| Top -> CONTENTS -> RESEARCH INSTITUTE -> RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE HUMANOSPHERE ( INDEX ) |
RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE HUMANOSPHERE
Director: KAWAI, Shuichi, D. Agr.
Vice-Director: TSUDA, Toshitaka, D.
Vice-Director:
IMAMURA, Yuji, D. Agr.
Gokasho, Uji,
Tel. +81-774-38-3673
Fax. +81-774-38-3600 or +81-774-31-8463
http://www.rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The Research Institute for Sustainable
Humanosphere (RISH) was established at
The objective of the RISH is to promote
academic activities and education in the field of a new humanospheric science
through domestic and international collaborative research programs and thereby
contribute to both academic and public societies. Humanospheric science is
defined as an interdisciplinary science to conduct research concerning a humanosphere,
which is composed of four vertical regions of planet Earth for human
activities. These vertically connected regions are (1) ground human-habitat,
(2) forest (arbor-sphere), (3) atmosphere and (4) space. It aims at providing academic and technological
solutions to critical issues threatening the viability of Homo sapiens and
human civilization such as energy, population, global warming, and resource
shortage problems. We will not only
deepen scientific research on these four vertical regions separately but also
pursue research on interactions between the four regions. In these studies, we
will always give thought to human welfare and therefore will not only provide
academic knowledge and intellectual information to understand our humanosphere,
but also develop new technologies as a possible remedy for the critical issues that
human beings will be facing throughout this century.
The RISH was established as an inter-university
cooperative research institute, whose activities include international
collaborative research programs as well, and it consists of the following three
research cores: the Core Research Divisions, which focus on fundamental
research on the humanosphere, the Department of Collaborative Research
Programs, which promotes domestic and international collaborative research, and
the Center for Exploratory Research on the Humanosphere, which explores
creative and innovative fields of research by amalgamating different research
disciplines and expertise. By integrating the individual research results obtained
in all the Core Research Divisions, we pursue our four missions to solve
present and future problems concerning the humanosphere: (1) Assessment and Remediation
for Humanosphere, (2) Science and Technology towards Solar Energy Society
through Bio-mass and Solar Power Satellite Research, (3) Space Environment and
its Utilization and (4) Development of Technology and Materials for Cyclical
Utilization of Bio-based Resources.
The RISH will contribute to higher
education by joining the graduate schools of engineering, agriculture,
informatics, and science as cooperative members. Thereby we foster research
with broader views and experiences, which we believe the world and domestic
societies will need during this century.
ORGANIZATION
The executive board of the RISH consists
of the director, the professors of the RISH, and some other professors of
RESEARCH DIVISIONS IN CORE
RESEARCH
DIVISION
Currently, the RISH has three Research
Divisions in the Core Research Section: Division of Diagnostics
and Control of Humanosphere, Division of Strategic Research of Humanosphere,
and Division of Creative Research and Development of Humanosphere. The RISH has four visiting professor positions for
three international
scientists and for one domestic scientist. In addition, the RISH has COE
positions to invite both senior and junior scholars from overseas. The academic
staff members of the RISH are in charge of the education of the graduate
students of the Graduate Schools of Engineering, Agriculture, Informatics, and
Science. Students enrolled in the
graduate schools may work toward degrees at the RISH.
DIVISION OF DIAGNOSTICS AND CONTROL OF
HUMANOSPHERE
This division consists of seven research
sections: The laboratory of
Biomass Morphogenesis and Information, Laboratory of Biomass Conversion,
Laboratory of Metabolic Science of Forest Plants and Microorganisms, Laboratory
of Plant Gene Expression, Laboratory of Atmospheric Sensing and Diagnosis,
Laboratory of Atmospheric Environmental Information Analysis, and Laboratory of
Radar Atmospheric Science. The division pursues research on
the analytical and mechanistic interpretations of and control of a wide variety
of phenomena occurring in our humanosphere through the elucidation and integral
understanding of the mechanisms of wood formation as well as measurement and
diagnostic analysis of the atmospheric environment with the aid of radio science
and technology.
Laboratory
of Biomass Morphogenesis and Information
Professor
SUGIYAMA,
Junji, D. Agr. (
1. Hierarchical structure and
function of cell wall, 2. Biogenesis and biodegradation of structural
polysaccharide, 3. Xylarium database and wood anatomy,
Associate Professor
IMAI,
Tomoya, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Mechanisms of cellulose biosynthesis, 2. Electron microscopy
for transmembrane proteins, 3. Xylarium database and wood anatomy
Assistant
Professor
BABA, Kei'ichi, D. Agr. (
1. Molecular mechanisms for attitude control against
gravity in woody plants, 2. Wood formation and xylem differentiation, 3.
