics Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics ）

──Why did you choose to join this program?

The practical, direct reason is that I heard about this program during guidance when I started my Master's here. Because of this program, I started considering a PhD. When I decided to proceed, my supervisor encouraged me to apply, noting that a senior student (senpai) from my lab, Ushijima-san, was also in the program.

When I read the leaflets more closely, the vision—especially the emphasis on interdisciplinarity—really resonated with me. My field, Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), is inherently very interdisciplinary. As an international student who has been here since my undergrad years, I also experienced firsthand how valuable diversity and cross-cultural interactions can be. Diversity and collaboration are vital to solving societal problems and enriching knowledge within our own fields. That is why I hope to learn more about platform studies.

──What topics are you currently working on?

I am in Human-Robot Interaction. The topic I am working on right now is exploring how robots can use laughter as a response to human mistakes. When somebody makes a mistake, is it appropriate to laugh? When is it appropriate, and how can a robot use laughter as a response to that mistake?

──What do you think about the benefit of the program?

Technically, I just started attending classes in October, but in this short time, I already see the value of platform studies. I think platform studies bring forward the importance of collaboration between different disciplines and professions. It also highlights the importance of making something into a "platform" so that others can use it—creating something accessible and scalable. The idea of platform studies itself brings this mindset forward, which is very important.

──What do you want to get from this program?

First of all, I hope to broaden my contact with people from other fields. Through this interaction, I hope to learn about the challenges in various fields around the world and come up with new perspectives and intersections between different areas to find solutions.
On a more practical level, I want to learn more about how I can actually implement my research in society, especially the legal and business sides, which Dr. Harada mentioned.

──What platform would you like to create?

I like to think about the potential of the robot itself being a platform, one that can improve our relationships, build trust in society, and encourage general positivity.
First, as few robots as we have in society right now, when we put them "in the wild" for experiments, we see that they trigger spontaneous interactions between complete strangers. The robot becomes a focal point that starts a conversation.
Second, the robot acts as a lens through which we can learn more about ourselves. This is a perspective from ethnomethodology. Humans organize themselves and behave in ways that are sometimes so subtle on a micro-level that we cannot even see them. However, when you put a robot in the midst of this, the robot is such a "violation"—so different from the rest of us—that the resulting shock reveals our expectations. It makes us realize, "Oh, I was expecting this because humans usually act this way." There is something sweet about learning about humanity as a whole and realizing our similarities through robots.
Third, robots create a platform for moral discussion. When robots are made into products, people naturally ask how they should behave. This forces us to discuss what "moral behavior" means. It starts these kinds of conversations about humans.
So, I think the robot itself is a platform, and I really hope to explore that.

──What do you think about the current state of society?

I think the level of division in society right now—both in individual societies and on a global scale—is somehow worse in recent years, even though technology should, in theory, make it easier to communicate. People are becoming more closed off, and ideologies are becoming more extreme. I think people are becoming less willing to talk it out or really hear each other.
At the same time, as cultures become more intermingled, we also see a fear of cultural identity being eroded or diluted by the "invasion" of other cultures. There is an emphasis on protecting cultural purity. So, on one hand, people are becoming more global—interacting with multiple cultures at the same time—but simultaneously, they are becoming more anxious and defensive about preserving their own cultural identities. I think that is a very controversial and important issue to talk about.

Thinking about the future of agriculture through research into organic rice

Pradita, Sintia Putri （Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture）

──Why did you choose to study platform studies?

It's been a year since I arrived in Japan from Indonesia. I am a doctoral student in the Agricultural Systems Engineering Laboratory at the Graduate School of Agriculture. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Agro-Industrial Technology from Universitas Gadjah Mada Indonesia and my master’s degree in Agro-Industrial Technology Management from Kasetsart University, Thailand. I work as an assistant professor at Universitas Gadjah Mada. After obtaining my degree, I continued my research in the agricultural field, focusing on supply chains, logistics, and productivity improvement. However, I sometimes felt that continuing research in only one specific field wasn't enough, and I also felt the need for collaboration. This is why I decided to participate in this program. I valued the opportunity to study informatics at the same time.

I chose Kyoto University because I was interested in the research field of my supervisor, Professor Ryozo Noguchi. I believe Kyoto University has outstanding achievements, not only in Japan but also globally. I also love Japanese culture and want to interact with the people and society here.

──What topics are you currently working on?

My research focuses on agroindustrial technology to produce products using agricultural raw materials efficiently and effectively. 

In my doctoral program, I am working on optimizing organic rice production systems to improve productivity and environmental sustainability in Indonesia. Indonesia needs to increase profitability and productivity and build a sustainable foundation. I collected data from various stakeholders involved in the organic rice production system, including farmers, millers, retailers, and government officials. I analyzed environmental impacts using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). I measure input efficiency with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and optimize the production system using advanced optimization methods. In platform studies, I study informatics and its application in agriculture. I will use the knowledge I gain there, such as machine learning and statistics, to consider optimization methods.

Organic rice yields per hectare are lower than conventional rice. This is because organic rice does not use chemicals in its inputs. So, the challenge is how to increase the production of organic rice yield.

I also believe that organic rice has the potential to improve the welfare status of agricultural farmers. Organic rice is traded at twice the price of conventional rice, which allows for greater flexibility in terms of compensation. I would also consider organizing these farmers through an academic approach. It is important not only to conduct research aimed at increasing productivity, but also to link it to practical results that increase farmer satisfaction and improve their performance. This is the platform.

──What did you gain from the program?

As I mentioned earlier, I believe I have deepened my understanding of another academic field. In addition to understanding the field of agro-industrial technology, in this program, I learned about Information Communication Technology (ICT), how to build platforms, and how to apply research findings to the real world. Although there was a language barrier because the program was in Japanese, I saw it as a challenge, not a barrier. Not only am I gaining academic knowledge, but I'm also acquiring soft skills and having the opportunity to interact and discuss with teachers and friends from different backgrounds. Through group activities, I'm also developing community and leadership skills. After graduation, I hope to share what I've learned here with my students. I want to connect what I've learned in agricultural science and informatics through research, education, and community services.

──What platform would you like to create (based on your research)?

I want to start by building a community with agricultural producers. I'm considering creating a digital platform for organic rice farmers that will enable sustainable, optimized, and research-based decision-making. I also want to create a platform that fosters collaboration. I hope to bring together agricultural producers, university academics, and government policymakers to establish national standards for organic rice production in Indonesia. 

Publishing research papers can also directly contribute to research development. However, I want to contribute directly to society by creating a platform that bridges research, education, and community development, especially in the field of sustainable organic rice production systems in Indonesia.

──If you want to make the world a little better, what is needed? Or what would you like to do?

If there's anything I can do to make the world a little better, I think it would be to involve more university students in the real-world application of knowledge through community service. This is practical, down-to-earth learning, introducing them to reality and society that they can't get in lectures or labs. I hope to convey the benefits of not just learning knowledge at university, but also actively engaging in society. Applying the knowledge gained directly to society will be more useful than just writing it on report paper.

Researching ways to utilize fine chemicals derived from seaweed

Subakti, Felix（Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture）

──Why did you choose to join this program?

My professor suggested that this would be a good opportunity for me to gain inter-faculty experience. I wished to learn more about how other fields view the long-term prospects of developing sustainable technology. One aspect of the platform study is trying to build a sustainable society using modern technology, which is a very broad stroke.
I am part of the agriculture team. This means I am involved in food security, energy security, and even healthcare security regarding medicine production. Then there is the informatics team, which introduces high-tech elements to agriculture, the mass-consumer market, and the investor side of things.

──What topics are you currently working on?

My topic is seaweed utilization—specifically using seaweed varieties such as wakame, nori, and konbu—to introduce fine chemicals. You can use these for cosmetics or medicines. Biomaterials are also an aspect of fine chemicals.
Since land will be very expensive and valuable for housing in the future, people want to own land primarily for investment reasons. Therefore, we are developing ocean-based agriculture, which also follows SDG 14 (Life Below Water). I plan to use Indonesian seaweed as the raw material while utilizing Japanese technology to identify what kind of materials we can properly extract from it.

──What do you think about the benefits of this program?

In the short term, it builds a forum for candidates from multiple faculties to properly communicate and link their research into a cohesive topic.
In the long term, I hope that the platform will be a source of ideas for startups, companies, and national research institutes. It allows them to source researchers who have a "hybrid" point of view—combining their own field with other high-technological research fields.

──Based on your research, what platform do you want to create?

I wish to create an R&D institute to establish a factory. I am aiming to build a sustainable factory in Indonesia. I want to locate it on one of the under-explored islands—not just Java or Bali, which are already well-known to Japan. Hopefully, this factory can utilize proper technology so it can be sustainable in the long term for both the environment and the economy.
Nowadays, there are many good ideas in the lab, but if those ideas cannot get into a factory, they will not be profitable and will simply stay in the library. To introduce new technologies to the larger market, we need a factory. That is what I am aiming to do.

──To make the world a little better, what is needed?

It sounds weird, but I need a "one-stop" place for any information regarding resources in certain areas. Currently, exploring resources is a key but very expensive endeavor that requires extensive fieldwork. We also need to submit reports to support the resources properly.
If there were a one-stop solution—a platform where we could gain information regarding those resources—it would make exploration, and in the long run, "exploitation" much easier and help improve profitability. I guess "exploitation" makes a lot of researchers uncomfortable, but it simply means "using" the resources effectively.

To be truly meaningful, data must be applied back to the field

Usugi, Shogo (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Firstly, I was attracted by the extensive support system. In any type of research, funding is always a concern. As I was considering a doctoral program, the opportunity to not only earn credits but also receive financial support was particularly appealing, and I saw no reason not to apply.Of course, I was also interested in the research topic—it was not simply a case of thinking “I’ll research whatever field as long as I can obtain funding.” As I will explain later, I believe it is vital to apply the data obtained through research back to the field. Although I had learned how to gather the necessary data, I had little knowledge of how to process and apply it, and I believed that platform studies might help me bridge this gap.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am currently studying the use of natural predators indigenous to Japan to control agricultural insect pests. The insect pest thrips, which are highly resistant to pesticides, are controlled via the use of phytoseiid mites, which are natural predators of thrips. However, the phytoseiid mite species that is the dominant predator of thrips is an introduced species, and the possibility that this species may have a negative impact on the Japanese ecosystem cannot be ruled out. To address this issue, I am investigating indigenous phytoseiid mite species whose potential for use is unknown, with the aim of replacing this introduced species in the future.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The opportunity to interact with members from other research fields. It is not the research content itself that matters, but being able to share useful research tools, information, and approaches with members from other disciplines has been extremely valuable.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

In order to make effective use of indigenous natural predators (as opposed to the natural predator species currently sold), a great deal of information is required. The burden that this would place on farmers poses a significant hurdle to their adoption. To address this, I believe that a database whereby farmers could input the natural predator name and other parameters to obtain information on how to distinguish between species or how to utilize them in pest control would be beneficial.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

As I mentioned earlier, it is important that this research does not end up as simply theory. I believe that the data acquired by researchers should be returned to those working in the field in a way that is usable to them. Having the opportunity to participate in academic conferences and visit the field has reinforced this belief.

Researching low-power AI, striving for an AI terminal that works at your fingertips

Habara, Takehiro (Communications and Computer Engineering Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I applied because I want to find a new sense of challenge by learning about various platforms and hearing about other fields of research.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Spiking neural networks, a field in deep learning. They make artificial intelligence (AI) inferences with low power consumption, and are expected to have advanced cognitive processing on edge devices such as smartphones. I am studying the implementation in society of edge AI systems that use this type of deep learning, looking at everything from applications to the hardware for spiking neural networks. For example, while hardware dedicated to this type of deep learning is being developed, it deviates from theoretical values; I am therefore developing a system for correcting that. Spiking neural networks are capable of making inferences while consuming low amounts of power, but they have the problem that inferences take more time than conventional deep learning. By changing parameters that have not been altered, they will be able to make inferences efficiently.

I am also researching machine learning applications, particularly image generation. I am working, for instance, on a style-change mechanism for applying certain features of an image to another image. In this manner, my research is focused on developing ubiquitous AI systems by using deep learning that enables inferences to be made with low power consumption.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I broadened my horizons thanks to the lectures where you learned about other fields, and there were many opportunities to talk with other students. As a result, I learned what kind of things are lacking in other fields, and what kind of technology is needed. I also had the opportunity to debate with students from the University of Florida at a get-together session. This reminded me that studying other languages is also important.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

A platform has three stages: data collection, analysis, and usage. I want to build a platform that is capable of advanced cognitive processing and can be used by anyone, anywhere. I believe this can be realized by applying my research to the stages of analysis and usage in particular. For example, instead of doing all processing on a server, we can share the load by making simple inferences on terminals available to users, and pushing problems that are more difficult and have a higher load onto the server. If this is achieved, we will be able to make inferences not only on smartphones and other edge devices but also in environments where communications are difficult, enabling application even with space-exploration or deep-sea robots. I want to build a deep machine learning model in order to realize such a platform that can be used by anyone, anywhere.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

We will have a more convenient society, with color added to our everyday lives if support systems as smart as a person are available in our daily life thanks to large language models such as ChatGPT being at our fingertips. I wish for AI to become that familiar to us, and want to realize AI that is capable of making inferences with low power consumption.

