Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Functional Biology

Naoto KAMATA (Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chiba Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Entomology, Population Ecology, Community Ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Biology of Platypus quercivorus, Geographic clines in bark and ambrosia beetle community, Biological interaction influencing population dynamics of the beech caterpilar (Syntypistis punctatella)
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 04-7094-0621, FAX. 04-7094-2321
MESSAGE	Unfortunately, I cannot accept new students due to my retirement.

Shigehiro KAMODA (Associate　Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Chemistry
RESEARCH TOPICS	Development of effective eucalypts forest management techniques in Japan / Defense responses of ezo-spruce against pathogenic fungi / Relationship between responses of trees against biotic/abiotic stress and gene expression/metabolites / Process of deserted mine reforestation and role of symbiotic microorganisms in it, and improvement of reforestation
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0494-22-0272, FAX. 0494-23-9620
MESSAGE	I am interested in introducing a eucalyptus into Japanese forestry in order to protect a Japanese forest plants (ezo-spruce, Japanese cedar, and so on). Japanese will surely need a eucalyptus with high productivity in the not-so-distant future.

Susumu GOTO (Associate Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Tanashi Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding
RESEARCH TOPICS	Genetic basis of local adaptation in boreal conifers / Understanding climate responses of forest tree species / Tree breeding and seedling production
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 042-461-1528, FAX. 042-461-2302
MESSAGE	I'm conducting research to understand the genetic mechanisms for local adaptation and to advance forest tree breeding. Recently, I've been employing experimental approaches to achieve mitigation of climate change.

Dai KUSUMOTO (Lecturer)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chiba Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Pathological Tree Physiology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Resistance mechanisms of trees against pathogen and insect attacks / Signaling pathway of defense responses in trees
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 04-7094-0621, FAX. 04-7094-2321
MESSAGE	Induced defense is the most important mechanism to prevent pathogen invasion into tree tissues. However, the induction and mediation processes of induced defenses are not fully understood. I study defense responses of trees with an interest in the relation with signal substances.

Dai FUKUI (Lecturer)

LOCATION	Fuji Iyashinomori Woodland Study Center
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Mammal Ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Effects of forest management on mammal behavior and ecology / Ecology and behavior of forest dwelling bats / Biogeography of bats in east Asia
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0555-62-0012, FAX. 0555-62-4798
MESSAGE	My researches center on the interaction between mammals and forests. My previous work focuses primarily on the insectivorous bat that is the most diverse mammal group in the Japanese forests. Now focusing on how forest management influences the ecology and behavior of mammals.

Toshihide HIRAO (Lecturer)

LOCATION	Forest GX/DX Co-creation Center (also appointed to The University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest)
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Biodiversity and Forest Ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Ecological consequences of deer herbivory to diversity and interactions in forest ecosystems / Ecological functions of soil microorganisms in forest plants-soil feedback / Roles of local adaptation in shaping elevational gradients in biodiversity
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 03-5841-5498, FAX. 03-5841-5494 Web https://en.thirao.com/
MESSAGE	Understanding forest biodiversity and interactions between organisms will help us to conserve the diversity of life on Earth and to understand their ecosystem functions. I study forest biodiversity and interactions using multifaceted approaches such as field surveys, field experiments, genome analysis, and statistical modeling. I hope to use the knowledge gained to help conserve forest flora and fauna and ecosystem services.

Tadashi MAEHARA (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Tanashi Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Insects Ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Research on the environmental preferences of ground beetles in the forest area. / The ecology of the red-eyed butterfly in the UTTF.
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 042-461-1528, FAX. 042-461-2302
MESSAGE	Whether it's raining or snowing, I go out to the field covered in sweat and mud. There are always new discoveries and impressions. I hope that people who go out to the field together and touch the soil and sharpen their scientific eyes will gather.

Daisuke SAKAUE (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Pathology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Etiology and control of nursery diseases / Influence of forest pathogenic fungi on natural regeneration of tree seedlings / Diseases that occur on eucalypt plantation in Japan
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0494-22-0272, FAX. 0494-23-9620
MESSAGE	What is the HEALTH of trees and forests? How should we treat trees and forests to keep or promote their HEALTH? I am trying to find the solution by understanding physiology of trees, ecology of forest microorganisms and their interactions.

Hiroki INOUE (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chiba Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Chemistry
RESEARCH TOPICS	Development of effective eucalypts forest management techniques in Japan / Propagation of tropical and subtropical plant species
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 04-7094-0621, FAX. 04-7094-2321
MESSAGE	I am engaged in developing effective eucalypts forest management techniques in Japan. Also I am trying to establish a method for propagating certain tropical and subtropical plant species.