Xylarium database and wood anatomy,
Kvien I, Sugiyama J,
Votrubec M, Oksman K, Characterization of starch based nanocomposites, J Mater
Sci, 42, 8163-8171, (2007)
Nakashima Keisuke,
Sugiyama Junji and Sato Nori A spectroscopic assessment of cellulose and the
molecular mechanisms of cellulose biosynthesis in the ascidian Ciona intensitinalis Marine Genomics 1,
9-14 (2008)
Horikawa Y, Sugiyama J, Accessibility and size of Valonia cellulose microfibril
studied by combined deuteration/rehydrogenation and FTIR technique, Cellulose,
15, 419-424, (2008)
The biological
mechanisms of how nature constructs and/or controls the structural complexity
of woody biomass are investigated. Fundamental theories of such biomechanisms
will be developed in order to improve biomaterial utilization and environmental
assessment and remediation systems.
Laboratory
of Biomass Conversion
Professor
WATANABE, Takashi, D.
Agr. (
1. Analysis of molecular systems for the control of extracellular
free radical reactions by selective white rot fungi. 2. Conversion of wood
biomass into fuel ethanol and other useful chemicals using biological functions
of white rot fungi and radical reactions, 3. Degradation of polymers by white
rot fungi and their biomimetic radical reactions,
Associate
Professor
HONDA, Yoichi, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Molecular breeding of bio-catalysts for biomass
conversion, 2. Application of the recombinant gene expression systems in
mushrooms, 3. Molecular biological analysis of lignin degrading enzymes, 
Assistant Professor
WATANABE, Takahito, D.
Agr. (
1. Lipid synthesis and peroxidation by selective lignin-degrading
fungi, 2. Expression and regulation of various lignin-degradative genes, 3.
Molecular breeding of basidiomycetes for the degradation of environmental
pollutants,
H. Kamitsuji, T.
Watanabe, Y. Honda and M. Kuwahara: Direct oxidation of polymeric substrates by
multifunctional manganese peroxidase isozyme from Pleurotus ostreatus without redox mediators, Biochem. J., 386,
387-393 (2005).
T. Tsukihara, Y. Honda,
R. Sakai, Takahito Watanabe, and Takashi Watanabe: Mechanism for oxidation of
high-molecular-weight substrates by a fungal versatile peroxidase, MnP2. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 74, 2873-2881 (2008).
Y. Ohashi, Y. Kan, Takahito
Watanabe, Y. Honda, and Takashi Watanabe: Redox silencing of the Fenton
reaction system by an alkylitaconic acid, ceriporic acid B produced by a selective
lignin-degrading fungus, Ceriporiopsis
subvermispora. Org. Biomol. Chem.,
5, 840-847 (2007).
Biological functions of
lignin-degrading fungi, including control of free radical reactions by
secondary metabolites and gene expression of key enzymes for lignolysis, are
studied in the light of recent advances in gene technology, biochemistry and
organic chemistry. Gene-engineered lignin-degrading fungi and biomimetic
reactions are applied to bioremediation and conversion of wood biomass into
ethanol and other useful chemicals to establish sustainable humanosphere.
Laboratory
of Metabolic Science of
Professor
UMEZAWA, Toshiaki, D. Agr. (
1. Organic chemistry
and molecular biology of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, 2. Comprehensive mechanisms
for wood and heartwood formation, 3. Molecular breeding
of plants which are suitable for biorefinery systems,
4. Metabolic profiling and network analysis of tree secondary metabolism,
Assistant Professor
HATTORI, Takefumi, D.
Agr. (
1. Carbon metabolism in ectomycorrhizal fungi and
wood-rotting fungi, 2. Localization of the enzymes involved in organic acids
metabolism in wood-rotting fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi, 3. Transportation
mechanisms for oxalate in wood-rotting fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi,
S. Suzuki, M. Yamamura,
T. Hattori, T. Nakatsubo and T. Umezawa: The subunit composition of
hinokirsinol synthase controls geometrical selectivity in norlignan formation, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 104, 21008-21013 (2007)
T. Nakatsubo, M.
Mizutani, S. Suzuki, T. Hattori and T. Umezawa: Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Pinoresinol Reductase, a new type of enzyme
involved in lignan biosynthesis, J. Biol.