Realizing wireless communications fusing sensing that uses radio waves

Endo, Hiroaki (M2, Communications and Computer Engineering Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I want to learn about other domains, such as disaster preparedness and agriculture. Wireless communications technology first has meaning when it is applied. I asked to join platform studies because I wanted to think how my research would be applied. One feature of this program is that it allows you to engage in specialized activity across disciplines, including actual fieldwork or facing real-world data. You don’t get that just with lectures. You get chances to have a bird’s-eye view of many use cases. I also think it’s a good opportunity to look through a specialist’s eyes at the details of these use cases.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

The measurement of radio wave propagation characteristics of millimeter-wave and sub-terahertz communications, and the integration of wireless sensing and communications, with an eye on next-generation communications referred to as Beyond 5G. Millimeter-wave (30–100 gigahertz) communications and sub-terahertz (100 gigahertz and above) communications use higher frequencies than the radio waves we have used to date. This means, for example, that we can realize higher-speed communications and increase the number of devices able to communicate in a congested area. Millimeter waves have been put to practical use in remote sensing, and are used in applications such as vehicle-mounted radar and human-body sensing. Research on sensing integrated with communications is being actively pursued at present, based on the idea of “can we use wireless communications devices to perform sensing.” For instance, there is research on positioning using millimeter-wave Wi-Fi or on the positioning of cars using 5G base stations.
Being inspired by these systems, I am currently considering the realization of higher-quality, stabler communications by conversely feeding back remote sensing results to communications systems in addition to applying communications results to remote sensing.
This enables us to use approaches such as beam-forming control, reflective intelligent surfaces, or multi-hop to solve the attenuation of radio waves due to obstructions, a current problem for millimeter-wave communications, and achieve uninterrupted, high-speed, stable communications.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I can interact with other students at lunch meetings. They are a valuable chance to learn specialized knowledge required in each field, and specific methods of data collection and how to deal with data in these fields, as well as how basic fields (such as communications) are used in use cases in agriculture, disaster preparedness, medical care, and other areas. There are also lectures where we hear from specialists in many fields. I have been able to learn about a wide range of fields and layers, ranging from a method of putting a programming language processor to use for society by combining it with a platform, to ideas for putting mathematical models to concrete use in fields such as biology or geology.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

I want to achieve a platform that enables anyone to perform remote sensing using a wireless communications device, and enables highly reliable communications using sensing results. There are already sensing devices that use radio waves, but there is nothing easily usable that has high accuracy at the millimeter level. At present, even the accuracy is not sufficient for use in applications such as drones or robots. Systems that actually employ sensing results in communications are not widespread. They would be an important step in realizing uninterrupted, high-speed wireless communications.
By translating my research results into a software package or a standard, I want to build a platform that enables anyone to easily achieve these requirements.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I believe ensuring reproducibility is crucial for technology. I want to produce trusted technology by publishing the results of my research. The word reproducibility may be associated with technically rigorous fields such as natural science, but I feel that it’s also essential in engineering. Technology is built on trust. This means that there is significance in achieving something that works reliably and can be trusted.

Widening my knowledge, and uncovering domains where I can further apply my expertise

Gakumi, Reo (Doctoral Program, Communications and Computer Engineering Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I wanted to study from a broad perspective, and became very interested in platform studies because I could gain knowledge about other domains. Leveraging my expertise across many fields will enable me to uncover new value without being constrained by existing frameworks. Our society currently has many complicated problems, such as with disasters, medical care, and public infrastructure. This heightens the importance of the foundation in these areas—namely, platforms—as well as new data-driven solutions.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am researching efficient data transmission and optimization in order to integrate diverse devices and networks using Wi-SUN FAN (Wireless Smart Utility Network for Field Area Networks), a wireless communication standard for IoT devices. Communications with Wi-SUN FAN are comparatively faster than other low-power wide-area networks for IoT devices. I will seek to develop new application domains in which this technology has not yet been employed, while working under limitations on bandwidth and energy efficiency. I will also use reinforcement learning and combinatorial optimization to implement optimal routing and resource management within networks, and construct mechanisms for improving the reliability and efficiency of communications networks.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Through the program, I have gained the mindset of crafting new solutions by combining knowledge and technology across different fields that complement one another. We looked into many examples. In some you could feel the commonalities, but there were still many fields and domains that are trapped by classical approaches. I felt that the frontier is still out there. This reconfirmed the importance of developing technologies from a broad perspective, without getting stuck in one’s own area of expertise. There were also opportunities for international exchange, such as discussions with university students from abroad. Even just the different approaches to communication that they had left a mark on me.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

A platform to me is infrastructure that lets many users easily leverage accessible information and technology. In the field of IoT communications, I feel that the ideal situation is to have a mechanism by which the network and each device cooperates with one another to seamlessly exchange data despite the limitation on resources. To this end I am considering employing machine learning, and aim to autonomously construct a smart network that’s distributed and works together.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I want to discover new solutions to the many problems in society that are increasing in complexity. I will do this by fostering collaboration with other fields, with the IoT and communications technology as the underlying base. A personal project is optimizing the sense of taste. It’s in a different field, but I want to renew my efforts from the perspective of optimization that I’ve learned here across many fields.

Knowing the state of pesticide spraying in real time through 3D LiDAR and other technology

Ge, Mingyu (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Students and professors in the Graduate School of Informatics participate. This means mixing with people from other fields, and aiming to solve problems together. I learned about the program from seniors in my laboratory as well as posters.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

The development of a new type of detection sensor that can ascertain the state of pesticide spraying. This is a system for monitoring the state of water droplets during pesticide spraying. It primarily leverages three-dimensional light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) and an artificial intelligence (AI) pesticide spraying system. The conventional method is slow to correlate humidity and the results of spraying, and is hard to use. This means it hasn’t been adopted by most farmers, and is just there for researchers. To improve this method, I am considering a system that acquires more detailed data, and enables streamlining and for risks in the production stage to be ascertained.
To that end, I am using 3D LiDAR and three-dimensional data to ascertain the conditions under which drops of pesticides fall, such as the drop rate and the state of the air. Once the AI detection system is complete, I want it to be able to make more accurate predictions using machine learning or the like.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The lectures in platform studies have been a precious opportunity to learn about technology of interest and gain knowledge from experts in a number of fields, and hear their findings and viewpoints. People from the workforce also participate in the program, and it is stimulating to get information different to the kind you get at university. It is great that I can consult with people who have the same philosophy, at the monthly and weekly platform seminars. We all have different knowledge. That means we have different ways of measuring practical goals. The lunch meetings are a good opportunity for discussion. I feel that I have gained valuable information for my research.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

One that can be sufficiently managed even during pesticide spraying. If we can succeed here, we will be able to greatly reduce the cost. We will also be able to know the relationship between the environment and the weather. What was determined in the past based solely on results will be able to be ascertained from many angles through the information from the system, letting us grasp the whole picture. I feel that it will also help decision-making, especially at companies and research institutions, and in the government.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

The main target of the research I’m engaged in is industry. My goal is to develop new technology at low cost so that it can be used by as many farmers as possible.

Building a platform to learn the movement of radioactive cesium, leading to safety and peace of mind

Sayama, Yo (Laboratory of Biosphere Informatics, Social Informatics Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I was first interested when a senior recommended it to me, but in large part it’s because I wanted to convey my research widely to the public and not just researchers. I feel that creating a platform means being able to collect and disseminate data that a wide range of people can use.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant discharged radioactive cesium into the environment. My research is to measure where it is present and in what quantities. Looking mainly at soil, I am measuring things like cesium in the ground, cesium that has accumulated within earthworms, and cesium in insects. I’m interested in how this has spread to organisms such as fish and wild boar.
I am therefore investigating soil and creatures near the exclusion zone. Radioactive cesium accumulates in the soil of forests. It doesn’t move around much, but moves gradually due in part to being eaten by living things. We can also learn how this movement progresses.
As radioactive cesium moves within the food chain, my research is focusing on the starting point.
This research can also be applied to the study of the material cycle in a secondary sense. When we understand the movement of radioactive cesium, this knowledge can be applied to the movement of other nutrient salts as well.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

At lectures, I can hear the voices of people who are building many kinds of platforms. You get to know what to prepare for and what kind of mindset you need when you’re collecting lots of data and transforming it into a platform. That includes ethical problems and what you need to make the platform easy to use and look at. It also helps in the sense of showing the content of your research.
Professor Kuroda told us how he helped build the Kyoto University Hospital network. It deals with delicate medical information, so there was resistance from the hospital. He said it required him not only to convince the users but also to communicate with them. He showed the advantages, and slowly expanded the system over time. Hearing this process left an impression on me.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

I see the benefits in a platform that leverages the data I collect, and allows users to get information that would be used by local people, such as what effect is there on other organisms and what degree of impact is there on wild boar and fish.
There is the ERICA Tool to which you input body length data and species, and multiply it by the air dose rate to predict radiation exposure for the organism. With this tool alone, however, it’s hard to understand any horizontal links or links between animals. To know them, you need separate data. I would like to be able to investigate what level of radiation dose is there in wild vegetables, insects, wild boar, and the like by utilizing data obtained in forests and other locations.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

When local people want to use forest resources, they don’t know how much radioactive cesium is there. By monitoring forests and providing robust data, the local people will be able to judge whether the situation is safe or whether they should refrain from use. It’s important to show the results of thorough data collection and analysis, partially in order to combat damage due to misinformation.
From the perspective of the material cycle, investigating the movement of cesium also allows us to indirectly know the movement of other nutrients such as potassium. I feel that, if achieved, this kind of platform would be helpful for researchers investigating links in nutrition.

Fascinated by the intricate world of plant root systems

Kojima, Satoru (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

When I hear the word “platform,” the first thing that springs to mind is internet services such as Google. In the scientific field, I might think of websites for article submissions or journals. Although at first I only had a vague idea of what kind of platforms “platform studies” involved, joining an information session on the School of Platforms and learning that I could develop platforms related to my field made me wonder whether I could create a platform in the field of root ecology.
I was also attracted by the support system. It was extremely beneficial to be able to receive assistance from the School of Platforms through the research assistant employment scheme while pursuing my research. In addition, the focus of employment is on furthering insight into platform studies through lectures and other means, which has helped me to deepen my understanding of the program.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research focuses on the fine root exudates of trees. This is a general term for the organic compounds that trees secrete from their roots, and which serve to activate soil microorganisms as well as transform difficult-to-utilize nutrient elements in the soil into a usable form.
Through a combination of field experiments and cultivation experiments, I am working to identify the amount of this material secreted by tree roots and under what conditions this changes.
Fine root exudates are produced when a tree performs photosynthesis, with the resulting nutrients transported to the roots, where they are converted into compounds such as citric and oxalic acids before being released into the soil. These compounds can act directly on the soil, serve as food for microorganisms, or conversely inhibit them. I was introduced to this field of study by a professor in my laboratory while I was an undergraduate in the Faculty of Agriculture. I found it particularly interesting that trees outsource the acquisition of nutrients to microorganisms via carbon and only intake them when needed, and so I embarked on research in this field.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

While I have only just started attending lectures on platform studies in the second semester of my master’s program, with lectures lasting a little over an hour and the rest of the time devoted to questions, the atmosphere is very conducive to discussion, and all the participants are active and engaged. As my background is in agricultural science, much of the lecture content is new to me, but the program is designed to make it easy to grasp the essence. I feel that the course is equipping me with the fundamentals required to build a platform.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

The study of roots is extremely difficult, starting with identifying which tree a root comes from in the first place. Even in cases where the species is known, there can be confusion over morphology and color, and even for individual studies, some aspects can be difficult to replicate as external factors can alter root characteristics. Although a variety of researchers are currently sharing data through academic papers and other means, it would be ideal if there were a platform that allowed this data to be shared easily in the form of a pictorial field guide.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Although my research is primarily fundamental research and may not immediately make the world a better place, I hope that in the future it can be put to use in fields such as environmental conservation and cultivation technology. In the study of roots, sharing information on where roots were taken from as well as the conditions in which they were measured will help identify global trends, such as the tendency for roots to die in certain environments. If, through the School of Platforms program, we could create a platform where this type of information could be listed in the form of a pictorial field guide, this would be beneficial for planning research projects.
In addition, while the study of roots is a hot research topic in the forest ecology field, research is still in the fundamental research phase, such as determining how many roots there are in an entire forest or how many roots are produced by common tree species. I therefore believe that steadily accumulating research findings—for example, studying individual tree species—is important.

Expanding use of Wi-SUN and making it be a platform-supporting technology

Nagao, Ryuichi (Communications and Computer Engineering Course, Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

My interest sparked after I heard about the platform studies program from Professor Hiroshi Harada, the program coordinator. There is a strong affinity between platform studies and my research into the internet of things (IoT). Professor Harada suggested I join the program if I was interested. It means starting from scratch, but one reason I felt like joining was the many commonalities between my research and what we’d study in the program. Managing both of these would be difficult if they were too far apart.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My plan is to build a large-scale network that uses the IoT to connect things, through research into technologies that improve wireless communications equipment for the IoT. What kind of network can be built using wireless smart utility network (Wi-SUN) mechanisms? If I revise algorithms relating to how to assemble the topology, can inefficiencies before data is transmitted be reduced? I am studying how to improve communications efficiency from this kind of network-centric perspective.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have been able to hear talks on different fields (agriculture and medicine) at each lecture in the platform studies seminars. These lectures introduced me to not only to studies in other fields, but also to examples where the field of communications that I’m studying has been put to practical use. This let me know the demand for and requirements to be placed upon the field of communications in the future, as it spans multiple disciplines. I came to this insight through cross-faculty and cross-discipline lectures, and I feel that I would have missed this realization if I hadn’t attended platform studies lectures.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

I am studying wireless communications devices, but they have many elements that are hard to understand. I want to develop these devices so that they can be used by anyone and become ubiquitous across the world. I want people to associate the IoT with Wi-SUN in the same manner that 4G is associated with mobile phones. Instead of aiming at just the IoT, I expect that we will see more utilization if we can increase the number of applicable domains, through research into problems such as one-to-one high-speed communications or multi-stage connections over long distances. While I don’t know what the future holds, having this technology be used necessitates widening the scope and having more options.
What’s important is to be as easy-to-use as possible. This is what I’m learning in platform studies. Only when we are able to provide usability that is far beyond what other IoT platforms offer will we start to see the scope of use increase, and be accepted as a platform.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

As communications technology continues to advance, data collection and other processes will become more efficient. This should allow skilled workers in the field to prioritize what they want to do. Communications technology can assist people in the background, taking care of work that they don’t want to do and enabling them to do something they’d like to do. I want communications technology to be able to take over the work that people don’t want to do.