Yoko HISAMOTO (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest molecular ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Molecular mechanism of mass flowering in bamboos / Expression analysis of flowering genes in Abies sachalinensis / Development of DNA markers for putative hybrid species detection in Japanese dwarf bamboo
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0494-22-0272, FAX. 0494-23-9620
MESSAGE	I am interested in specific phenomenon of forest ecology like a mass flowering of bamboos. I would like to clarify how these phenomena are controlled genetically. Particularly, analysis of molecular mechanism of flowering is my major research subject.

Ryo NAKAHATA (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	Arboricultural Research Institute
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Ecology, Tree Physiology, Root Biology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Fine root dynamics in forest ecosystems/ Above- and belowground phenology of production in forest ecosystems/ Allocation of forest net primary production
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0558-62-0021, FAX. 0558-62-3170
MESSAGE	Forest belowground dynamics are fundamental for regulating resource dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. I am particularly interested in fine root dynamics and their interactions with aboveground dynamics in forest ecosystems. Furthermore, I am eager to evaluate the allocation phenology of net primary production in various forest types.

Laboratory of Forest Watershed Socio-Environmental Studies

Koichiro KURAJI (Professor)

LOCATION	Executive Office
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Interactions of Forests, Water and People, Integrated Watershed Management
RESEARCH TOPICS	Function of forests during heavy rain / Function of forests during drought event / Impact of forest recovery and forest cutting on flood discharge and low flow / Integrated watershed management / Tropical forest hydrology (Northern Thailand, North Borneo)
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 03-5841-8640, FAX. 03-5841-5494
MESSAGE	More than 70% of the land of Japan is covered by forests. Water resources and flood risk for Japanese people is depend on how forests react to the water flow path from rainfall to the river. Not only an over use but also an under use of the man-made conifer plantation forests in Japan is not only an issue of timber production but an issue of flood risk and water resources of urban citizens. Integrated watershed management is needed to realize a wise use of forests and water for each watersheds in the near future in Japan and anywhere in the world.

Hiroki KOBAYASHI (Professor)

LOCATION	Forest GX/DX Co-creation Center（Concurrent position with the Information Technology Center）
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Human-Computer Interaction
RESEARCH TOPICS	Animal-Computer-Interaction, IoT, Design
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. , FAX.
MESSAGE	Let's make a lot of mistakes. Doing things differently from others carries high risks, but it also offers much learning. I have lived with a cat for a long time and have been interested in the sounds of the forest since high school, maintaining this interest even as a working adult. I attended university late, like a tortoise, and graduated in my late twenties.

Toshiaki OWARI (Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Management, Forestry Business
RESEARCH TOPICS	Close-to-nature forest management and silviculture / Data-driven forest management using digital technologies / Single-tree management for high-value timber species
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0167-42-2111, FAX. 0167-42-2689 LinkedIn,researchmap, ResearchGate
MESSAGE	I am conducting a variety of practical and applied research in the field of University of Tokyo Forests to realize forest management that maintains structural and compositional complexity and creates multiple ecosystem services. I actively use geospatial information technologies such as GNSS, LiDAR, and UAV to reduce labor and improve the accuracy of forest information management.

Naoki YASUMURA (Associate Professor)

LOCATION	Ecohydrology Research Institute
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Policy
RESEARCH TOPICS	Relationship between thermal environment and wood materials in housing Change of plantation silviculture and its international comparison
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0561-82-2371, FAX. 0561-85-2838
MESSAGE	I consider how forests and forestry contribute to the improvement of people's lives.

Yuka TOKUNAGA (Project Associate Professor)

LOCATION	Forest GX/DX Co-creation Center
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Science, Architectural Environment, Environmental Policy
RESEARCH TOPICS	Negative Emission Technologies Using Biomass/ Quantification of Environmental Value as a Nature-based Solution/ Effects of Carbon Sequestration through Timber in Building Renovations"
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 03-5841-4533, FAX. 03-5841-5494
MESSAGE	We are taking on the challenge of interdisciplinary efforts that do not confine themselves to a single field of study, in order to present concrete measures towards achieving carbon neutrality. Our approach includes cross-disciplinary research between engineering and agriculture, as well as integrated humanities and sciences research, aiming to solve global-scale issues.

Yuko ASANO (Lecturer)

LOCATION	Ecohydrology Research Institute
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest and Catchment Hydrology, Sabo
RESEARCH TOPICS	Water and nutrient dynamics at soil-plant continuum, hillslope, and catchment scale / Developing new methods for hydrology and hydraulic measurement / Long-term changes in forest environments and their effects on water and sediment runoff
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0561-82-2371, FAX. 0561-85-2838
MESSAGE	I study how water runoff when it rains in the mountains and how have historical changes in forest use and the mountain environment altered water and sediment discharge, mainly based on field observation. This information is essential for the management of water resources and for the prediction of water and sediment related disasters at sloping terrain. It is very exciting to study dynamic and sophisticated natures of the natural systems.