Chem., 283, 15550-15557 (2008)
T. Watanabe, N. Shitan,
T. Umezawa, K. Yazaki, M. Shimada and T. Hattori: Involvement of FpTRP26, a
thioredoxin-related protein, in oxalic acid-resistance of the brown-rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris, FEBS Lett., 581, 1788-1792 (2007)
We are involved
in analyzing metabolic functions of forest plants and microorganisms from a
wide variety of aspects, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular
biology, and systems biology. This analysis forms the basis for conducting basic
investigations contributing to the cultivation
and protection of forest resources.
Laboratory
of Plant Gene Expression
Professor
YAZAKI, Kazufumi, D.
Pharm. Sci. (
1. Gene expression of plant ABC proteins and their functions,
2. Regulation of plant secondary metabolism and metabolic engineering, 3.
Phytoremediation by molecular breeding,
Associate
Professor
HAYASHI, Takahisa, D. Agr. (Tohoku Univ.),
1. Functional analysis of cell wall polysaccharides in
plants, 2. The role of cellulase in cellulose biosynthesis, 3. Forest tree
biotechnology for the enhancement of carbon sink,
Senior Lecturer
KURODA, Hiroyuki, D.
Agr. (
1. Characterization of the specific genes and translates
from woody plants, 2. Stress response of the genes involved in the secondary
metabolism, 3. Assessment of the forest health by the tree genes, 
Program-Specific Assistant Professor (METI)
SHITAN,
Nobukazu, D. Agr. (
1.
High production of plant valuable substances by transport engineering, 2.
Modification of plant function by useful gene and the application development, 
K. Sasaki, K. Mito, K.
Ohara, H.Yamamoto, K. Yazaki, Cloning and characterization of naringenin
8-prenyltransferase, a flavonoid-specific prenyltransferase of Sophora flavescens. Plant Physiol., 146 (3),
1075-1084 (2008).
T. Hayashi, K. Yoshida,
Y. W. Park, T. Konishi and K. Baba: Cellulose metabolism in plants, Inter. Rev. Cytol., 247, 1-34 (2005)
A. Kodan, H. Kuroda and
F. Sakai: A stilbene synthase from Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora): its implication for phytoalexin accumulation and
down-regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis, Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99 (5),
3335-3339 (2002)
We are studying on the
characterization of useful genes isolated from plants in forest-sphere, which
are involved in the biosyntheses
of various metabolites and their transport. Molecular breeding using
characteristic genes for metabolic and transport engineering to establish novel
plants, which are advantageous for human life and environment, is also our research
targets.
Laboratory
of Atmospheric Sensing and Diagnosis
Professor
TSUDA, Toshitaka, D.
1. Development of observation techniques of the Earth's atmosphere,
2. Middle atmosphere dynamics, 3. Application of precise satellite positioning
to monitoring the Earth's environment (GPS meteorology), 
Associate Professor
NAKAMURA, Takuji, D.
1. Radio and optical remote-sensings of Earth's atmosphere,
2. Development of radar and lidar equipment, 3. Dynamics in the middle and
upper atmosphere,
Tsuda,T., M. V. Ratnam,
P. T. May, M. J. Alexander, R. A. Vincent, A. MacKinnon, Characteristics of
gravity waves with short vertical wavelengths observed with radiosonde and GPS
occultation during DAWEX (Darwin Area Wave Experiment), J. Geophys. Res, 109, doi:10.1029/2004JD004946
(2004).
Nakamura, T., S.
Morita, T. Tsuda, H. Fukunishi, and Y. Yamada, Horizontal structure of wind
velocity field around the mesopause region derived from meteor radar
observations, J. Atmos. solar-Terr.
Phys., 64, 947-958 (2002).
Tsuda, T., M. Nishida,
C. Rocken and R. H. Ware, A global morphology of gravity wave activity in the
stratosphere revealed by the GPS occultation data (GPS/MET) J. Geophys. Res. Atmospheres}, 105, 7257-7273, (2000)
Observation and diagnosis
of the Earth's environment with novel measurement techniques developed by
applying radio, optical and acoustic waves, including radars, lidars and RASS
(radio acoustic sounding system). Application of satellite radio navigation
signals for monitoring temperature, humidity and ionosphere. Observations and
numerical modeling of atmospheric waves, such as atmospheric gravity waves,
tides and planetary waves, in the middle atmosphere.