Toward safer agriculture that utilizes predator-prey relationship, rather than chemicals, to control insect pests

Tasaki, Tomoya (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I joined the program because I wanted to gain perspectives from different fields to mine. A knowledge of informatics is also required in entomology in order to analyze experimental data. I decided to enroll after my professor informed me that there was a program that would allow me to develop my skills by learning from people involved in informatics and interacting with other students.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research focuses on biological control of insect pests by leveraging the predator-prey relationship between insect pests and their natural predator insects. If the density of prey is too low, the natural predators used in biological control may not settle in the target field and flee; on the other hand, if the density of prey is too high, the predators may have an insignificant impact on pest levels and fail to control them effectively. Accordingly, sufficient knowledge and experience is required to utilize natural predators effectively, and not all agricultural producers are currently equipped to utilize such pest control solutions in a stable manner. To address this problem, I am working to develop behavioral control technology that leverages insect ecology.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The program has expanded the range of options available to me for observing insect behavior. Most of the methods I had used before to determine insect behavior focused on two extremes, such as whether there was a response or not. However, this program introduced me to a range of technologies, and by utilizing the latest tracking software I am now able to study insect behavior in greater detail.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

Insects are not the only pests that can reduce crop yields—bacteria, viruses, weeds, birds, and animals can also impact output. In the same way that excessive pesticide spraying against insect pests also suppressed the function of naturally occurring predator insects, it is possible that efforts to control insect pests may leave crops more susceptible to damage from diseases, weeds, and animals. I believe that creating a platform that enables people to easily access information on optimal countermeasures against a variety of pests will help to maximize crop production.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Although the pesticides used to control insect pests are rendered harmless by the time they reach consumers, they may pose a hazard to the workers who spray them. Accordingly, workers must wear protective clothing during spraying, even in hot weather. I believe that if biological pest control, which leverages the regulatory power of nature, becomes more accessible and reduces the number of pesticide sprayings, this will improve the world just a little for farmers.

Estimating groundwater dynamics with a mathematical model for effective water usage

Togo, Shuntaro (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

The reason why I applied is that the concept of platform studies resonated with me in many ways. Community spaces worldwide are currently monopolized by dominant companies like Google and Yahoo, but I think that it would be better if individuals could independently build these spaces. In a world where the future is uncertain, I want to build something tangible on my own and think that I’ll be alright regardless of how the future turns out if I can learn a practical skill. A platform is an open space that anyone can provide or access, like with open source. It would be good as a place where I can publish results.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am working on research to visualize groundwater dynamics using partial differential equations, and realize effective water use. Through the use of a mathematical model to predict the water cycle of a geographical region, I hope to enable us to prepare for extreme phenomena such as heavy rain. While lots of data is collected in the field of hydrology (which considers the water cycle on Earth), there are many mechanisms in the background that are still unclear.
Groundwater in particular is said to have a large impact on an ecosystem, but it’s not studied well partly because it can’t be seen. My research considers, for example, using stochastic differential equations (which are also used in the world of economics) to solve when rain will fall and when there will next be a drought, which is easier to do with a desert that has few animals.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have been able to come into contact with cutting-edge topics that you often hear about, such as machine learning. I heard about many things that would hardly come up in my own field of research, and I feel that things that the world needs were often a topic of discussion. I was able to talk with someone researching cryptography in a lunch meeting. Although cryptography is a completely different field to mine, I found that I was able to follow the overview thanks to my knowledge of mathematics.
My perception of platforms also changed somewhat due to the program. For example, I had never thought that Wi-Fi was a platform.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

A platform that enables us to collect data on water resources for each region of the world, analyze the data using appropriate mathematical methods, and apply results of this analysis to actual problems. Among other things, I want to be able to predict droughts and flooding due to heavy rain.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

The 21st century is said to be the century of water. The importance of water use will only increase. Research into water has thus far mostly been about the oceans and the deep sea, but these days the field of groundwater can be said to be a “blue ocean.”
Usage practices for water resources (water rights) are also an important topic. In addition to top-down decisions by government or other organizations, bottom-up opinions from users will also be important. Taking these perspectives into account, I would like to establish an optimal control method in which water is handled as data, and the data is used in a manner that incorporates insights, such as by outputting an appropriate water usage fee.

Building a tropical tree platform that lowers the barrier to tropical forest research and contributes to forest conservation and regeneration

Hirata, Mone (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

The first reason is that I personally benefited from a certain platform in my thesis research. In this research, I measured the amount of root production in forests at 16 sites in Japan and examined the relationship with temperature, rainfall, tree diversity, and soil nutrient salts. As part of this process, I utilized the website of a project called “Monitoring 1000,” which conducts annual measurement of trees at 1,000 sites across Japan. This website contains a database of tree species, diameter at breast height, tree density, and other information, all publicly available for anyone to use. Having access to this data allowed me to conduct research on a larger scale than I could have done alone.
I believe that services such as these, which are freely available to a wide variety of researchers, are critical to broadening research scope. This is why I grew interested in creating a platform through my future research, filled with information about tropical trees and available for use by a range of people.
The second reason was the extensive support system. In addition to the research assistant allowance, students also receive assistance with their research expenses. This allowance of up to 300,000 yen allows greater freedom to research, enabling me to conduct fieldwork outside Japan (in Borneo) for approximately one month.
In the case of overseas research, involvement tends to be limited to participation in projects undertaken by laboratory professors. However, a system like platform studies, in which students are able to secure their own research funding, allows them to pursue their own research interests. As there are limited opportunities to obtain research funding for master’s studies, the program has been extremely helpful in enabling me to advance my own research.
The third reason was the abundance of opportunities to engage in international exchange with the University of Florida and other institutions. Professor Harada, the program coordinator, has mentioned that there is the chance to travel on a study visit to Silicon Valley next year, and I am grateful that this program has given me the opportunity to gain such a wide range of experience.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am studying the relationship between soil organic phosphorus and tree diversity in tropical rainforests on the Malaysian island of Borneo. In general, soils with low moisture and nitrogen are associated with lower tree diversity. However, it has been reported that conversely, tree diversity is higher in soils with low phosphorus levels. It has been hypothesized that the key factor behind this is organic phosphorus.
As the total amount of phosphorus in the soil decreases, the proportion of organic phosphorus, which is difficult for plants to utilize, increases. As a result, I believe that niche differentiation increases as trees incorporate this difficult-to-utilize organic phosphorus through a variety of strategies, enabling many tree species to coexist in areas where phosphorus is scarce.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

By taking platform studies and thinking about how to apply the fundamentals while learning, I have realized that platforms can differ significantly. Just like the Monitoring 1000 project I used in my thesis research, I learned of a number of platforms close at hand that I had previously been unaware of, and realized that these platforms are supporting a range of research.
Although I was not familiar with the field of informatics, the lectures were very beneficial, as they covered topics I had not previously considered, such as how the information that I view is communicated and what techniques should be used to communicate information efficiently and maximize understanding.I also look forward to our biweekly lunch meetings. Many of the members were keenly aware of relevant issues—for example, an international student from Malaysia asked me what I thought about the decline in Japan’s national power, and this led to a discussion about how young Japanese are becoming less aggressive and more reserved, and that fewer of them are willing to act proactively or take on new challenges overseas. With a group of such talented members, even the level of friendly conversation was high!

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

I am aiming to create a platform related to tropical tree species. Specifically, I have two goals.
The first is to create a platform for identifying tree species. In tropical regions, there is a large number of tree species, and they are extremely difficult to identify. This is why I want to build a platform where information on the traits for identifying tree species can be shared, edited, and used by many. At present I have photographed more than 1,000 tree species on the island of Borneo, and aim to build a platform based on this database.
The difficulty involved in identifying tree species is in some regards a barrier to entry into tropical research, and I believe that lowering this hurdle may help to stimulate more research into tropical forests.
My second goal is to build a platform for sharing information on tree distribution, such as the locations in which these trees are growing. In tropical regions, there are soils at many different trophic levels, and the distribution of trees varies considerably depending on the abundance or lack of soil nutrients. I am currently performing chemical analysis of soils from approximately 70 sites on the island of Borneo to compile information on soil properties, and I hope to use this information, together with tree data, to create the foundation for a platform. I believe that this platform will serve as an important source of information for the establishment of forest conservation areas and for forest regeneration projects.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

That’s a difficult question. However, I feel that it’s important to cooperate with a range of people to improve things. The research I am currently working on addresses the broad topics of tree diversity and soil phosphorus, but I think it would be interesting to collaborate with researchers working on more focused topics to look at the smaller details from a more macro perspective, such as investigating the differences in phosphorus acquisition strategies and root and leaf traits of trees in oligotrophic and eutrophic soils. It would be great if this sort of collaboration could result in a “chemical reaction” that generates something new.

Exploring environmentally friendly grease traps through research on oil droplets and fluids

Li, Teng (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Upon advancing to my doctoral studies after completing my master’s degree, I become painfully aware of my lack of knowledge in fields other than my own. I belong to the Graduate School of Agriculture, but I am interested in robots and other technologies too. As I initially majored in engineering (environmental engineering), I also want to obtain knowledge in the fields of engineering and information and communications technology. I became interested in platform studies as I can learn about other fields.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am researching fluids. In more detail, I am analyzing the movement of oil droplets in grease traps, which are set up in kitchens such as in restaurants in order to prevent food oil from flowing into drainpipes or sewers. In winter at my hometown, sewage flows onto the streets. In order to solve this, I want to consider an optimal method for reducing waste oil and lessening the load on the environment.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I see inspiration in many fields, including image processing and artificial intelligence (AI) utilization. I have been using general-purpose image processing software to detect oil, but I now want to make a program on my own that provides functionality that I’m after, such as measuring the size and number of oil droplets. I want to be able to gather a lot of image data, train an AI, and make new discoveries. Although conventional wisdom has been that you can’t use deep learning to analyze the flow of a fluid, leaders in the field are employing different approaches. You could say that I encountered their papers because I aimed at platform studies and came into contact with the varied research topics here.
From among actual lectures, video communications had the biggest impact on me. I was amazed to know that they have been used since in the 1980s in Japan’s Diet building. Apple’s concept movies also gave an early picture of their shape today.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

A platform that can recommend an optimal grease trap. It would be convenient to enter parameters such as a restaurant’s size, type, and number of customers, and simply be presented with products or sizes that are applicable.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Developed countries like the United States made the use of grease traps mandatory. However, why grease traps of a certain size and structure have to be installed may be hard to imagine. As a result, developing countries see problems such as unneeded oil being thrown out on the street. The reason why drainpipes get clogged is often down to this kind of oil. If there is a platform that can propose an optimal grease trap, I feel this would make it easier for governments to intervene, enable the sewage problem that occurs in winter to be resolved, and lead to improvements for the environment.

Utilizing natural predators to control insect pests that damage crops

Wang, Chenhao (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

The first opportunity I had to learn about this program directly was at the orientation for the Graduate School of Agriculture, held immediately after the entrance ceremony.
Since I am a student of the Graduate School of Agriculture, I don’t normally use informatics or similar technologies. However, I decided to enroll in the program because I felt that knowledge of sensors and such would be beneficial in my own research.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am researching methods to control insect pests using natural predators. Handling a variety of insect pests requires multiple natural predators. However, this may bring interactions between different natural predators (insects and mites) into play.
Environmental changes, particularly temperature changes, also affect insect pest activity. I am also studying how global warming will impact the relationship between natural predators and insect pests.
Disease-carrying insect pests affect plant protection, other pests, weeds, and crops, among other things. It has been noted that unless this problem is solved, the number of disease-carrying insect pests will continue to increase, potentially making it difficult to maintain sufficient food production for the world’s population.
Generally speaking, competition increases as temperatures rise. At high temperatures, natural predators tend to be smaller in size, their mortality rate increases, and they tend to lay fewer eggs. On the other hand, rising temperatures have only a minor effect on the bodies of insect pests. I aim to help farmers optimize the use of natural predators to control insect pests in line with these changes in the environment.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have learned techniques for compiling and analyzing data. I have also drawn inspiration from the diverse range of students taking platform studies.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

I would like to build a platform that helps to develop a model for optimal natural predator release, by aggregating and analyzing the data from different regional climates, insect pest types, and indigenous natural predator types. I want to include information on such factors as interactions between predators and whether the released natural predators adversely affect indigenous natural predators in order to allow a comprehensive decision to be made.
Looking globally, crop production methods vary significantly from region to region. It would be extremely useful if farmers could input information such as the insect pest species, climate conditions, and what other crops are being grown in the field, and receive advice on which natural predators to release and the best timing at which to do so.
During actual pest control, the first step farmers must take is to locate the insect pests, which can be a complicated process. Utilizing devices such as sensors would make it easier to obtain this information. In addition, there are major differences between the laboratory environment and the environment in a real-world field, such as temperature and rainfall, and some conditions cannot be determined in the laboratory alone. I am sure that new discoveries can be found by compiling the insights and knowledge of farmers.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

It has been pointed out that chemicals and pesticides have an adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. In addition to reducing the negative impact from these chemical substances, I believe there is an advantage in being able to introduce new technologies at an optimal cost. As significant funds are required to address environmental issues, developing countries tend to avoid doing so due to the cost involved. For this reason, national governments need to take the lead in tackling environmental issues by establishing the required legal framework. Although monitoring implementation requires the collection of data, many people currently lack the specialist knowledge to do so, and the lack of reference materials presents a challenge. My research is motivated by a desire to overcome these current hurdles.

