We are conducting research on the production of useful substances from tropical and subtropical plants.
We aim to elucidate the phenomena occurring in forests mainly from a chemical perspective and apply this knowledge to the effective utilization of forests. We conduct research on the production of useful substances from plants, mainly woody plants native to tropical and subtropical regions. We also conduct research on the propagation of useful foreign plants that are difficult to propagate in Japan's environment.
Many useful chemicals are known to be produced only in specific parts of individual plants. In particular, chemicals that are produced only near the center of tree trunks can only be obtained by cutting down trees that have grown over many years. If it becomes possible to produce such chemical substances in parts of the plant other than where they are normally produced, it will not only be easier to obtain the target substances but it is also expected to lead to the protection of the plant itself.
Many widely used natural fragrances are derived from plants. Some of them are produced using traditional methods that are practiced only in the areas where the plants originate. We are also conducting research to improve these methods so that anyone in Japan can easily produce the fragrance they want.
Many useful trees native to tropical and subtropical regions are difficult to propagate. We are also working to establish methods to solve this problem.
Educational content
I am in charge of guiding university-wide experiential seminars and fieldwork.
At the University of Tokyo Forests, to which I am affiliated, there are many courses offered for the first half of the liberal arts program, such as “University-wide Free Research Seminar” “University-wide Experience Seminar”, and “Comprehensive Subjects”. I participate in several lectures as a course co-teacher. In my regular work, I am involved in the management of useful tropical and subtropical plants in greenhouses. In lectures held predominantly in greenhouses, we provide basic knowledge and usage methods for useful plants, as well as information on current research.
In another lecture, I focus mainly on the effects and roles of chemicals produced by plants in relation to various phenomena observed in forests. We also provide information on various hazardous substances that pose problems when humans use forests.
I am also involved in fieldwork for specialized courses. In addition to teaching basic knowledge and methods of field research, I am also responsible for managing the practical training schedule.
Prospects for joint research and industry-academia collaboration
We are engaged in research on the production control of tree heartwood components and the development of new production methods for natural fragrances.
We are continuing our efforts to produce heartwood components in other parts of trees and in cultured cells. Specifically, we are studying sandalwood (Santalum album). This species has a unique semi-parasitic ecology and is not easy to cultivate. In addition, it takes a long time for the wood to become harvestable for the purpose of obtaining heartwood components and harvesting results in the loss of the entire individual tree. Once the methods developed in this study are established, it will not only become easier to obtain the target substances but it is also expected that the loss of plant bodies will be avoided.
We are also working to improve production methods for plant-derived natural fragrances. Natural vanilla flavoring is produced mainly through a traditional curing process carried out in the vicinity of where vanilla fruits are grown. We are conducting research to develop a method for curing vanilla fruits harvested in Japan, with the aim of producing natural vanilla flavoring domestically in a manner that does not rely on traditional techniques that are difficult to reproduce.
Many useful trees native to tropical and subtropical regions are difficult to propagate. We are working to establish cloning propagation techniques for trees such as rubber trees and eucalyptus. In addition to cuttings and grafting, we are also experimenting with tissue culture techniques such as adventitious buds and somatic embryo induction.