Laboratory
of Atmospheric Environmental Information Analysis
Professor
SHIOTANI, Masato, D. Sc.
(
1. Analysis on the global atmospheric information observed
by satellites, 2. Processes on the troposphere-stratosphere exchange, 3.
Observations on the atmospheric minor constituents in the tropics, 
M. Shiotani, J. C. Gille
and A. E. Roche: Kelvin waves in the equatorial lower stratosphere as revealed
by cryogenic limb array etalon spectrometer temperature data, J. Geophys. Res., 102, 26131- 26140 (1997)
Atmospheric conditions are
monitored and diagnosed on the basis of synthetic analyses on global
environmental information complementarily obtained from satellite and ground-based
observations.
Laboratory
of Radar Atmospheric Science
Professor
YAMAMOTO, Mamoru, D.
1. Ionospheric irregularity, 2. Atmospheric turbulence
layer with radar interferometry technique, 3. Atmospheric radar system, 
Associate Professor
HASHIGUCHI, Hiroyuki,
D.
1. Development of ship-borne atmospheric radar system, 2.
Observational study of the equatorial atmosphere with atmospheric radar network,
3. Observational study on lower atmospheric dynamics, 
Assistant
Professor
YAMAMOTO,
Masayuki, D. Info. (
1. Atmospheric dynamics in the equatorial region, 2. Observational
study of tropical atmosphere with atmospheric radars, 
M. Yamamoto,
H. Hashiguchi, S.
Fukao, Y. Moritani, T. Wakayama, and S. Watanabe: A lower troposphere radar: 1.3-GHz
active phased-array type wind profiler with RASS, J. Meteor. Soc.
M. K. Yamamoto, M.
Fujiwara, T. Horinouchi, H. Hashiguchi, and S. Fukao: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability around the tropical tropopause observed with the Equatorial
Atmosphere Radar, Geophys. Res. Lett.,
30(9), 1476, doi:10.1029/2002 GL016685
(2003)
Experimental research
of the dynamics and electrodynamics, especially the vertical coupling
processes, of the Earth's atmosphere from the boundary layer up to an altitude of
several hundred kilometers, through the development of advanced atmospheric
radars from VHF to mm-wave band, such as the MU radar in Shigaraki, the
Equatorial Atmosphere Radar in Indonesia, the transportable Lower Troposphere
Radar (LTR), and the 35-GHz cloud radar.
DIVISION OF CREATIVE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
OF HUMANOSPHERE
This division consists of seven research
sections: The laboratory of
Active Bio-based Materials, Laboratory of Sustainable Materials, Laboratory of
Structural Function, Laboratory of Innovative Humano-habitability, Laboratory
of Computer Simulations for Humanospheric Science, Laboratory of Applied Radio
Engineering for Humanosphere, and Laboratory of Space Radio Science. The Division pursues research for the development of new materials and technologies required to extend our
sustainable humanosphere through the measurement
and assessment of the space environment, solar power station/satellite in
space, and ideal recycling systems for wood resources.
Laboratory
of Active Bio-based Materials
Professor
YANO, Hiroyuki, D. Agr.
(
1. Optically
transparent composites reinforced with bio-
nanofiber, 2. High strength cellulose nanocomposites,
3. Utilization of bark tannin from fast growing trees,
Associate
Professors
MOROOKA,
Toshiro, D. Agr. (
1. Rheological properties of wood at high temperatures, 2.
Temperature and humidity environment of wooden building,
TANAKA,
Fumio, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Crystal structure analysis of polysaccharides and their
derivatives, 2. Computer aided molecular design of functional polysaccharides,
3. Physical and mechanical characterization of bio-based polymers, 
Program-Specific Assistant Professor (NEDO)
NAKAGAITO
Antonio Norio, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.)
1. Development of plant derived cellulose fiber-based nanocomposites
for semi-structural and structural applications, 
F. Tanaka, T. Iwata: Estimation
of the elastic modulus of cellulose crystal by molecular mechanics simulation, Cellulose, 13, 509-517 (2006).
H. Yano, et al.:
Optically transparent composites reinforced with networks of bacterial nanofibers,
Advanced Materials, 17 (2), 153-155(2005).