Considering rural depopulation, with a focus on transportation

Katayama, Minami (Division of Natural Resource Economics, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Agricultural economics involves frequent data analysis, and requires not only a background in economics, but also knowledge of informatics, such as machine learning. The regions in which where Japan’s agriculture is conducted, such as the nation’s rural villages, are aging. I hope to conduct research that will be of use during such a transition phase by drawing on the insights provided by informatics. Although many statistical and econometric tools are used in agricultural economics, technologies such machine learning are not yet widely used. Meanwhile, agricultural economics is also a field highly suited to the use of platforms and data assets, so I was interested in pursuing research that combines these two elements.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries compiles the Census of Agriculture and Forestry and relevant data. Although the latter includes rural community survey cards, their data for the period from 1970 to 1990 has not been digitized. These cards are handwritten, which makes them difficult to read in batches using tools such as OCR, and they are stored on microfiche, a format that can only be viewed with a specialized reader. Accordingly, whereas the overall results of the census are available as data, they must be verified visually and entered into a system in order to classify them by community.
My personal goal is to analyze data on the impact of transportation infrastructure on the population of rural communities. However, in order to conduct this analysis, data on a community-specific basis is essential. In particular, from 1970 onward, Niigata Prefecture saw the opening of new expressways and a shinkansen bullet train line under the policies of former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. I believe that these developments may have stemmed the outflow of the prefecture’s rural population, and hope to verify this hypothesis.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

There are a number of informatics professors in the program, so it is a great opportunity to learn new knowledge and techniques. The program also features lectures with speakers from external companies, and I was particularly impressed by a method used by a member of NTT Laboratories to identify data transmission problems and then calculate how many alternative routes could be taken to avoid them. I felt that this method could be applied to transportation infrastructure in order to reach isolated areas. In addition to these lectures, it has also been stimulating talking to other students and learning about the research projects they were working on.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

Besides data from Japan from 1970 onward, I also aim to digitize a variety of data existing since pre-WWII to create a platform for compiling an evolutionary history of farmers and rural communities. In addition to reconstructing the unusual evolutionary process that transformed Japan from a developing country to a developed country in a short period of time, I believe it would also be beneficial to understand how the nation’s transportation and social infrastructure have influenced this evolution.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Due to increasing depopulation of rural villages and aging of society, Japan is sometimes referred to as a front-runner in confronting the challenges that will eventually face other countries. Of these issues, population-related challenges are particularly severe, and it is clear that many other countries will face similar challenges in the future. By focusing on rural communities, which are particularly affected by population-related challenges, this study may provide insights that could help other countries curb their declining birth rates and aging populations.

Agricultural engineering for a future that balances energy, environment and economics

Binti Surimin, Adilah (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Special thanks to my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ryozo NOGUCHI, who introduced me to the platform studies program. When I entered the university, I was recommended this program. I was very honored and anxious to participate, but I thought it was worth learning about platform studies, and I am also grateful for the strong words from the program coordinator, Professor Hiroshi HARADA, that it was okay for me to be the first international student, a non-Japanese speaker joined this program. The lectures were very stimulating, and I learned that ICT technology is an academic discipline that combines natural disaster prevention, medicine, engineering, agriculture, etc., and that I was able to learn the basics of delivering a system that can be understood and used by more people.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Life cycle assessment for rice cultivation. For example, in my study, what kind of measures should be adopted under acidic conditions to increase the sustainability and productivity of rice in Malaysia.  As a method for this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) be used. Back then, LCA was used for industrial sectors to support more sustainable production, management, and services by providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental impact. Now, it is widely used in the agriculture sector. I am engaged in the research on three levels. The first is Inventory, then Impact, and finally Improvement. The inventory consists of data collection of all inputs and outputs related to the whole operations system (OS). Meanwhile, for the Impact, the sustainable analysis in aspects of environment, energy consumption and economic performance will be evaluated. Lastly, for the Improvement, all the possibilities and approaches that can enhance the 3E’s will be identified and used as a benchmark for good decision-making.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

International students like me use English, and although it is my first experience to receive an education abroad, I think the students and teachers are wonderful. The platform science staff is also supportive. (As a foreigner), I often have a hard time getting just a little information, but it captivates and impacts, especially the diversities usage of ICT technologies and the platform. I studied agrotechnology aquaculture for my bachelor’s, then soil microbiology for my master's degree, and now, agriculture system engineering for my Ph.D. It's always a new field for me, but I can say that there is a reason why I enjoy participating in the platform studies program. It consists of a diversity and flexibility of knowledge and skills in one platform.

—What type of platform do you hope to create (based on your own research)?

Data is crucial to trace and track any changes or improvements we want to make. LCA is one of the effective methods to collect, analyze and interpret the data efficiently. It also links with multidisciplinary fields; engineering, science and economy. Besides, along the process, we build a solid connection with agricultural producers, and researchers to help the government make appropriate decisions. As a result, I hope that policy decisions will be made at the ministry level that can support agriculture and that my research will lead to helping agricultural producers, to be more efficient and sustainable. It would be nice to see a system that streamlines energy use, keeps the environmental impact low, and is economically profitable.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I would like to share my research with society to make the world a better place. At the same time, it is important to have an opinion on how you can contribute to society. It's about understanding what you can do, knowing your abilities, and trying to bring something good to society. I believe that having and practicing not only an academic perspective but also an individual perspective is necessary for the improvement of the world.

Platforms Are a Foundation of Support for People’s Lives in Society

Yamashige, Yoshihisa (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

When I began considering approaches for social implementation of my current research, I felt that the platform concept would serve that purpose, so I enrolled. In other words, the system I have in mind will involve gathering data from inspection bodies and research facilities, analyzing those datasets in the cloud, and providing feedback on the results. With this approach, it should be possible to take appropriate action in situations where change has been detected in the behavior or properties of the tested microbes.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am studying an approach that focuses on certain properties of water to assess the proliferative capacity of microbes. As an experimental device, we are using an original dielectric sensor our laboratory developed in collaboration with a private company. We know that the dielectric properties of this device, within the frequency band that it operates, are sensitive to bulk water that is not bonded to any biomolecules. The proliferation of microbes in a water sample can induce changes to the water, such as utilization of the free water in the sample or the hydration of biomolecules; this sensor appears to be able to detect those changes. Assessing the proliferative capacity of microbes with this sensor is faster than with traditional culturing methods. Moreover, because the equipment itself is simple to operate and inexpensive, we anticipate it will evolve as a technology with broad applications spanning the food and medical fields.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Not only have I acquired knowledge of platform studies, but I have also enjoyed exposure to the views of scholars from other fields and learned about things they consider important. Moreover, I was able not only to deepen my knowledge of my field, but also to reaffirm the importance of having a broad perspective.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

To put it briefly, I think platforms will provide a future foundation of support for people’s lives in society. In addition to providing for safe and comfortable lifestyles of abundance, I feel that platforms may also have the ability to create new value.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Now that it has become so much easier for people to connect and interact with one another, I think everyone needs to value their own identity while showing respect for others.

A Desire to Help Solve Rural Community Issues in Aging and Depopulation Through the DAO Approach

Tanaka, Hatsu (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

In the Master's program, I pursued research themed on solving rural community issues through the utilization of web technology. I wanted to look beyond the realm of agricultural studies and incorporate informatics into my research to catch up on the latest technologies and expand the technical scope of my approach to the solution of problems, and thus enrolled in the School of Platforms from my doctoral program.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research theme has to do with harnessing Web 3.0 technologies to find solutions to the problems facing rural communities. I believe the issues facing rural communities can be jointly resolved by the stakeholder population and neighboring villages through the launch of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and the issuance of nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Aging and depopulation trends have advanced in rural communities across Japan. Moreover, many villages face difficulty solving their problems on their own. In exploring these challenges, I took note of the potential offered by online platforms and the DAO concept. Communities that have undergone depopulation or face poor economic conditions are still characterized by a rural social culture that is not easy for outsiders to penetrate. I want to create a platform that allows stakeholders to become involved and pursue exchange with these communities through online channels, in lieu of direct visits. I want to help formulate solutions to a variety of rural challenges through a platform that affords benefits that the stakeholder population can recognize and that the many elderly citizens in rural communities will find easy to use.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I feel it has equipped me with knowledge of the fundamentals of informatics and trends in that field. I believe it has not only allowed me to deepen my understanding but has also provided me with opportunities to consider the meaning of innovation and what a sustainable platform should be. Our classes and guest lectures have included presentations by not only researchers but many business entrepreneurs as well. From a business perspective, the focus on making contributions to society over the next 10 to 20 years seems relevant to my own research theme and has also influenced my views.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I want to use the DAO concept to build a platform that can solve the problems of rural communities. One point I want to stick with is that it be led by local residents. The village of Yamakoshi in Niigata Prefecture counts as one among several examples of DAO implementation by a rural community. However, I feel that this should not be something the stakeholder population can implement unilaterally without reflecting the views of local residents. I want to help ensure that funding and investments will flow into such communities by having local residents launch and utilize DAOs themselves. To that end, a community element—that is, the ties of solidarity and cooperation between individual residents—will be essential. Although crowdfunding is one way of acquiring economic assistance, all residents participating in a DAO can use their tokens to vote and be involved in the decision-making process, and receive incentives in return. What is needed is a mechanism that reflects the views of women and young people who traditionally have had little voice, and that allows participation by anyone who has a problem they want to solve.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

In advanced nations, the overconcentration of population and power in urban districts has created harms. My view is that our world will improve if these influences are decentralized. The cities are able to exist because they are supplied with food from rural farm communities. The rural districts are able to exist because they have economic and human exchange with the cities. My point is that cities and rural communities are in a relationship of coexistence. That is why I would like to see them utilize the DAO approach and other platforms. I want to make an academic contribution to the involvement of urban citizens in rural affairs. Moreover, I also want to contribute through my daily life with rural communities in mind.

Studying the Fundamentals of Disaster Prevention to Help Agricultural Irrigation Facilities Survive Unexpected Disaster Events

Shimizu, Shion (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Data science will gain importance in the years ahead. Having the opportunity to study this field within an interdisciplinary, holistic context appealed to me. My research has to do with disaster prevention measures for agricultural irrigation facilities. In recent years, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has been striving to create a safer, more secure environment for agricultural communities through disaster prevention and mitigation measures driven by digital technologies. Given that backdrop, I felt that being able to study the fundamentals in this field would benefit my own research going forward.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am working on the development of a novel simulation method to help overcome unexpected disasters. By "unexpected," I mean unprecedented disasters that, from a design standpoint, are considered unlikely to ever affect facilities like irrigation ponds or agricultural dams. The Great East Japan Earthquake and the increasingly common torrential rains of recent years are examples of actual events that caused river embankments and dams to collapse, with catastrophic consequences. To accurately predict the behavior of such disaster events when they occur, I am pursuing research aimed at developing methods capable of holistically analyzing multidimensional sets of physical phenomena.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have gained knowledge of how to foster the penetration and use of things I create. I want to develop novel methods of numerical analysis (predictive disaster simulation) and see those methods find applications across society. In connection with this, I am learning about open-sourcing and what is needed to ensure that a novel method is able to successfully compete and survive as a platform.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Although my ideas on this still lack substance, I am interested in building a platform that places weight on simplicity. Many methods of numerical analysis related to disaster prevention have already been devised, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Also, as many have been designed exclusively for the investigation of specific physical phenomena, the reality is that they cannot be easily adapted to comprehensive simulations. Moreover, different methods can sometimes yield different results for the same physical phenomenon. To resolve difficulties of this nature, I think it would be better to build a platform that can integrate multiple methods and allow a variety of simulations using a simple set of procedures.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I believe we should be a bit more tolerant of failures. Although publishing papers is an important aspect of research, papers only present the findings of our work. I think we should put more emphasis on the things we learn from the many failures we endure in the course of experimentation leading to the findings we present in finished paper form. Rather than succumbing to the results-only mantra, I would like to see society support the entire process, including the failures that lay hidden in the shadows of success. The failures and small achievements that are part of that process likely hold future opportunities and the potential for advancement in different contexts.

Settings that Bring Scholars Together and Transcend the Boundaries of Specialization Are a Good Fit for Me.

Shibata, Tatsuya (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

The study of platforms is an interdisciplinary field that attracts participants from diverse domains of specialization. Settings that bring scholars together and transcend the boundaries of specialization are a good fit for me. Additionally, I wanted to learn more about the research content and issues in fields that I still knew little about.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Inverse problems. These are problems that involve drawing from observational data to infer the causal factors that give rise to or control certain phenomena. In the fields of agricultural engineering and geotechnology, they involve investigating the internal characteristics of built structures and natural geological formations. For example, the echoes from an ultrasonically scanned target object may be utilized as observational data to measure or infer the internal features of the scanned object. In geological surveys, it is difficult to locate observation points, resulting in an insufficient number of measurements, reduced data precision, and other problems that introduce uncertainty into the inferred results. To address that issue, I am using Bayesian inference and other probabilistic methods that allow this uncertainty to be quantified.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

In our seminars, I have enjoyed opportunities to hear contrasting perspectives offered by researchers and professional practitioners in the field who take the podium to speak on a given topic. Differences between the views of researchers and professional practitioners are understandable, but in exploring what should be done to ensure that the research can contribute to society through social implementation, I value the remarks of professional practitioners who we rarely have the chance to hear.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

My image of platforms is somewhat vague. It often happens that people in different locations or settings are pursuing similar undertakings, which can be more efficiently improved if the common parts of those undertakings could be shared by everyone rather than pursued separately. I view platforms as settings that enable this.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Through research, I believe we can solve problems, render the impossible possible, and accordingly contribute to a happier world. To achieve that, I feel it will be important to have a multifaceted understanding of current realities, and I think platforms will be necessary because they provide interdisciplinary settings that bring scholars together from disparate fields.

Seeking to build a platform for agriculture robots, not only to address the lack of skills of new farmers, but also to reduce the agricultural workload of existing farmers

Okamoto, Satoshi (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Research into smart agriculture aims at sustainable food production and improved productivity. Remote sensing technology that leverages unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) or satellite images has been put to practical use. Another example is yield monitoring technology, enabling us to determine appropriate amounts of water or fertilizer. I am currently researching the robotization of agricultural machinery, but I feel that combining this kind of data regarding cultivated land with autonomous driving technology will lead us to solving new problems. I also feel that mixing with people in the information and communications field will enable me to discover and solve new problems.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am carrying out research and development into the automation of agricultural machinery. Japan faces the problem of a shrinking and aging agriculture workforce, and needs to improve labor productivity. While automation currently stops within one field, I am aiming at automation that covers several fields in the future. I am therefore engaged in researching automated driving that is safe on agricultural roads, in order to move between fields.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

We learn the basics of information and communications technology (ICT) and examples of their application in platform studies lectures. The lectures include exercises relating to the internet of things, where we learn the basics of implementing sensors and collecting data. In the seminar series, we hear about the technology for building platforms, and we also learn about the business side, such as mindset and cost. Looking at examples of actual application in society lets us approach research and development from the perspective of real use.

