About Me
I am a researcher at mercari R4D. I also works as a collaborative researcher in joint research project "Value Exchange Engineering" at the University of Tokyo
I direct research and development of soft materials system based on advancements in shape-changing interface, soft sensor, soft robotics, mobility, and human computer interaction.
I am passionate about accelerating innovation and disruption through creating a soft materials system.
These projects are from collaborations during my time at different research labs, including the University of Tokyo, and Osaka Prefecture University.
Also, I have about 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and 5 years of management experience. I also have two times of experience setting up an organization and formulating an organizational strategy.
Career
The University of Tokyo | January 2020 – Present
Selected Contributions
Launch of Value Exchange Engineering
Realization of participation by the Graduate School of Economics
Establishment of research assistant (RA) recruiting system (planning, formulation of recruitment flow, etc.)
Realization of VXE symposium
The University of Tokyo | May 2021 – 2023
Researcher
R4D, Mercari, Inc. | January 2019 – Present
Selected Contributions:
Managed academic joint research program by working research manager and Kawahara / Niiyama laboratory, The University of Tokyo
Managed program budgets, priorities, and schedule
Founded and spearheaded new mobility in combination of personal mobility, soft robotics technology and wireless power transfer
Maintained relationships with The University of Tokyo
Created and iterated prototypes, drafting technical and design documents
Research to make new mobility especially Human Computer Interaction area
Officer
R4D, Mercari, Inc. | March 2018 – December 2018
Selected Contributions:
Developed and managed multiple R&D project related to Quantum computing, Robotics, XR(VR, AR, MR), Blockchain, Satellite data and mobility
Identified risks, developed mitigation strategies and interface between executive and researcher team, setting and managing schedules and milestones
Interfaced between executive and researcher team
Identified improvement points of R4D and carry out improvements by visits of other R&D organizations and research institutes
Mechanical Assistant Manager and Mechanical Engineering Manager at KYOSAN
DENSO | January 2016 – February 2018
Collaborate with Automotive companies spanning the US and Japan, to develop and deliver diesel engine filters for new automobile models.
Selected Contributions:
Worked on-site at Europe location and with OEM and successfully resolved a complex fuel, electrostatic charge problem in 2 months.
Positively impact operations and contributed to organization’s success by reducing costs of filters by 7% and improving filter lifespan by 10%.
New Business Development Manager
Kyosan Denki (DENSO Group company) | January 2016 – September 2017
Initiated operations planning and founded a new business development team, an internal start-up business group, within the DENSO corporate group.
Selected Contributions:
Guided 2 cross-functional project teams of more than 20 people.
Liaise with Board members.
Mechanical Design Engineer for Diesel Filter
DENSO | July 2014 – December 2015
Managed product design, development, and improvement projects and operations and oversee full-life cycle of new products from concept to manufacture and mass-production.
Selected Contributions:
Improved design processes directly translating into a 25% reduction in prototype production lead- time.
Achieved a 15% improvement in fuel tank water separation for a German-made commercial automobile company.
Successfully improved filter lifespan by 20% and managed full life-cycle of new filter project, successfully bringing the product from concept to production and sales within 1 year.
Mechanical Engineer for Diesel Injector & Nozzle
DENSO | January 2011 – June 2014
Guided cross-section team to success and spearheaded OEM internationally, to develop innovative, sustainable fuel injectors and oversee the full project life cycle.
Selected Contributions:
Managed and executed the full life-cycle, from concept to mass-production, of low injection quantity drift Injector, a first of its kind, world premiere product in 2 months.
Achieved an 80% reduction in the rate of degradation of materials and parts for low injection quantity drift injector, directly resulting in improved lifespan of injector system.
Successfully resolved a cavitation erosion issue that commonly damages systems bskillfullyly developing a new nozzle that promoted system sustainability and increased efficiency.
Mechanical Engineer : Diesel Injector
DENSO | April 2008 – December 2010
Assigned Diesel Common rail system Injector nozzle design
Collaborate with US, Japan and German 13 automotive companies for passenger, commercial and agriculture.
Clarified the corrosion mechanism by EGR and develop the solution using coating resulting 300% improvement in durability and reliability
Led 2 people from 2009 and develop aftermarket nozzles resulting $2 million profit when DENSO was in the red due to Financial crisis 2008.
Built a prototype production system in half year only using assembly drawing, resulting $2 million reducing development cost per year and reduced 40% prototype production lead time
Led the initiative to adopt best practices in reliability
Analyzed components for relevant failure modes and developed DFMEA
EDUCATIONS
Osaka University
Master of Science, Physics | April 2006 – March 2008
Kwansei Gakuin University
Bachelor of Science, Physics | April 2002 – March 2006