T. Morooka, et al.: Criterion
for estimating humidity control capacity of materials in a room, Journal of Wood Science, 53(3), 192-198 (2007).
The innovation of
various advanced processing technologies and functional materials relating to
sustainable bioresources such as wood based on the fundamental studies of their
physical properties and control.
Laboratory
of Sustainable Materials
Professor
KAWAI, Shuichi, D. Agr.
(
1. R&D for plant fiber composites, 2. Life cycle
assessment of wood composite products, 3. Total production and utilization
system of wood based materials,
Assistant Professor
UMEMURA, Kenji, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Development of natural polymer-based wood adhesives, 2.
Degradation and durability of wood adhesives, 3. Characterization of polymeric
materials,
R. Widyorini, J. Xu,
Higashihara, T. Watanabe, T. Kawai, S : Self-bonding characteristics of
binderless kenaf core composites,Wood Sci
Technol, 39, 651-662 (2005)
K. Umemura, Y. Iijima,
S. Kawai : Development of new natural polymer-based wood adhesives II. Effects
of molecular weight and spread rate on bonding properties of chitosan. J. Adhesion Society of
J. Xu, R. Sugawara, R
Widyorini, G. Han and S. Kawai: Manufacture and properties of low-density
binderless particleboard from kenaf core, J.
Wood Science, 50 (1), 62-67
(2004)
The laboratory aims to
establish the sustainable cycle of forest and forest products by developing the
production, utilization and recycling/disposal system of wood biomass. New wood based materials
harmonized with both the global and regional environments are being developed by making use of the functions and structure
of wood as a cellular solid.
Laboratory
of Structural Function
Professor
KOMATSU, Kohei, D. Agr.
(
1. Development of low environmental load, reusable and recyclable
long life wooden dwelling houses, 2. Strength and stiffness analysis of glulam
semi-rigid portal frame structures, 3. Development of timber bridges by
utilizing domestic softwood timbers, 
Assistant Professors
TAKINO, Shinjiro, D.
Agr. (
1. Development of low environmental load, reusable and recyclable
long life wooden dwelling houses, 2. Strength and stiffness analysis of wooden
hybrid joints structure, 3. Development of joint methods for large laminated
wood,
MORI, Takuro, D.
1. Development of timber frame structures, 2. Evaluation of
strength properties of timber material, 3. Evaluation of seismic performance of
wooden post and beam structure,
K. Komatsu, K.
Hosokawa, S. Hattori, H. Matsuoka, K. Yanaga and T. Mori: "Development of
Ductile and High -Strength Semi-Rigid Portal Frame Composed of Mixed-Species
Glulams and H-shaped Steel Gusset Joints", Proceedings of the World
Conference on Timber Engineering 2006, No. Page (CD-ROM only),
T. Mori, A. Kitamori,
K. Komatsu: "Effect of testing methods on the mechanical behavior of shear
walls composed of wooden plates", Proceedings of the World Conference on
Timber Engineering 2006, No. Page (CD-ROM only),
S. Takino , K. Komatsu,
Y. Idris, B. Subiyanto and S. Yuwasdiki : Shear Resistance of Thick Floor
Panels Nailed to Wood Frame Floor Systems, Proceedings of the 6th
International Wood Science Symposium, 120-125,
We are estimating
strength properties of wooden structural materials and innovating engineered
timber joints. Evaluating and
analyzing the structural performance of wooden
sub-assemblies, which compose of wooden structures, are also our important role
in making wooden structures that survive strong earthquakes and winds.
Laboratory
of Innovative Humano-habitability
Professor
IMAMURA, Yuji, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. High-performance utilization of wood with innovative technology,
2. Non-destructive detection of the degradation of wooden constructions, 3.
Characterization of wood charcoal and development of its new functions,
Associate
Professors
TSUNODA, Kunio, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Environmentally sound termite management based on the
understanding of their foraging behavior, 2. Development of wood protection
system to reduce the risk to human health and environmental impact, 3.