—What is the platform to you (based on your own research)?

I want to achieve a platform for agriculture robots that is easy for everybody to use. What I am learning from the platform studies lectures is that a platform has no meaning unless it’s used by many people. To that end, when developing a platform for agriculture robots, I hope to construct one that is used by many people, not only to address the lack of skills of new farmers, but also to reduce the agricultural workload of existing farmers.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

You need the attitude of wanting to study knowledge from other fields. In my case, by acquiring knowledge in the field of ICT, I have been able to discover new problems in the field of agriculture. I also think there will be new discoveries even in everyday life if we accept opinions from other people and consider things from their perspective. I feel that we can improve the world for the better through dialogue and cooperation.

Exploring Optimal Farming Methods in Areas with Poor Conditions for Farming

Fujii, Keisuke (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I was impressed by its philosophy of viewing things from a unified, interdisciplinary perspective that extends beyond one's own specialization. Although my own studies are in the field of tropical agriculture, I value having the ability to view things in a multifaceted light that encompasses economics, plant physiology, and other domains. The School's philosophy aligns with my own, so I decided to enroll in the interest of gaining deeper insights.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research is focused on the relationship between farm management and the size of land ownership among soybean farmers in Bangladesh's coastal areas. That coastal zone encompasses the world's largest tropical delta, formed from river sediments that washed down from the Himalayas. Landless people from urban districts migrated to the delta, and farming is their primary livelihood, but the majority are small-scale farmers. Soybean cultivation in Bangladesh became widespread relatively recently, taking off in the early 1990s. Although this region has a tropical monsoon climate with an environment that is ill-suited for soybean farming, the land area under soybean cultivation has continued to expand year after year, led by the coastal districts. Because soybeans are high in fat and protein content, they have become an indispensable crop for Bangladesh's economic development. However, is soybean cultivation in the tropical delta actually a rational choice for small-scale farmers? What farming practices do they adopt? What methods do they employ on these small tracts of land? Are they managing their farms well? These are some of the questions I plan to explore quantitatively using a statistical approach. For instance, I want to look at the correlation between farmers' incomes and the scale of farmland they own, how their competitive advantages or disadvantages change in relation to the amount of land and other assets they control, and which crops are best suited to their operations. Understanding their farm management practices will be essential to the sustainable development of agriculture in this region.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Frankly, it has been highly stimulating. Although I am very interested in the subjects of agriculture and botany, I did not feel so confident about utilizing informatics or IT tools. However, I discovered that if I integrated informatics into my research, I might be able to actually build a platform for the development of sustainable farming in Bangladesh's coastal region with a farm management perspective. I am excited about the prospect of seeing my research yield benefits for a broad segment of society. I have also grown more conscious about how my research might advance into a platform to share my findings with Bangladesh's farming communities.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

It will help to raise the living standards of farming households in Bangladesh's coastal areas. Farm management should involve making optimal choices that reflect natural environmental and societal conditions. I hope farmers will be able to utilize open resources to determine which crops and varieties are best suited for their own climate and environment. The impact of climate change is a major issue in Bangladesh. It might be possible to help farmers avoid taking unnecessary risks if it had the ability to forecast disasters with AI or other advanced technologies. Another issue has to do with social conditions. Many small farmers in South Asia raise their crops on leased farmlands; this has led to a culture of farmers lending and leasing their land to each other. I believe it would be desirable to develop a system that can maximize the returns for landholders and tenants alike.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Scholars with research backgrounds in informatics and agriculture as well as a variety of other fields are involved in the platform program. This has created a world that I would like to see expanded further in scope. Although I have been continuously engaged in experimental farming and cultivation for quite some time, my research in the doctoral program has shifted toward themes in the social sciences, and that has involved some trial-and-error. An environment where you have someone you can talk to about methodologies or your own problems—that is precisely what a platform should be. I think it is good to have a platform that enables you to work with researchers from other fields and expand your network of communication, as then you can make progress in your own research and even come up with new ideas.

Diversified Academic Knowledge Essential in Research Linking Facial Expression and Emotion

Zhang, Junyao (Department of Intelligence Science and Technology, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I believe that facial expressions play a vital role resembling that of the impact that road signs have on traffic. Facial expressions convey the types of emotions that people possess at particular points in time, indicating what they want to do under the existing social conditions. These expressions thereby fulfill an essential role in the interaction of human emotions. I also presume that, even when efforts are made to intentionally conceal them, facial expressions inevitably sustain certain ties with people’s internal states. This, in turn, makes it possible to mobilize facial expression recognition to surmise internal feelings. Technologies capable of automatic detection and analysis of such human inner states have yet to truly mature. In view of this, there is a need to gather more extensive examples of how outward appearances shift relative to our internal states, followed by the addition of accurate annotations to the assembled data. As the world gears up for the arrival of the so-called Society 5.0, demands are emerging for research and serious consideration of how to best deal with the social issues expected to occur. Taking my research theme as an example, for data analysis, it is not sufficient to use the deep learning method alone. There is a crucial need, rather, to obtain extensive knowledge from other areas of study. For instance, my theme requires me to study psychology and clinical medicine. Working through this process, it will become possible to achieve more detailed interpretations and analysis. Such interpretations and analysis, meanwhile, will combine to comprise a critical outcome in the quest for more comprehensive understanding. This conviction is also the reason that I have chosen to enroll in the School of Platforms program.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am exploring the linkage of people’s facial expressions capable of being observed externally and other information with their internal states. The aim is to define the correlation and causal relationships between people’s emotions and psychological states and the results of facial expression recognition, thereby exploring the suitability and limitations of such knowledge.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

In terms of my research, I still have a considerable way to go to achieve actual platform building. Nevertheless, working through the lectures and seminars of this program, I have learned about the combinations between different fields and platforms. A recent seminar, for example, furnished considerable knowledge about the metaverse. In the virtual world, it is possible to build communities, conduct transactions, and engage in other endeavors resembling those of the real world. While this is extremely interesting, in moving to realize such platforms we face the initial need to collect and analyze user information. Thanks to the presence of such support, however, I believe that users will be satisfied with the services that platforms supply, and enjoy putting them into use. Through this program, therefore, I have been able to expand my perspective, while learning about the building of comprehensive systems.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

What I hope to create in connection with my research is a platform capable of detecting people’s internal states. Mobilizing tools equipped with camera functions, at times when permission is granted we will monitor the external behavior of users for 24 hours, then convey the information concerning their expressions, postures, conversational give-and-take, and other areas to the platform engine as data. I am confident that generating feedback comprised of objective and specialized analysis will enable us to achieve a more precision grasp of the state of our own bodies. I believe that such a platform will also be able to be used in mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, and other devices, supporting the pursuit of more human-friendly designs enabling ready use by disabled persons as well. This is the type of platform that I want to build, which will hopefully support people’s needs in the true sense of the word.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I once heard words to the effect that “every person is a uniquely valuable individual with special aptitudes capable of being conveyed to the world.” Over the years to come, I intend to devote my life to discovering where my own aptitudes lie, and freely share those aspects with others.

Robots Capable of Expressing the Right Humor at the Right Place

Ushijima, Yuto (Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

During the first year of my master’s degree program, I took a lecture course entitled “Perspectives in Platform Studies.” Thanks to that opportunity, I discovered how platforms are being created in various different fields. Robot applications continue to expand. Beyond mere information communications, they also excel in disaster prevention, agriculture, medicine, and various other areas. The lecture course has kindled my desire to explore the potential for deeper interaction between robots and human beings in such fields.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Briefly stated, this sphere may be described as “human-robot interaction”; more specifically, the research genre of probing the ties between people and robots. Such robots come in various shapes and forms—from spherical robots capable of speech, to android types resembling human beings. The target of my research is a class of robots with an appearance roughly between these two categories, like the Pepper humanoid robot. Operated by human workers, they are also able to perform tasks remotely. When working with robots, many people enjoy the conversations that take place, although there are also instances of robots being abused by children or others who refuse to follow instructions. I am researching means of addressing such situations with the use of humor.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

It has provided a valuable reference in learning about what types of efforts are currently underway and the resulting accomplishments. More so than learning about systems and applications in the information field, the single greatest benefit for me has been the opportunity to become acquainted with actual cases, such as the means of simulation being applied in disaster prevention and the approaches adopted in the medical field. At a special event as part of the Seminar Series on Perspectives in Platform Studies, meanwhile, I learned a great deal from the talk by Yukihiro Matsumoto, creator of the Ruby programming language, especially with regard to starting up a business and comparisons of markets overseas and in Japan.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Insofar as my specialty lies in robots, I am endeavoring to build a platform capable of empowering robots to exert an impact in various different capacities. Potential examples include disaster prevention, medicine, customer service, and other areas, while integrating and harnessing those various undertakings and their fruits. Smartphones encompass a wide range of apps, with the ability to choose them to meet the specific purposes involved. In much the same way, while robots are close to that definition in terms of the hardware, I am envisioning systems in which the methods of use and roles may be assigned to fit the specific conditions at hand. This will consist of verification in the field and subsequent reflection at the specific locations. One specific example of this format lies in humor. There may very well be differences in the humor directed toward patients at hospitals, and that used for children at amusement parks. For instance, in dealing with people who cut into a waiting line, rather than warning them, I am looking into how to have robots provide humorous responses that would normally be voiced by human workers. That will involve gathering data on what has proved effective in specific situations, and putting that assembled intelligence to work in an efficient manner. This, simply stated, is the type of system that I have in mind.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

First, adopt an open approach to the research. After that, it will be critical to gain an understanding of how the fruits of realizing those merits can change society. Various types of data are essential for platforms. While persons using robots may initially feel hesitant at mention of collecting personal information, I believe that we can win over their acceptance through understanding of the fruits to be gained: how shopping will become more convenient, the ability to engage in enjoyable conservations with robots, and other examples of how robots can be utilized in effective means. Toward that end, it will be vital to clarify the stance being adopted toward information, thereby also rendering it easier to enlist cooperation in the research.

The Potential for Metaprogramming Research to Serve as Elemental Technology in Support of Platform Building

Murase, Yuito (Department of Communications and Computer Engineering, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

When advancing theoretical research, there will inevitably be occasions where the distance with society appears to expand, prompting anxiety. Platform studies is an academic sector that applies various types of research to the real world in moving to expand those fields. I thought that, by coming into contact with and gaining inspiration from numerous different application examples, I would be able to scope out routes for my own theories to be put into practice in society. In addition to the interest in such platform studies themselves, I was also attracted by the ability to obtain economic assistance, and grateful for the expanded options for such financial support during my studies.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am advancing research into type systems capable of safeguarding the security of programming languages. More specifically, this involves research of metaprogramming functions at the Igarashi-Suenaga Lab here at Kyoto University, which continues to generate progress in this field. Metaprogramming, the programming function for actual programming languages, is an extremely powerful tool that has become indispensable for the languages used today. On the other hand, however, it also contains certain black magic-like aspects prone to generating troublesome bugs. My research involves designing type systems to support metaprogramming, in order to prevent the generation of such bugs and support secure metaprogramming.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

At a special event as part of the Seminar Series on Perspectives in Platform Studies, I benefitted from the opportunity to hear a lecture by Yukihiro Matsumoto, creator of the Ruby programming language. I was inspired by his words concerning the design and how to expand the use of programming languages. Lectures and seminars enable us to tap into the opinions of those in other fields, with the emergence of shared challenges from such experiences serving as an area of keen interest. Building sustainable platforms requires creating mechanisms, while making platforms easier to use comprises a worthy challenge for information communications technology. In that regard, the opportunity to listen to the experiences of Professor Hiroshi Harada when he had actually participated in the formulation of international standards was also a source of precious knowledge.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

From the time that I applied to the School of Platforms, it was my view that metaprogramming offers the potential to serve as an elemental technology in support of platform building. This is because in order to create data-intensive platforms, programs are needed to conduct exchanges with databases. While metaprogramming is often used in such functions at the present time as well, it is necessary to have programs offering greater security and less prone to bugs going forward. Database is the specialty field of Professor Keishi Tajima, my vice-supervisor. In addition to general data-intensive platforms, I also want to explore the types of language crucial in building decentralized platforms utilizing the Internet of Things. I am confident that needs comprising the desire for such functions will provide inroads for initiating such research.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Platform building may also be described as the creation of infrastructure. The benefits of developing infrastructure are long term in nature, with their importance prone to be underrated at times when there is no leeway for such efforts in the society. It is for this very reason that we need to understand the aspects of investment in infrastructure throughout society at large, take steady steps in that direction, and have someone rise to the challenge. In my view, theoretical research may be considered the infrastructure for the academic world. As such, I am also pursuing research in hopes that I can contribute to such fruitful infrastructure development.

