- Affiliation
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Measurements and Forecasting Division, Monitoring Systems Development
- External Link
Profile
After studying electrical engineering at National Institute of Technology, Asahikawa College, I conducted research at the University of Tsukuba and Kyoto University on the response characteristics of superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) detectors to low-energy molecular ions and on the performance characteristics of compound semiconductor-based radiation detectors. In March 2012, I completed the doctoral program at Kyoto University and received a Ph.D. in Engineering. In the same year, I joined RIKEN.
At the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, I was involved in the research and development of ionization chambers and parallel-plate avalanche counters for heavy-ion identification. I also worked on the development of diamond detectors featuring both fast response and high radiation tolerance.
Since transferring to the Fukushima Decommissioning Safety Engineering Research Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in July 2015, I have been engaged in the research and development of radiation imaging technologies for visualizing radioactive substances dispersed and deposited within decommissioning work environments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). By making the location and distribution of otherwise invisible radioactive substances visible, I aim to contribute to reducing radiation exposure for workers and improving the efficiency of decontamination planning.
In recent years, I have been developing and demonstrating the integrated Radiation Imaging System (iRIS), which combines radiation imaging with robotics and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). This system enables the visualization and mapping of radioactive contamination within three-dimensional environments, supporting safer and more efficient decommissioning operations as well as future applications in nuclear facility maintenance and environmental monitoring.
Main Focus of Research
- Research and development of radioactive substances visualization technologies.
- Research and development of integrated systems that combine radiation sensors, environmental perception devices, and robotic platforms for remote monitoring of radiation work environments.
Fields of Research
Energy / Nuclear engineering / Radiation measurement, Remote sensing, and robotic monitoring, Remote monitoring
Keywords
Radioactive substances visualization; Gamma-ray imager; 3D imaging; integrated Radiation Imaging System (iRIS)
Research Overview
Accurate characterization of radioactive substances dispersed and deposited within the FDNPS is essential for reducing worker radiation exposure and supporting efficient decontamination and decommissioning activities. However, conventional radiation measurement techniques have made it difficult to rapidly assess radioactive substances over large areas.
To address this challenge, I have been developing the integrated Radiation Imaging System (iRIS), which combines gamma-ray imaging with three-dimensional environmental modeling based on LiDAR and photogrammetry. By integrating radiation measurement, robotics, and SLAM, iRIS enables the remote visualization and mapping of radioactive substances in three-dimensional space, even in high-radiation environments that are difficult for humans to access.
Through field demonstrations at the FDNPS and in difficult-to-return zones in Fukushima prefecture, we have successfully demonstrated the remote detection and three-dimensional localization of radioactive hotspots. Currently, at the Fukushima Decommissioning Safety Engineering Research Institute of the JAEA, I am developing autonomous robotic systems for radiation monitoring by incorporating advanced robotics and AI technologies.
Looking ahead, I aim to expand these technologies beyond FDNPS decommissioning to applications in nuclear facility maintenance, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
Personal Interest
Cultivating bizarre plants, karaoke, singing while playing the guitar, reading novels, collecting miscellaneous goods from Japan and around the world, visiting art museums, and building LEGO bricks.
Education
- Apr. 2009 – Mar. 2012
- Kyoto University, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering,
Doctoral Program, Ph.D. in Engineering - Apr. 2007 – Mar. 2009
- University of Tsukuba, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences,
Majored in Applied Physics and Engineering,
Majored in Electrical Engineering - Apr. 2005 – Mar. 2007
- University of Tsukuba, Majored in Applied Physics
- Apr. 2000 – Mar. 2005
- National Institute of Technology, Asahikawa College,
Majored in Electrical Engineering
Employment
- Oct. 2026 – Present
- Project Professor, Fukushima University
(Cross-appointment with JAEA) - Jul. 2025 – Present
- Senior Principal Researcher and Group Leader,
Radiation Sensing and Digitization Group, JAEA - Apr. 2023 – Jun. 2025
- Manager and Principal Scientist, JAEA
Radiation Sensing and Digitization Group, JAEA - Jul. 2022 – Mar. 2023
- Principal Scientist, JAEA
- Jul. 2019 – Jun. 2022
- Senior Scientist, JAEA
- Jul. 2016 – Jun. 2019
- Researcher, JAEA
- Jul. 2015 – Jun. 2016
- Research Staff, JAEA
- Apr. 2013 – Jun. 2015
- Special Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN
- Apr. 2012 – Mar. 2013
- Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN
- Sep. 2011 – Mar. 2012
- Part-time Lecturer,
Kyoto Prefectural University
Awards
- Mar. 2026
- Most Popular Article Award 2025, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology,” Atomic Energy Society of Japan (AESJ) and Taylor & Francis
- Mar. 2026
- Most Cited Article Award 2025 (Grand Prize), Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis
- Sep. 2025
- Most Popular Article Award 2024, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis
- Sep. 2025
- Most Cited Article Award 2024, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis
- Jul. 2025
- Decommissioning Contribution Award, AESJ Committee on Fukushima Daiichi Decommissioning
- Jul. 2024
- Encouragement Award of Japan Radioisotope Association, Japan Radioisotope Association
- Apr. 2024
- Young Scientists’ Award, Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- Mar. 2024
- Most Popular Article Award 2023, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis (Principal Investigator)
- Dec. 2023
- Excellent Award, Wakashachi Innovation Award (Applied Research Division), Aichi Prefecture
- Jun. 2023
- 1st Prize, Best Presentation Award FY2022, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Mar. 2023
- Paper Award, Atomic Energy Society of Japan
- Mar. 2023
- Excellent Award, Konica Minolta Imaging Science Encouragement Award, Konica Minolta Science and Technology Foundation
- Jan. 2023
- Medical Corporation Fukushikai Takasu Hospital Corporate Special Award, Inno-vation Generation Award Program, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
- May 2022
- 3rd Prize, Best Press Release Award FY2021, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- May 2022
- Intelligent Cosmos Young Investigator Award, Intelligent Cosmos Foundation
- Mar. 2022
- Most Popular Article Award 2021, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis (Principal Investigator)
- Oct. 2021
- President’s Award for Research and Development Achievement, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Mar. 2021
- Most Popular Article Award 2020, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis (Principal Investigator)
- Dec. 2020
- Excellent Award, NF Foundation R&D Encouragement Award, NF Foundation
- Oct. 2020
- NF Foundation R&D Encouragement Award, NF Foundation
- Apr. 2020
- Twenty-Five Most Outstanding Contributions Award, International Youth Nuclear Congress 2020
- Mar. 2020
- Most Popular Article Award 2019, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, AESJ and Taylor & Francis (Principal Investigator)
- Mar. 2020
- Young Investigator Award, Atomic Energy Society of Japan
- Oct. 2019
- President’s Award for Creative Achievement, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Sep. 2019
- Radiation Engineering Division Young Investigator Award, Radiation Engineering Division, AESJ
- Oct. 2018
- Grand Prize, President’s Award for Research and Development Achievement, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Oct. 2017
- Young Researcher Encouragement Award, AESJ Kanto-Koshinetsu Branch
- Apr. 2017
- Best Presentation Award (General Division), AESJ North Kanto Branch Young Researchers Meeting
- Dec. 2016
- Outstanding Presentation Award, 17th System Integration Division Conference, Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE)
- Jun. 2011
- Student Award, 8th Kansai Branch Awards, Atomic Energy Society of Japan