Application of supercritical fluid to the preservative treatment of wood and
wood-based composites, 
YOSHIMURA, Tsuyoshi, D. Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Feeding ecology of wood-attacking insects, 2. Use of
wood deteriorating organisms for environmental technology and new energy
options, 3. Wood deterioration in an extreme environment, 
Senior Lecturer
HATA,
Toshimitsu, D. Agr. (
1. Microstructure of wood-based carbons prepared by novel heating method, 2. Purification technology for environment contaminated by preservative treated wood, 3. Development of carbonized wood for electrochemical device,
S. N. Kartal, N.
Katsumata and Y. Imamura: Removal of copper, chromium, and arsenic from
CCA-treated wood by mold and staining fungi, For. Prod. J., 56(9),
33-37 (2006)
K. Tsunoda and R. Yamaoka: Determination of lethal dose of
fipronil for workers of Coptotermes
formosanus (Isoptera:
Rhinotermitidae) in contact with treated sandy loam,
Sociobiology, 50, 201-204 (2007)
T. Hata, K. Ishimaru,
M. Fujisawa, P. Bronsveld, T. Vystavel, J. De Hosson, H. Kikuchi, T. Nishizawa
and Y. Imamura: Catalytic Graphitization of Wood-Based Carbons with Alumina by
Pulse Current Heating, Fullerenes,
Nanotubes, and Carbon Nanostructures 13:
435-445 (2005)
T.
Yoshimura, N. Kagemori, J. Sugiyama, S. Kawai, K. Sera, S. Futatsugawa, M. Yukawa and H.
Imazeki: Elemental analysis of worker mandibles of Coptotermes formosanus. Sociobiology,
45, 255-259 (2005)
Fundamental and practical
investigations are carried out on the natural and urban/housing ecosystem to
establish innovative new generation humano-habitability with emphasis on high-performance
and efficient utilization of forest and wood resources. Technologies converting
wood biomass into energy, chemicals and advanced carbon materials are other
relevant research issues in the search for life in harmony with the environment.
Laboratory
of Computer Simulations for
Humanospheric Science
Professor
OMURA, Yoshiharu, D.
1. Computer experiments of nonlinear wave-particle interactions
in space plasmas, 2. Computer experiments of spacecraft environment, 3.
Computer analysis of material and energy cycles in the humanosphere, 
Associate Professor
USUI, Hideyuki, D.
1. Computer experiments on characteristics of electric
field sensor used for plasma waves observation in space, 2. Computer
experiments on spacecraft environment in active plasma emission, 3. Development
of geospace environment simulation, 
Y. Omura, Y. Katoh, and
D. Summers, Theory and simulation of the generation of whistler-mode chorus, J. Geophys. Res., 113, A04223, doi:10.1029/2007JA012622, (2008)
Y. Miyake and H. Usui,
Analysis of Photoelectron Effect on the Antenna Impedance via Particle-In-Cell
Simulation, Radio Science, 43, RS4006, doi:10.1029/2007RS003776, (2008).
We evaluate
electromagnetic environments in natural space plasmas as well as those around
spacecraft by making use of supercomputers. We also study material cyclings in
the humanosphere, and we try to estimate its future variations.
Laboratory
of Applied Radio Engineering for
Humanosphere
Professor
HASHIMOTO, Kozo, D.
1. Microwave energy transmission system for solar power satellite,
2. Plasma wave observations by satellites in the magnetospheres and development
of plasma wave instruments, 
Associate
Professor
SHINOHARA,
Naoki, D. Eng. (
1. Space solar power system, 2. Microwave power transmission,
3. Microwave applied technology,
Assistant Professor
MITANI,
Tomohiko, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),
1. Wireless power transmission, 2. Microwave engineering,
3. Solar power satellite/ station (SPS),
Mitani, T., N.
Shinohara, H. Matsumoto, M. Aiga, N. Kuwahara, T. Handa and T. Ishii, Noise
Reduction Effects of an Oven Magnetron with a Cathode Shield on the High
Voltage Input Side, IEEE Trans. Electron
Devices, 83, issue 8, 1929-1936,
(2006)
Hashimoto, K., K.
Tsutsumi, H. Matsumoto, and N. Shinohara,
Space Solar Power System Beam Control with Spread Spectrum Pilot
Signals, The Radio Science Bulletin,
311, 31-37, (2004)
Shinohara, N., H.
Matsumoto, and K. Hashimoto, Phase-Controlled Magnetron Development for SPORTS:
Space Power Radio Transmission, The Radio
Science Bulletin, 310, 29-35, (2004)
Research on solar power
satellites through wireless
power transmission and other microwave applications for the humanosphere.
Laboratory of Space Systems and Astronautics
Professor
YAMAKAWA, Hiroshi, D.
