Please tell us about your field of expertise.
My field of specialization is soil science. My background is in forest soils and natural science–based approaches, but since joining Ibaraki University I have also been exposed to the fascinating world of agricultural soils.
Together with Professor Komatsuzaki, the Director of Gtech, and Professor Nishizawa, who specializes in soil microorganisms, I conduct research on soil physicochemical properties, carbon sequestration, and other topics aimed at building sustainable agricultural ecosystems.
What inspired you to pursue this field?
As a child, I was fascinated by space, Earth, and the fundamental natural sciences. I loved science fiction concepts like black holes and time warps.
By the time I entered university, my interest had shifted toward Earth and planetary sciences. But due to a rock–paper–scissors draw during lab selection, I happened to join a soil science laboratory. That unexpected decision shaped my entire career—I continued studying natural soils through graduate school and even after moving to other universities.
My connection with Ibaraki University began when I joined a Japan–Indonesia international education program as a specially appointed faculty member. Through that experience, I became involved in research on agricultural soils in Indonesia, which greatly broadened my research perspective.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
There is still so much we do not understand about soils. I want to carefully unravel the assumptions we think we understand but actually do not.
For example, when analyzing soils, we often try to isolate only the “inorganic” components and remove “organic” materials such as plant roots. But no matter how hard we try, it is impossible to completely remove all organic matter of plant or microbial origin. There will always be parts we cannot separate or fully explain.
Just as there are places in outer space that humans can never reach, and just as we can never dig down to the Earth’s core, soils—although right beneath our feet—contain countless mysteries. That is what I find so fascinating.
How does your work connect with other research at Gtech?
Gtech brings together researchers from many fields related to the global environment.
My research on soils cannot be separated from the work of colleagues studying microorganisms or plants—these elements are deeply interconnected. By collaborating across units, we can pursue deeper and more comprehensive research. Through soil property analysis, I hope to contribute to evaluating how soil conditions influence production environments and material cycles studied in other research fields.
What makes Gtech attractive as a research environment?
When I was a university student, the movement toward “interdisciplinary integration” had just begun, and faculty were becoming active in cross-disciplinary research. At the time, collaboration felt somewhat awkward. But since coming to Ibaraki University, I have seen interdisciplinary integration progress rapidly. Research now advances through conversations that intertwine multiple fields and perspectives. What I find particularly exciting about Gtech is that specialists from many disciplines can work together toward a shared goal.
What goals or mission do you have in this research?
My mission is to contribute to Gtech’s overarching aim: understanding and advancing the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.
Farmland is heavily influenced by human activity—fertilizer applications, chemical inputs, removing crops, cutting weeds. These human interventions create soil environments that differ from natural material cycles. By clarifying soil properties such as carbon storage and nutrient characteristics, I hope to help maintain farmland health and build a foundation that supports long-term food production.
I believe research is ultimately about exploring “how to view the unknown.” Rather than finding a single answer and “closing the case,” I want to examine soils from diverse perspectives and continue exploring their unexplained aspects.
A message for those interested in Gtech
Gtech is a research center where multiple fields—environment, soil, microbiology, and more—work together toward sustainable agriculture.
Agriculture is a familiar yet deeply complex field, and through it we address major issues related to the environment and food production. As a regional national university, Ibaraki University is able to engage in locally rooted research and educational activities—something I hope many people will pay attention to.
A message for students
Ibaraki University offers an excellent research environment, with strong facilities and supportive mentorship. It is a place where you can fully engage with your research.
Looking at the work being done within Gtech and the dedication of its faculty, I feel tremendous potential.
In research, there are times when you need to focus intensely on a narrow topic, but I also encourage you to maintain the habit of viewing things from multiple perspectives. That mindset will enrich both your research and your growth.