Nobuaki TANAKA (Lecturer)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Hydrology and Meteorology
RESEARCH TOPICS	1. Best practices for balancing timber production and water resource management in forest watersheds. 2. Precipitation and snowfall redistribution processes in forest canopies and the impact of thinning and other forest management practices. 3. Understanding the water and nutrient cycles in Southeast Asian tropical forests and tropical seasonal forests.
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0167-42-2111, FAX. 0167-42-2689
MESSAGE	I am looking for methods to maintain timber production while not diminishing water-related ecosystem services in forest watersheds. For many years, I have been interested in individual processes of forest hydrology, such as rainfall redistribution by the canopy, but recently, I have focused more on evaluating the impacts of forest management practices and forest maintenance.

Haruo SAITO (Lecturer)

LOCATION	Arboricultural Research Institute
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Policy, Forest and culture, Ethnobotany/Ethnomycology and Commons
RESEARCH TOPICS	Significance of forest culture and its conservation/ Public access to nature and its institutional background/ Collective action for contemporary forest utilization and management
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0558-62-0021, FAX. 0558-62-3170
MESSAGE	I am interested in relationship between human and nature widely, and especially in human activities, its cognition, decision and wisdom. I approach my topics from various method, such as participant observation, interview survey, literature survey, questionnaire survey and so on (please refer also; https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/features/z1304_00007.html)

Akio FUJIWARA (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	Forest GX/DX Co-creation Center
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Informatics
RESEARCH TOPICS	Social informatics study on virtual forest experience with multimedia / Multimedia recording and measuring forest and its applications
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 03-5841-1703, FAX. 03-5841-5494
MESSAGE	Thinking about the relationship between human and forest, we should consider not only physical but also informatical relationship. I guess it gets more important informatical relationship than phisical in contemporary society. I am interested in forest information in medium, mulitmedia recording and mesuring, GIS, the Internet, VR, physical computing and also social informatics study.

Naoko MIURA (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	Fuji Iyashinomori Woodland Study Center
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Remote Sensing, LiDAR, GIS for Ecology & Forestry
RESEARCH TOPICS	Estimation of grass height and biomass in semi-natural grassland using time-series UAV data/ Analysis of the nesting environment of the endangered harvest mouse using UAV/ Development of a method for surveying sika deer in forests using UAV
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0555-62-0012, FAX. 0555-62-4798
MESSAGE	My goal has been to help in forming conservation strategies and contribute to maintaining biodiversity. I am interested in the application of geospatial technology such as Remote Sensing and GIS for Ecology.

Songqiu DENG (Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	The University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest Measurement and Planning, Forestry DX, Laser Sensing
RESEARCH TOPICS	Development of smart precision forestry technology using laser sensing / Forest digital management and cooperation with downstream (Forestry DX) / Individual tree detection and species identification in broadleaf forests
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0167-42-2111, FAX. 0167-42-2689
MESSAGE	We are working on smart precision forestry using cutting-edge technologies such as laser sensing, UAV, ICT, AI, etc. If you are interested in forestry DX, high-value broadleaf tree identification, and/or damage detection of pine wilt and oak wilt using laser measurement and image analysis including programming, please contact us.

Masahiro AIBA (Project Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	Forest GX/DX Co-creation Center
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Community Ecology, Forest Ecology
RESEARCH TOPICS	GX/DX of the University Forest/ Trait-based analyses of tree communities/ Relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem services
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 03-5841-4568, FAX. 03-5841-5494
MESSAGE	As a specially appointed assistant professor of the Forest GX/DX Co-Creation Center, I am working on data release of the university forest and assessment of carbon stocks as a basis for GX. I am also conducting research on community ecology and ecosystem services using large-scale data and machine learning.

Moein FARAHNAK (Project Assistant Professor)

LOCATION	Ecohydrology Research Institute
AREA OF EXPERTISE	Forest soil, Soil hydrology
RESEARCH TOPICS	Hydrological Responses to Forest Plantation Thinning and Clear-Cutting: Impacts on Rainfall-Runoff Processes in a Headwater Catchment
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail TEL. 0561-82-2371, FAX. 0561-85-2838
MESSAGE	Soil is a key regulator of hydrological processes in forested ecosystems, influencing water retention, infiltration, and runoff generation. My research focuses on how tree species composition and forest harvesting practices--such as thinning and clear-cutting--affect these soil-mediated hydrological responses. By investigating changes in soil properties and their influence on rainfall-runoff dynamics, this work aims to inform sustainable forest and water resource management, particularly in headwater catchments.