1. Space mission design and applications, 2. Spacecraft orbital
dynamics and control, 3. Space propulsion system utilizing space environment, 
Associate
Professor
KOJIMA,
Hirotsugu, D. Eng. (
1. Investigation of plasma waves in space via spacecraft
and rockets, 2. Development of the system for monitoring space electromagnetic
environments, 
Assistant Professor
UEDA, Yoshikatsu, D.
Info. (
1. Development of digital wave particle correlator (DWPC),
2. System design and development of plasma wave instrument for future space
mission, 3. BepiColombo mission (Exploration mission to Mercury), 
H. Yamakawa and
Y. Ueda, H. Kojima, H.
Matsumoto, K. Hashimoto, I. Nagano, T. Okada and T. Mukai: Lower hybrid waves
observed at the dayside polar region: SS-520-2 rocket experiment, Radio Science, 38, p6-1-p6-9, 2003
H. Kojima, H.
Matsumoto, S. Chikuba, S. Horiyama, M. Ashour-Abdalla, and R. R. Anderson: GEOTAIL
waveform observations of broadband/narrowband electrostatic noise in the
distant tail, J. Geophys. Res., 102, p14439-p14455, 1997
In order to expand the
current humanosphere to space, we investigate space environments and space applications via satellite
observations, theory, and computer simulations based on radio science, radio
engineering, and space systems engineering.
DIVISION OF STRATEGIC RESEARCH OF
HUMANOSPHERE
This division consists of three research
sections: The laboratory of
Advanced Research, Laboratory of Integrated Research, and Laboratory of Interdisciplinary
Research. The laboratories host both visiting
scientists from other domestic institutions and those from international institutions, and explore
research fields that are not presently investigated by the regular staff.
Laboratory
of Advanced Research
Visiting Professor
National visiting
professorship for advanced research closely related to the Core Missions.
Laboratory
of Integrated Research
Visiting Professor
Visiting Associate Professor
International visiting
professorship for the integrating of various research on the humanosphere.
Laboratory
of Interdisciplinary Research
Visiting Professor
International visiting
professorship for interdisciplinary research among the spheres constituting the
humanosphere.
Technical Staff
SORIMACHI, Hajime,
1. Identification of wood species, 2. Administrative
coordination for research projects, 3. Publicity for the activities of the
Institute, 
CENTER FOR EXPLORATORY
RESEARCH ON THE
HUMANOSPHERE
Director:
WATANABE, Takashi, D. Agr. (
The
Center consists of 3 laboratories corresponding to the Exploratory Research
Programs, the Fusion Research Programs and the Interdisciplinary Research
Programs. The objectives of the Center are to explore and promote new interdisciplinary
projects which further the missions of the institute and to create new
scientific fields in collaboration with the Department of Collaborative
Research Programs and Research Divisions.
The
young researchers and on-campus guest researchers study intersphere science of
the human habitat, the arborsphere, atmosphere and space,
and contribute to new interdisciplinary fields relating to the humanosphere by
amalgamating the four regions.
The
Center organizes forums, seminars, symposia and workshops, and promotes
research achievements for a better and deeper understanding of the
humanosphere, further inspiring the creation
of new mission projects.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
PROGRAMS
Director: SHIOTANI, Masato, D. Sci. (
This
department consists of two sections: The section for
inter-university collaborative programs, and the
section for international collaborative programs. The department plays a key
role in the RISH as an inter-university cooperative research institute, and
promotes intensive collaborative research programs by using a number of
experimental and observation facilities of the RISH as well as data-bases on
xylarium, radar and satellite observations, which are open not only to Japanese
scientists but also to the international community related to the humanosphere.
The department also encourages domestic and international collaborative
projects associated with the four major missions of the RISH.
(1) COOPERATIVE RESEARCH
FACILITIES
Shigaraki MU Observatory
The major facility of the Observatory
is the MU radar, operated at 46.5 MHz with a peak transmitting power of 1 MW.
The antenna is a circular array of 103 m diameter consisting of 475 Yagi antennas. A number of novel observation instruments, such as lidars, airglow
imagers, RASS, and meteorological radars, are also installed at the Observatory, and are utilized to study the behavior of
the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere. The Observatory has been available on a
cooperative study basis since its foundation in 1984.
Advanced Kyoto-daigaku
Denpa-kagaku Keisanki-jikken (A-KDK) computer
The A-KDK computing facility is
capable of conducting large-scale computer experiments, and its high-performance parallel machines, the RAID disk array
system, and 3-D visualization software for parallel processing are also
available for A-KDK users. The A-KDK has been available for collaborative
studies since 1993, and is now open for humanosphere studies. Research
proposals are called for annually.