I Would Like to be Exposed to Areas Outside of My Area of Expertise and Gain Access to New Knowledge and Ideas

Yamanaka, Sakuto (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Biology is a field that takes time to research. There are also challenges in implementing technology and knowledge in society. On the other hand, even in the field of biology, machine learning and other technologies are being used, and there are attempts to link genome analysis, such as the analysis of DNA and base sequences, to medical care. Furthermore, as the terms "digital society" and "information society" suggest, informatics is a field of study directly related to society. By studying informatics, I would like to learn how science and technology can interact with society.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am researching the phenomena that control the hatching of small fishes. The timing of hatching in clownfish is regulated by light and vibration. My research focuses on what genes, proteins, and signaling pathways are involved in that regulation mechanism. I have always been fascinated with fish, so I often go fishing and harpooning. While I wanted to study fish in university, I was also very interested in genetics, so I chose a field combining both.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Since it has been less than six months since my enrollment in the program, I have not yet grasped the full scope of the program. However, through the monthly seminars and lectures, I feel that informatics technology and research results are permeating society at a rapid pace. For example, 5G and machine learning have spread rapidly over a span of 10 to 20 years and are now reflected in devices and systems. It is very speedy. At the same time, the aquaculture industry is also beginning to use IT, and there is a trend toward acquiring and analyzing data from the real world. I have high expectations for the evolution of analysis, such as simulating ocean straits, topography, and tidal currents to consider what kind of fish cages to build and where to farm fish, as well as virtually considering where to place mobile offshore fish cages.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I consider it a tool connecting technology and people's lives. No matter how well the technology is developed, the challenges of the people who use it must be well understood to apply the technology. It is necessary to have something that connects the user and the technology. For this purpose, I believe we need platforms, a foundation for collecting information. Since many in the field of biology are not very experienced with PCs and IT, I have the impression that there is a delay in applying and handling large-scale data in their areas of expertise. I believe it would be beneficial if those in the field of biology could become skilled in IT and informatics and serve as a bridge between the two.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I believe that platforms in the new era should be those that encourage diversity. In both society and research, thanks to the platforms that have been created thus far, we have been able to expand information and break down geographical barriers. However, the diversity of ideas, knowledge, values, etc., has not yet been fully embraced by society and culture. Even in the academic world, there used to be defined areas such as biology, physics, etc., but with the increasing exchange among disciplines, the barriers between disciplines are disappearing. I think it is essential to promote such interactions.

Enabling Many People to Use the findings of Basic Research Distant from Social Implementation

Yabe, Kiyotaka (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

There are two main reasons. First, the main subject of my research laboratory is the evolutionary ecology of insects, a field of basic research most distant from social implementation. I believed that by pursuing platform studies, I would gain a comprehensive view of the entire process of science, including the development and application of findings obtained through basic research. Furthermore, while ecology has established technologies that can handle large amounts of data, including genome information, the process of collecting living organisms and conducting behavioral experiments still relies heavily on the expertise of researchers, and I feel that ecology is being dominated by other fields that can obtain a large amount of data. I wished to learn methods for efficiently acquiring and processing such information.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am working on social insects. In insect societies, where they live in clusters based on altruistic interactions, there are cases where the interests of an individual conflict with the interests of the group. I am examining how natural selection acts on these conflicts and what the consequences are, both empirically and theoretically. While this research requires repeating a sort of low-tech process of breeding insects and observing their behavior and traits, as a Platform Studies student, I feel that the challenge is how to make this more efficient. Although there is a wide range of areas in which efficiency should be improved, I am currently working on the most basic of these areas: insect breeding and management. Specifically, I am developing a non-invasive method for estimating population size and constructing a monitoring system for insect breeding plants using this method. Since my affiliated research laboratory is currently engaged in a project to propagate termites to use as feed for poultry, combined with this project, I believe that this will not only improve the efficiency of our research but also lead to social implementation.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

What I gained the most was the importance of interacting with people from different fields. Although I had long been interested in ICT and thought that I understood and was familiar with the technologies in widespread use, it is impossible to create something new if the process is a one-way street, from technological development to implementation in the field. By learning about various use cases through the lectures and seminars, I became aware that two-way dialogue between the developers of information and communication technology and the users in the field is crucial in creating a platform. It is necessary to be aware of the demands of the field when developing technologies, and it is also essential to promote technological development from the field side in order to solve challenges.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I think platforms are a place to connect the general public and specialized fields, or between specialized fields, so that they can obtain the necessary information from each other without any barriers. I believe that the ability to disseminate and exchange information in both directions will connect places and fields that previously had no contact with one another.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

As specialized technologies become increasingly fragmented, a situation has emerged where it is difficult to analyze data even if it is available. It would be nice to have a system that facilitates the division of labor and collaborative work. On the other hand, I sometimes feel uneasy about treating everything as "information." I entered academia by seeing and touching living creatures. In recent years, technologies have been developed to obtain various quantitative data on living organisms, but I wonder if such data captures the true charm of those living organisms. I would like to explore ways to better use information in a way rooted in reality rather than focusing solely on information space, which in a way is merely a virtual image. As the information space continues to grow in scale and convenience, it is imperative that we, as beings of reality, establish norms for how we use information and how to avoid being swallowed captive by it.

Watching a Respected Senior Student Sparked My Interest

Ueda, Nao (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

First, a senior whom I respected had participated in this program. Secondly, I realized the lack of public recognition of lichens. Although they are minor organisms that are not taught in compulsory education, lichens are quite commonly known overseas. Upon learning this in Thailand, where I did my undergraduate practical training, I wanted to create a society where people could learn about familiar organisms, and to do so; I wanted to absorb many things myself. Lastly, I had a strong interest in academic fields outside of my area of study. Since I was an undergraduate student, I have taken many classes outside my field of study, and I was inspired by the fact that despite the seemingly different research, the fundamental principles behind it were the same. In the Platform Studies Outlook lecture, I felt that the knowledge used in networks could be applied to improve the efficiency of tree-by-tree surveys, a research method in the field of forest ecology. In the tree-by-tree survey, there are no set rules; the forest is divided into walkable plots, and the species and size of the trees in the forest are recorded while meandering through the plots. Since each person's method and plot size are different, there is not much uniformity. However, I believe that if the data can be standardized and made more efficient, the state of Japan's forests will become more accessible to determine, and a more objective indicator of afforestation and the condition of the trees can be created.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research is on lichens. Lichens are fungi that live in a stable symbiotic relationship with algae and use a variety of locations as habitats. However, there is very little information on their habitats. Although a checklist of species is available, records of what kind of places they are found are rather general, such as rocks, trees, and so on. So, I have hypothesized that lichen habitat use is related to the characteristics of bark and tree species; thus, I am collecting data related to this.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I am currently learning about informatics. While very few of my colleagues went on to doctoral programs, I find it fascinating to be able to learn together with my peers in the program and to be able to gather together from different fields and with the same aspirations.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Currently, a platform is a means to make my dreams come true. My dream is to create a world where everyone can have access to knowledge on minor organisms in the future. For this purpose, I believe it is necessary to create platforms where many people can easily identify such organisms and where minor organisms can be used as new research subjects for researchers in different fields. Ultimately, I hope such platforms will become the "spotlight" for minor organisms.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I have always been fascinated by living organisms, but there are many organisms in the world that I still don't know about either. While more people are now considering global environmental issues, I would also like to see a society where people look at the living organisms around us from a more familiar perspective. It is often thought that lichens are abundant in forests, but in fact, they are also common in urban areas. However, many lichens are recognized as mold and are often removed. At the same time, research on the use of lichens is progressing, and some studies have shown that lichens have anti-cancer properties. In order to avoid wasting limited resources, I would like to create opportunities for researchers of these minor organisms to interact with society.

I Would Like to Master My Area of Expertise and Work on Constructing a Platform as a Sub-Area

Tajima, Hirotaka (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

My research subject is living organisms, and I conduct my research by observing and studying ecosystems in the wild. Conventionally, research was conducted through the human eye, but nowadays, enormous amounts of data can be used with the increasing use of equipment and the development of systems. Since there is a limit to how much of that data can be analyzed by human means, it is necessary to take advantage of machine learning and AI. In order to learn these techniques, I enrolled in the School of Platforms program. First of all, I would like to master my area of expertise, but eventually, I would like to work on building a platform that will allow us to provide the data we have collected and the findings obtained to others as a secondary area of specialization.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My current research is on organisms such as the ocypode spp. that come to feed on sea turtle eggs. I initially started out studying sea turtles and went on a field research trip, where I encountered a wild boar feeding on sea turtle eggs. This experience made me aware of the connection between sea turtles and the creatures that feed on their eggs, leading to my desire to deepen my understanding on the relationship between sea turtles and the creatures surrounding them from a broader perspective. While sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches, it is known that on these beaches, seaweed, fish carcasses, and flotsam that wash ashore form the foundation of the food chain. Sea turtle eggs are also considered a food source brought to the beach from the sea, so I am proceeding with research to clarify what role sea turtle eggs play for the creatures that inhabit the sandy beaches. Since specific results have so far not emerged, the fun is yet to come, but I am examining whether the number of ocypode spp. that are predators of sea turtle eggs will vary depending on sandy beaches that have sea turtle eggs and sandy beaches that do not.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Since I had little knowledge of informatics and the equipment used, I feel there is much to gain from the latest technological trends to basic knowledge. Notably, the seminars allowed me to learn about case studies of platforms used in society, providing material to think more concretely about what a platform is.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I have come to think of a platform as a "place where data, research publications, knowledge, etc., can be collected and used by other people according to their specific needs. When I heard the term "platform," I used to immediately think of a search engine or other familiar software, but that perception has changed after learning about various practical examples in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, disaster prevention, medicine, and other fields, discovering that there are platforms suited to each individual field. It is multifarious, or rather, it can be applied to a broader range of fields than I had imagined. Whether it is focused on collecting data, making the collected data responsive to the needs of those who use it, or aiming for its integration. It takes various forms, and the places and people who use it vary and are extensive. It is not just in the field of informatics, nor is it just in the field of biology. I am beginning to think that it is far from limited.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

In today's society, we can access various information using smartphones and connect with a wide range of people through SNS. In contrast, I feel that there is a general decline in in-person communication. We see cases of anonymous slander and situations where stereotypes have become so entrenched that people are unable to accept other ideas. It is precisely because we live in such an era that I hope people will engage in discussions to resolve issues.

Collecting Information Worldwide on How Much Photosynthesis Plants Undergo and Sharing It with Various Fields of Study

Sunayama, Seiya (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I would like to collect data on plant photosynthesis and use it as large-scale data. Photosynthesis does not necessarily occur in plants when exposed to light but is affected by various environmental stresses. While it is known that photosynthesis is limited by stomata and various other mechanisms, as described below, it is unknown to what extent each of these factors affects photosynthesis in the wild. Therefore, in the future, I would like to install sensors worldwide to collect data. Thus, I submitted my application for the program to obtain the technical aspects of remote communication and processing of large-scale data.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide to be absorbed through the stomata. The humidity in leaves is generally 100%, and during the day, when the temperature is high, a large amount of water vapor escapes through the stomata. Accordingly, plants tend to close their stomata during the day and thus the rate of photosynthesis is reduced, making the prediction of stomatal opening and closing essential for crop growth and carbon sequestration in forests. While the degree of diurnal stomatal closure varies greatly depending on soil moisture content, plant survival strategies, as well as weather conditions, the extent to which each of these affects stomatal behavior is unknown. To this end, I am currently growing juvenile trees of various species in a common field and measuring diurnal variation of stomatal conductance under controlled soil moisture conditions to closely observe its relationship with environmental conditions and the variation among species, individual organisms, and individual leaves.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Since there is a great deal of challenging content in the field of informatics that I am unfamiliar with, I am now gradually acquiring such knowledge. I have already found some information that could be used in field research presentations that I have seen before. For example, I have heard about a particular sensor that requires one to go to the place where it is installed and manually collect the data, but I imagine it would be much more efficient if this data could be obtained via remote communication.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

create a system capable of tracking the rate of photosynthesis of crops and trees, both in Japan and worldwide. Currently, while information on the distribution of nutrient resources, water resources, and vegetation worldwide, as well as the relationship between plant characteristics and photosynthetic capacity, is being accumulated, we do not know how much photosynthesis is taking place under open field conditions. Obtaining this information will significantly help crop management and improve the accuracy of climate change projections.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

This is a very difficult question and not easy to answer. One thing that I am able to do is show people in various fields interesting topics and important matters related to plant photosynthesis. Since most of the carbon that humans use for food and raw materials is fixed by plants as a result of photosynthesis, meaning that photosynthesis is closely related to any and all industries. I hope that people in any field will keep in mind the knowledge concerning plants and photosynthesis.

Approximately 40% of Japan's Freshwater Fish Species Are at Risk of Extinction

Ogiso, Kanato (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

These are encounters that I would not have been able to encounter if I had not participated in the Platform Studies program. I found it to be an advantage to broaden my perspective through exchanges and to be able to think about things from a more multifaceted angle.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Currently, I am conducting research on the ecology of Japanese eels in the rivers of Wakayama and Fukushima prefectures. In Wakayama, where it is warmer, eels can be caught throughout the year. Whereas in Fukushima Prefecture, eels are scarce in the winter. I was inspired to conduct this research to understand what the differences between the two were. Since eels may descend to relatively warmer waters in winter in colder regions, I am examining how eels move through rivers and oceans using passive integrated transponder tags (PIT tags).

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Even in biological research, equipment is used to obtain data, and there is always a connection to informatics when trying to advance the analysis. Thus, a deeper understanding of informatics is an advantage. In addition, the support for research funding is substantial in this area. I often go to Wakayama and Fukushima for fieldwork, making it difficult for me to work part-time on a regular schedule, but the program allows me to pursue my research while earning money as a research assistant, which is helpful as it allows for flexibility in the days I work.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

The Japanese eel is an endangered species. However, even if we take an ecological approach to studying eels and determine the environment required for their growth in order to conserve the species, the current situation is that priority is still given to what is necessary for human livelihoods. For example, if rivers are returned to their natural state, the risk of flooding increases. Although there is a trade-off between the preservation of nature and human convenience (land development and disaster prevention), and the two need to be considered comprehensively, the impression is that each argument is treated separately in reality. It is necessary to integrate the two and find a compromise or think about the best way forward in all practicality. In fact, approximately 40% of Japan's freshwater fish species are in danger of extinction. One of the main reasons for this is environmental change. Working with the Japanese eel as a stepping stone, I aim to create a platform that will lead to both the preservation of the natural environment and human convenience.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

This is connected to the previous question, but I think it is essential to always consider the opposing side when making an argument and to explore the middle ground. It is not enough to just assert one's own argument. In this era where everyone can easily assert their opinions through SNS and other means, thinking about the opposing side is essential.

