I'm Kenji Itao, a post-doc researcher in RIKEN.
I am a theorist specializing in the study of human history by applying statistical physics, complex systems theory, and evolutionary principles. Focused on universal mechanisms that govern the formation of social structures, I develop simplified models of human interactions grounded in anthropological observations to simulate social dynamics and explore the emergence of social structures. Actively engaged in international academic collaboration, I organize the Asian Cultural Evolution seminar and ICET seminar, fostering cross-disciplinary connections among global researchers.
Curriculum Vitae
Special Postdoctoral Researcher in RIKEN, Center for Brain Science 2024-
Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Tokyo, 2024
Concentrations: Complex systems, Statistical physics, Cultural evolution
Thesis: Principles of the Emergence of Diverse Human Social Structures: Constructing Universal Anthropology
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Koji Hukushima.
Recieved Ikushi Prize from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Inoue Research Award for Young Scientists from Inoue Foundation for Science
Research Fellowship for Young Scientists, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), 2021-2024
Title: Universality in the emergence of kinship structures and family systems
Guest Researcher in Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 2022-2024
M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Tokyo, 2021
Concentrations: Complex systems, Statistical physics, Cultural evolution
Thesis: Multilevel Evolution of Families and Societies
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Kunihiko Kaneko.
Recieved University of Tokyo President Award
Research Assistant, World-leading Innovative Graduate Study Program of Advanced Basic Science Course, University of Tokyo, 2019-2024
kenji.itao[at]riken.jp