Microwave Energy Transmission
Laboratory (METLAB) and Solar Power Stations/Satellites Laboratory (SPSLAB)
METLAB is composed of an anechoic
radio wave chamber and experimental rooms especially designed for microwave
power transmission (MPT) experiments. SPSLAB consists of a 100dB
shielded room and three 30dB shielded rooms, each of which is equipped with
measuring instruments for MPT/SPS studies. The 100dB shielded room also
contains a near field scanner to carry out antenna pattern measurements. These have
been available for collaborative studies since 2004 for the purpose of
promoting studies on microwave energy transmission, solar power satellites,
radio science and agriculture.
Equatorial Atmosphere Radar
(EAR)
EAR is a large Doppler radar
facility located on the equator in West Sumatra,
Deterioration Organisms
Laboratory (DOL) and Living-Sphere
Simulation Field (LSF)
The DOL and LSF are facilities open for cooperative study
programs which necessitate wood-deteriorating organisms or field works. DOL is composed of insectariums for termites and dry-wood beetles, and an
incubation room for decay fungi. This facility is available for collaborative
work on the physiological and/or ecological characteristics of
wood-deteriorating organisms and on the development of technology to evaluate
the potential of new protection measures. The LSF, which measures approximately
27,000 m2, is located in
the government forest of Kagoshima Prefecture (southern Japan), and serves wide
research interests such as field assessments
of the protection of wood and wood-based materials from deterioration, simulation
fields for woody biomass recycling, experimental fields to collect information
on the global atmosphere, and a simulation field for microwave transmission.
Wood Composite Hall
The Wood Composite Hall is a glulam three-story building. In this building, the performance of wooden structural components is evaluated and new wood composites are developed. The third floor provides various large spaces for lectures, meetings and seminars. We also house a steel reaction frame in which both static cyclic push-pull loading tests and pseudo dynamic tests on shear walls or wooden sub-assemblies can be conducted using a computer-controlled oil jack system of maximum 500kN capacity and 500mm stroke.
Development and Assessment of
Sustainable Humanosphere (DASH) and
The DASH system introduced
in 2007 as a cooperative
effort between the RISH and the
Center for Ecological Research, consists of two subsystems.
The DASH plant growth subsystem is a large
greenhouse for cultivating transgenic plants including tree species, and the
DASH chemical analysis subsystem, a cluster of spectrometers, a LC-IT/TOF-MS
for comprehensive metabolite analyses, and two GC-MS specialized for the
analysis of lignin components as well as plant-derived volatile organic
compounds. There is also a lysimeter in the greenhouse to monitor soil
conditions. The FBAS provided since 2006 is a facility for
chemical analysis of tree and herbaceous biomass with special attention paid to
the lignin components, to support the systematic analyses of plant metabolites,
and also applied in the field of plant physiology and plant pathology. Due to
the overlapping functions, the FABS has
been merged with the DASH system. The DASH/FABS system serves
domestic and international collaborative activity from the viewpoint of the
ecological interaction and network between plants, atmosphere, soil, microorganisms,
and insects.
Xylarium
The xylarium was founded in 1980,
taking advantage of the registration in 1978 of the Index Xylariorum Collection
of wood samples, which was originally initiated in 1944 when the Wood Research
Institute was established, and now totals approximately 16,766 samples, which
include more than 3,617 species, 1,131 genera, and 178 families. There are 9,563
microscope slides of the specimens. Wood specimens have been collected from
Radar and Satellite Databases
Since 1984 we have been archiving
the original data observed with the MU radar, and provide detailed time and
height structure of wind velocity in the troposphere, middle atmosphere, and
ionosphere. In addition the data collected
with scientific satellites of ISAS, such as AKEBONO and GEOTAIL, are also
processed here, providing important information
of the space environment. The data is provided
to a wide scientific community.
(3) COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS
The department is dedicated to the
promotion of international collaborative research. We lead international
collaborative projects, encourage exchange of scientists, and organize international
symposia. Currently we are promoting a number of projects, international
collaborative studies on satellite missions, and overseas observations of the equatorial atmosphere. In addition to
the mutual research collaboration, we will open inter-university cooperative
research facilities and databases to the international community. We also
contribute to scientific development in