Opportunity to be Exposed to Informatics Knowledge and Insights Outside of My Area of Expertise in Marine Noise Issues

Ogawa, Mayu (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Marine noise is still relatively unknown in Japan. The ocean is filled with various sounds, but in recent years, the noise emitted by vessels has been significantly increasing, with some studies showing a five-fold increase over the past few decades. Some studies have pointed out that it is a factor that negatively affects the survival, reproduction, and communication of living organisms; thus, I would like to contribute to solving this issue. However, the target species and noise sources are diverse, with varying data to be obtained and differing methods of impact assessment. In order to address the problem, it is essential to integrate databases so that they can be effectively utilized; thus, I realized that participating in this program aimed at building a platform could potentially contribute to resolving this issue.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research focuses on building a platform to solve the marine noise issue. I am engaged in this research in two major methods. The first involves developing a system that automatically detects and evaluates the callings of marine organisms, which are considered particularly sensitive to noise, the source of the noise, and the noise level. The second involves the development of an impact assessment database to determine what effects occur on the target organisms when exposed to what levels of noise. As a model organism, I am conducting a quantitative evaluation of the effects of vessel noise on the finless porpoise. As vessel noise is mainly composed of low-frequency sounds, there are few studies on their effects on marine organisms that use ultrasonic sounds. The finless porpoise primarily uses ultrasonic sounds and is thus the most suitable model organism. Through these two methods, I intend to build a platform to evaluate the impact of noise on marine organisms.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

As I belong to the Graduate School of Agriculture, I lacked informatics knowledge. Through the lectures and seminars in this program, I have learned the basics of information and communication, the application of technology to society, what kind of platforms actually exist, and conducted case studies to determine the problems. In addition, I was able to identify what problems would arise when I applied this to my own research, what barriers I needed to overcome, and how I should solve them, which was a very significant experience.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I expect that platforms will become a standard tool that can be used to solve not only social issues but also everyday problems in the future. During the lectures, I observed platforms for various issues, and I was left with the impression that many of them were closely familiar to us. I believe that it is necessary for these platforms to be applied to various fields and made more familiar so that we can use them without even knowing it.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Although this is a step away from platform studies itself, I think it is essential that we all have a little bit of courage to communicate what we are feeling. Working with living organisms as a subject of study, I noticed that most people focus only on human beings. But that is because people don't realize what kind of danger other living organisms are currently facing. Therefore, I hope platforms will help people broaden their perspectives and serve as a portal or source of reference. It is important to disseminate information to even those who may not be directly interested, such as the current situation of living organisms and what we are obligated to do about it.

Forest Management Cannot Proceed on Rationality Alone
A Platform with Data for Multifaceted Utilization

Nonoyama, Shohei (Division of Natural Resource Economics, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Shortly after entering the first year of my master's program, I heard an explanation of the program and thought it sounded interesting. The direct reason was that my research professor was involved in the program and invited me to join. While I needed knowledge of informatics and platforms for my research, it was also a field I had never been exposed to. My interest in the program was partly motivated by the idea that it would be interesting to combine the two.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am conducting research in the fields of Environmental Economics, Behavioral Economics, and Forest Policy in the Kuriyama Laboratory. By conducting a behavioral analysis of forest owners, what kind of policies should be instituted to ensure successful forest management is considered. It has been pointed out that Japan's forests are being exhausted and poorly managed, but what is the best approach for sustainable forestry? Not only economic rationality but also norms among communities and other factors will influence the decision-making process. Moreover, since this is an issue related to land rights, a policy that involves voluntary owner participation is desired. My research focuses on what incentives should be proposed and how to design a system where everyone can participate positively.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The weekly lectures started in September, and although there have only been three or four lectures, the lectures by the professors who explained machine learning (author's note: the lectures by the professors for the next two weeks were also very interesting) were very stimulating. Since most of the data we deal with is data obtained through questionnaire surveys, the number of data to analyze tends to be small. In the past, we used to conduct analysis to derive causal relationships based on econometrics; however, in recent years, analysis incorporating machine learning methods has begun to attract attention. Against this background, I was very grateful to have the opportunity to learn about machine learning. In addition to the number of data, another issue is the small number of variables that can be included in the analysis. In the case of forestry, there was not much data on tree species, slope angles, and so on. Yet, with the recent rise of drone technology, it is becoming possible to measure these variables. As such, in this transitional period, when the number of variables that can be used is increasing rapidly, machine learning can be used to provide more accurate analysis and projections. The increase in variables is significant. While the technology to increase the number of variables is available, we have found that it is not spreading. I felt there is potential for a fusion of disciplines and the future that can be derived from this.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

The platform I’m working on will ultimately be a policy platform. Although the definition is unclear, I think it would be good if we could build a foundation for long-term policy discussions among the public, private, and academic sectors and create a system that allows anyone to use (at a certain level) the data necessary for such discussions. As an image of the latter, the "DB for seeing, learning, and utilizing local agriculture" published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries fits the bill, but I believe there is still much information lacking in these databases. There is a need to consolidate as much data as possible so that it is possible to analyze anything that is available. Evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) is finally beginning to attract attention in Japan, but there is insufficient data to serve as evidence. Therefore, for example, if GIS data could be aggregated and made available to anyone, it would be easier to utilize it for policy making. However, to strike a balance between these various factors, the issue of privacy protection also needs to be taken into consideration.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

In short, harmony and mutual recognition. Respect for others. It may sound somewhat spiritual, but I would like to enhance my own virtues. Even if someone does something unpleasant to me, I will continue to persevere and improve my behavior (virtue) so that people will eventually be willing to listen to what I have to say to spread my ideas. I believe that harmony will come after that. Since I lack practical insight, I still receive many warnings and advice from people, but I would like to be grateful for this and continue to live each day.

Amid Worsening Climate Change, I Want to Design a New Wheat Variety by Looking Ten to Twenty Years Ahead

Nie, Jilu (Division of Agronomy and Horticultural Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Some thirty to forty years ago, way before I entered university, breeding was based on using human experience to improve crops. Later, 10 to 20 years ago, DNA markers were used to improve crops and food. However, since then, no new approaches have emerged. Various fields, such as automobiles and buildings, are using informatics knowledge and big data to help people. That said, there is still no such platform in breeding, so I aim to create just that.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

We are researching platforms for designing and improving new crops. While humanity is facing extensive climate change, there is a lack of clear goals for breeding. Conventional breeding has focused on goals such as how to increase the yield of wheat. It is said that it takes ten years to breed one variety, but given the current accelerating rate of climate change, we cannot catch up with the change unless we look further ahead than the current environment. It is essential to design future crops by considering what varieties will be in demand 10 to 20 years from now and how to cultivate them, in combination with climate change projections. This is the topic of my research.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I attended a series of monthly seminars and even underwent interdisciplinary exams. At present, I consider platforms from a broader biological perspective, not only from the perspective of breeding. It is stimulating to be given insights into what platforms should be like from the perspective of other departments. (Although I myself am enrolled in Agricultural Science) Professor Kashima of Informatics is providing support in acquiring the techniques.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

As a student of plant breeding, I would like to see a platform where the varieties to be bred are listed. Even if the goal is to increase yield, quality is also essential for food production. At present, it is necessary to visit farmers or search the Internet to find out what traits are desired, but with this platform, I hope to create a place where information can be gathered and become a big platform that can serve as a basis for discussion and reference for deciding on such traits.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

It is said that the world will be unable to meet the food demands of hundreds of millions of people in the coming decades, especially in Africa and other regions. In preparation for climate change and other aspects of humanity's future, I hope to eliminate poverty in society by improving crops such as wheat, so that their yield will increase even in areas with limited rainfall. I look forward to creating future breeds in the next 10 to 20 years and hope to make them adaptable to the further growth of the earth's population in the future.

Examining Plant Leaves to Obtain Information on Environmental Tolerance and Geographic Location of Growth

Konrai, Kaede (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

My research is on plant leaves. While I collect trait data, referring to data from previous studies is necessary when composing a research thesis. I realized the significance of a platform where data is easily accessible and organized, which is something I wanted to create myself.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My research is on leaf turgor pressure. Plant leaves expand when they absorb water, and conversely, they wilt when short of water. This research examines whether or not this turgor pressure is related to other traits and environmental data. While the data collected is fundamental and not immediately relevant, understanding how plants respond to drought will yield basic information such as environmental tolerance and the geographical locations of growth. It could also potentially be applied to global warming countermeasures.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

It is still at an early stage, but through seminars and lectures, I have been exposed to knowledge that I could not obtain in my research laboratory. While it is not directly related to my research, I feel I am gaining a lot and have enjoyed the experience. Lectures are given weekly, which significantly contributes to my learning about technologies in the field of informatics and how the platforms operate. I was also greatly moved by the lecture given by Mr. Yukihiro Matsumoto, the developer of Ruby.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Plant leaves exhibit a variety of parameters, such as firmness, thickness, and susceptibility to drying, with correlations and trade-offs. Although data has been accumulated, it has yet to be made available on an open platform. By compiling experimental methods and other information as well, I hope to create a platform everyone can use.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Since my research is fundamental, I hope the data I have steadily accumulated will be used for various applications, such as forecasting models for global warming, and contribute to society. For this purpose, I believe it is essential to accumulate data in an easily accessible condition.

Discovering the Relation Between the Genome and Phenotype Through the Research of Medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Hara, Rie (Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

My research currently focuses on genome analysis using medaka (oryzias latipes) from across Japan. Since I had been doing experimental research up to my master's program, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of informatics-based research methods using statistical modeling, such as genome analysis. While I had known about the platform program for some time, it occurred to me upon entering the doctoral program from the master's program, and I felt that the content of the program was appropriate for my research.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

The vertebrate spine is made up of a series of vertebrae. It has been observed that the number of vertebrae in fish tends to be higher in colder regions and lower in warmer regions, even among the same species. Yet, what genetic factors are responsible for this phenomenon are not well understood. Accordingly, through counting the vertebrae of medaka (oryzias latipes) living in various regions of Japan and comparing them with genomic data, my research aims to identify the genetic factors associated with the number of vertebrae.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The most significant achievement was that my understanding of informatics has become clearer and more accurate. For instance, in the first semester's lectures, I gained an understanding of how environmental sensors are used in various fields of research. Furthermore, I was able to deepen my knowledge and understanding through hands-on experience using actual environmental sensors.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

For example, the correspondence between gene loci and traits has been somewhat elucidated in a systematic manner in humans and model plants. However, in fish, I find that such approaches are still lacking. Therefore, I hope to pioneer my own research and make it possible to compile a list of the relationship between genomes and phenotypes of various fish species, which will serve as a valuable tool in such fields as aquatic genetic breeding, disease resistance, and pharmaceutical drug development.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

In order to improve the world and Japan, I feel that, ultimately, it is necessary to involve the government. For example, it is the government's duty to decide what actions to implement in response to research findings, such as how fish populations change when the temperature rises and what kind of changes occur in the marine resource base. If a system can be established that allows the government to facilitate the incorporation of research findings through a marine science platform, realizing a more appropriate marine resources policy from a scientific perspective may be possible. I believe it is essential for research, politics, and the economy to be appropriately connected.

Cooperation is Key in Disaster Prevention; Aiming to Acquire a Comprehensive Perspective

Fukuda, Motoki (Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

In disaster prevention, handling vast amounts of meteorological and geospatial data is necessary. Given this, I thought I could use my extensive knowledge in informatics when considering how to process and store such data. Also, in disaster prevention, it is becoming increasingly essential to collaborate with other fields to learn about disaster conditions quickly and concretely through satellite information. I aim to gain a comprehensive perspective of such fields of knowledge.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My current focus is on erosion control engineering. The objective is to ensure the safety of slopes in mountains and other areas. In this context, the purpose of my research is to establish indicators to determine what types of rainfall are dangerous. While warnings are issued when there is heavy rainfall, simply indicating the danger is not enough to tell the extent of how dangerous the situation is, meaning that the warning will not lead to effective actions. Besides such accuracy issues, it is also difficult to convey what kinds of danger the situation poses. I am working to develop indicators that will be able to determine these two aspects—the extent and type of danger.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

This may stray a bit from the main point, but communication is necessary whether we receive or transmit information. "So, why was the new 5G standard necessary?" "What are its benefits?" This sort of background was explained. While we might not be able to apply this information immediately, I think it is essential to have the basic knowledge to make the most of it in our future research. In the Seminar Series, the one on forestry, which is also related to my own work, was very interesting. In addition, some lectures explained numerical calculations and how to calculate fluid flow. With new calculation methods that can solve problems that could not be solved before, we are gradually getting closer to resolving these issues. These kinds of explanations are also very stimulating.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Well. It is a place where information is gathered, and the methods of using it are integrated. Various things happen simultaneously on the sites hit by landslides and windstorms. The challenge is how to bring that information together and store it in a form that can be used later. The question is what is valuable information and how much of that information can be collected. I hope to build a mechanism to enable persons who are not familiar with the handling of information to convey or gather necessary information by following a defined procedure, so that the information can be analyzed and utilized for countermeasures.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Related to my research, I often feel that no single great method will solve an entire problem. It is essential to accurately grasp the advantages and disadvantages of the information obtained and the tools available and adequately integrate them to create a greater mechanism. I would like to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the information I have obtained and the methods I have created and hopefully disseminate this information.

