About Me

I am a researcher at mercari R4D. I also works as a collaborative researcher in joint research project "Value Exchange Engineering" and xlab (Yasuaki Kakehi Lab.) 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

Collaborative Researcher | xlab (Yasuaki Kakehi Laboratory)

The University of Tokyo | May 2021Present


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


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