Platforms Themselves Do Not Always Provide the Correct Answer; Innovation Is Needed for Social Progress

Matsuki, Akira (Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

In the field of disaster prevention studies, the specialized research format of focusing on each separate disaster has served as the mainstream approach over the years. However, what happened with the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 was a complex overlap of disasters targeted individually in the past. In the specialized research format adopted up to now, it will prove impossible to fully grasp the aspects of future disasters. There are demands for collection of information on an integrated, comprehensive, and time-series basis, followed by the formulation of predictions. The current situation may be characterized by the compilation of numerous types of data, steadily bringing an environment capable of being organized as big data into existence. While this represents progress, that alone will not be sufficient. Responses must be mounted capable of coordinating everyone’s actions upon disasters, thereby moving to achieve the identical objectives. For that purpose, it is my conviction that the need exists for possession of comprehensive information and shared perspectives, prompting me to enroll in the School of Platforms program.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am advancing development of disaster response simulation that deals with evacuation of residents, government’s relief efforts, and other routes of action after disasters occur. While there is considerable research targeting themes such as disaster damage predictions and the degree of impact that disasters will have on society, we have seen little appropriate debate on the responses needed to deal with such situations. When disasters do occur, numerous issues emerge including ambulance transport, infrastructure recovery, shelter operation, and food distribution. In my view, these issues do not occur independently, but rather unfold in the midst of complex mutual relationships. In terms of individual elements, specialized platforms or services capable of addressing each separate area may very well exist. However, there is currently no platform capable of coordinating all such responses. Although data for each specific field has been compiled, I do not feel that we have achieved a grasp of the impact between the layers of different fields. My idea is to utilize a disaster prediction model to comprehend such complex conditions, while striving through simulation of people and their actions to furnish grounds for verification.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have heightened my perception of how platforms are applied as key driving forces in society, as well as why they fail to function as such forces in certain cases. There is no absolute guarantee that platforms themselves will generate correct answers. Just because we gather, integrate, and organize data does not mean that platforms will be completed. Designs must be formulated that truly zero in on user issues. There are numerous cases where such issues may be resolved through application of existing technology. For example, introducing robots in agriculture may result in solutions to certain challenges. There will always be users willing to use such advances in platforms, meaning that adopting that technology can render it possible to surmount the challenges. I feel I have learned how to effectively address such systems from an overall perspective.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I believe that platforms furnish equal access for all people to specialized knowledge and technology that has proved difficult to grasp and deal with to date. As such, platforms expand venues for use of new technologies (tools) in the innovation of new services by persons other than experts as well. Even ordinary people can be empowered to create things through combinations of such tools, while enabling unobstructed innovation by bringing on board the services of other parties. In this way, I also foresee newly emerging services becoming the components for others’ services, paving the way to advances in technology and industry for the society as a whole. If I am able to assume the position of a platform creator, I hope to incorporate the vision of building environments where innovation is prone to emerge in my own perspective as well.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Japan is literally awash in platforms for electronic payments, social media, music, services, and numerous other areas. This has reached the point in which I yearn for a platform capable of bundling together these numerous platforms. In addressing that challenge, however, I fear that even as functions have been enriched, various problems are emerging in terms of effective utilization by users. There is a need to create venues where all the individual pieces of the puzzle are not available, avoiding situations in which certain individuals monopolize specific areas. As a result, I foresee platforms effective in bringing all things on track coming into existence. At any rate, I keenly sense the need for collaborative design to support coexistence with society and build a better tomorrow.

Tackling the Optimal Transport Problem to Improve Society

Li, Lingrui (Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

In order to research the optimal transport problem, I consider it important to address various processes and issues. This is based on my sense that achieving a firm grasp of a wide range of approaches is vital in resolving the hurdles in this area. When it comes to logistics, energy transport, and other practical issues, engineering know-how alone is not sufficient, with the need also existing for smooth integration with economic and sociological approaches. By definition, the emerging new academic field of platform studies comprises an interdisciplinary endeavor to combine field areas and information communications technology. It also furnishes opportunities for encounters with experts from numerous different fields. I am truly fond of the city of Kyoto, with the students here highly motivated and absorbed in their own studies. Personally speaking, I am able to advance my research in the midst of an extremely upbeat atmosphere.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

Within the field of the mathematics of optimization, I am tackling the optimal transport problem. This area involves envisioning methods for optimization of the costs and time when shipping products from supply points to demand points, and the maximization of profits.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

Thanks to contacts with experts from various different fields, I am able to obtain hints for problem-solving from a truly diversified range of perspectives. Working through interaction with students and faculty members, I have encountered a vast scope of knowledge and thinking and greatly expanded my horizons.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

While I have a long way to go to build an actual platform, my aim is to rise to the challenge of designing a digital platform for use in working through mathematical predictions to resolve problems, with the goal of elevating logistical efficiency and determining optimal transport routes pursuant to cost. If various conditions can be marshalled as the foundation for simulating transport and computing expected costs, it will prove effective in corporate decision-making and lowering product costs. I am confident this will help build a brighter future.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Contemporary society is burdened with numerous complex issues, making it difficult to realize solutions in any single specialty field. This creates the need to share your own knowledge with those around you, as well as input their know-how. I consider it increasingly important to engage in mutual exchanges of specialized knowledge with those in different fields of expertise.

Research Probing How Radioactive Materials Transfer and Scatter in Ecosystems

Kakuma, Minato (Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I conduct field studies and other research activities with the aim of contributing to resolution of current scientific and social issues. The course of my research efforts involves the gathering and production of various types of data. In order to effectively address these issues, meanwhile, there is a need for precision processing and analysis of the data compiled in that manner. I have pursued platform studies to attain the techniques indispensable in the processing and analysis of such data, as well as to hone the skills needed to utilize data for an accurate grasp of the essence, without under- and overinterpretation, and communicate information in appropriate fashion.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

With the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011, large amounts of radioactive materials were scattered into the environment. Among the materials released at that time, we are investigating the volumes and routes of transfer and dispersal of radioactive cesium 137 (Cs-137), a substance with a comparatively high physical survival rate, in the Fukushima ecosystem. In my view, furnishing access by the general public to the data compiled through our investigations will prove enlightening on what impact this phenomenon will continue to exert. That, in turn, promises to be critical in supporting the return of displaced local residents to their homes, reconstruction of the society, and evaluations of radioecology risks, as well as the sustained upkeep of livelihood spheres in hilly and mountainous areas and effective forest management.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have learned about actual platform application examples from experts in various different fields, not limited to informatics, as well as personally investigating platform applications while expanding my image of their deployment in society. Going forward, I am determined to benefit from the guidance of those in a number of diversified fields, while pursuing themes in my own specialty.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I believe that platforms should be used across the lines of scientist and nonscientist, public and private, humanities and science, urban and hilly mountainous areas, and other sectors, utilizing information communications technology as the actual foundation for coping with social issues shared by the majority of people. I have high hopes that, by building platforms which are fair and easy to access, contributions can be made to stamping out harmful rumors in the event of radioactive disasters.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Upon the occurrence of past radioactive disasters, large numbers of residents have been forced to suddenly leave their homes and evacuate. Within today’s world, meanwhile, numerous people have also had to move from where they live due to climate change, wars, and other factors. There are likewise those who experience sudden changes in their physical condition after being infected with diseases, as well as individuals who see their economic circumstances abruptly shift due to factors beyond their own control. In the midst of such conditions, which can occur without warning and prove impossible to manage, I believe that, in the eyes of the impacted individuals, today’s world can prove fragile and difficult to deal with. I do not know if there are any means to enable all people to feel that the world around them is on the right track. However, I would like to see what I have learned through this program utilized not for interests limited to certain fields, but for problem-solving from a far wider perspective.

Determining the Size of Cultured Fish with Acoustic Data

Tamura, Hiroki (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

I am involved in research on aquaculture. While mulling the idea of pursuing research in this area that would benefit society at large, I was motivated by the realization that current research in the field is insufficient and approaches that harness information technology are needed. Fish farmers have expressed a desire for the development of underwater sensing equipment (for fish cages) that can be used to count the number of fish inside the cages as well as measure their growth rates. I am pursuing this research in an effort to satisfy that desire. Thinking about the knowledge I would need to develop a monitoring system capable of continuously gathering, uploading, and analyzing data to understand the underwater situations in the fish cages, I decided I wanted to study informatics.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am engaged in developing technologies related to aquaculture. In particular, I am researching a method that utilizes acoustic data to measure the volumetric size of cultured fish in the underwater environment. Fish size is usually measured by lifting the fish out of the water, but this is an arduous and time-consuming task for the human worker, as well as a task that causes stress and the risk of death for the fish. If there is a device that can be used underwater in the cage to measure fish size in real time, that would facilitate feed selection according to their growth rate. The cost of feed is reported to account for 70 percent of the total in aquaculture expenditures, and of that, approx. 20–30 percent is considered to be wasted. In the future, it is anticipated that eliminating this wasteful use of feed will help alleviate some of its harmful effects, including the pollution of water and the marine environment.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

I have gained knowledge of information and communications technology. Although I was already experienced in the use of the internet and server systems, I did not have any deep knowledge of the mechanisms involved in data communications or the types of routes used for data transfers. Additionally, through the Seminar Series and lectures, we learned about case studies and, through emulation, built use models that I realized I could actually use in my own research.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I am interested in food problems and related areas. Food problems appear to be more serious abroad than in Japan, so it may be better if the systems devised to solve them can be applied worldwide. I want to pursue work on such systems while exploring their relevance to my own research.

Building a System for the Broad Application of Electric Microbial Testing, an Approach Compatible with Big Data

Chen, Siyao (Division of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Agriculture)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

My research is in food safety, a field that requires data collection and data processing skills. I have constantly sought settings where I have opportunities to talk and exchange ideas with people from diverse research fields, in addition to my own. I am interested in utilizing the School of Platforms for my research because its program affords me those opportunities. In the course of social progress, certain areas of research have increasingly attracted demand from totally different fields. The Platform program's philosophy of promoting exchange with others outside one's field of specialization resonated with me. I want to make a contribution to society by disseminating that idea.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

I am currently studying methods to quantify microbial numbers using a sensor chip and working to build a system that can measure the bioelectric properties of microbial cells. Although current approaches to microbial detection often involve investigations using spectroscopic and chemical methods, electrical methods are, I think, a better fit for Big Data. In the future, integrating approaches that examine the bioelectric properties of microbial cells will enable us to identify the biological states and characteristics of many cell types. Before, we were only able to measure the properties of microbial cells as average values; however, having a technology that is capable of evaluating individual cells means we will be able to measure differences in those properties on a cell-by-cell basis. By understanding what cellular features we can measure and acquire systematic data on, we can expand the scope of data collection. My research is about determining the type of system we should build for that purpose.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

The monthly seminars feature discussions between an expert in a certain field and people from entirely different fields of expertise, which enables us to delve more deeply into both the practical and academic dimensions of a given subject. These seminars have been highly instructive because they provided perspectives I could not gain from the field of agriculture alone, and they equipped me with a better understanding of potential social applications. They were also interesting because they provided me opportunities for exposure to the diverse thought patterns of other scholars.

—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

I have an image of the smart city in mind. The "vertical" threads of interdisciplinary or cross-field collaboration and the "horizontal" threads of community or public–private collaboration together weave a network that will form a foundation for the integration or collaboration of urban data. If citizens are able to access and utilize that collaborative data platform, it will be possible to find solutions to a diverse range of urban challenges. I anticipate that academia will be able to contribute by promoting further interdisciplinary exchange. By developing virtual frameworks that integrate diverse fields of study, we may be able to open up entirely new avenues of research.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

Currently, a variety of microbial testing techniques are in use. However, these methods cannot be readily used in food inspection processes or other applications due to cost factors and difficulties associated with their implementation. Although methods of measurement that exploit the bioelectric properties of microbes have not yet been perfected, they can be expected to lighten the cost burden once the technology for sensor chips reaches maturity. If this technology comes into widespread use, individuals will be able to measure microbial concentrations from their own homes. Understanding the biological status of microbes and cells and applying that knowledge in healthcare will be an important modality that anticipates the future decentralization of healthcare. I want to make a modest contribution to that goal.

Permeation of Disaster Information in Society to Enable Future Use in Disaster Prevention and Other Fields as Well

Hirako, Ryo (Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics)

—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?

Upon the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, despite the issuing of tsunami warnings and other emergency alerts, large numbers of people were unable to evacuate. Initially coming to mind was the question of how to convey disaster prevention information to greater numbers of people, prompting them to take proper action. I believe that, if a platform could be created with disaster prevention as the foundation and then linked to various related fields, contributions would be made in protecting human life and on various other fronts. In addition, I feel we should think beyond the limited independent framework of disaster prevention, incorporate a small amount of the elements of disaster prevention in numerous places throughout society, and work from there in creating a structure capable of making social contributions.

—What research themes are you currently working on?

My chosen field of research may be described as assessment of the integrated risks of flood damage. Up to now, regarding the risks and impact of flood damage, river management has been handled by river bureaus and sewage systems by sewerage bureaus. Based on the scale of potential damage, furthermore, the risks have been assessed separately at the national or local level. From the perspective of residents, despite such events comprising the same basic rainfall-based phenomena, the issuing of different risk alerts has failed to instill an enduring grasp of what concrete actions to take. My goal is to generate information leading to integrated considerations of the steps vital in protecting lives from here on.

—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?

My mission is to promote effective disaster prevention by steadily fusing assets existing in other fields throughout society. Within the series of seminars conducted in this program, I have been able to benefit from talks given by those in other fields and positions. This has acquainted me with the issues involved in obtaining data in the natural field, and the problems related to human life and privacy in the medical field, as well as examples of the application of communications, analysis, and other technologies. This has proved significant in obtaining and mastering the ability to effectively utilize cutting-edge know-how and applications.

What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?

Briefly stated, I believe this consists of eliminating the sense of difficulty in grasping issues that demand resolution in certain fields. It also concerns the ability to access indicated sites to arrive at and utilize specific information leading to new dimensions, and incorporating that knowledge in everyday life. One such example is the instilling of added value in disaster prevention, and enabling responses in that field without express awareness that the moves consist of disaster prevention. For instance, hazard maps primarily offer data for use in evacuation. The risk that I am researching is guided by the frequency and scale at which disasters occur. This information may be used as a reference in the actions and decision-making when determining residential purchases, company locations, insurance coverage, and other matters. I also feel that this can fuel efforts for disaster risk avoidance, support for building restrictions, and other vital progress.

—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?

I believe it is crucial to get to know your neighbors a bit better, as well as convey your own knowledge and expertise to the people and fields in your immediate vicinity. If the motivation to engage in input and output can be elevated, the world will become a better place. Linked to the growing complexity of social issues, meanwhile, there are also more and more cases where resolutions are unavailable through specialized fields alone, as well as the impeding of such efforts by the walls between such specific domains. In my view, reciprocal flows will lead to problem-solving, with the foundation of that process comprised of platforms.