Effective communication is key to contributing meaningfully and collaborating successfully in our lab. e recommend the following language proficiencies for applicants who have not obtained a degree taught in English or Japanese:
English: IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 85 or higher
Japanese (Only if planning to conduct research in Japanese): JLPT N1 certification is recommended.
Exceptional skills in statistics, data science, natural language processing, psychology, or related fields may compensate for slightly lower language proficiency, in which case an IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, or JLPT N2 may be sufficient to contribute meaningfully to lab research.
Our lab adopts a scientific approach, integrating experiments and data analysis. However, our research is deeply rooted in the humanities and social sciences, where clear definitions of concepts and precise use of language are important. Thus, we highly value verbal expression and open discussion. The ability to make persuasive and well-described accounts of phenomena is also integral to conducting high-quality research here.
Therefore, among JAIST laboratories, language proficiency is particularly important for success and collaboration within our unique interdisciplinary environment.
Research Methods
As a member of the School of Advanced Science and Technology, students in this laboratory are expected to engage in scientific and quantitative research approaches, including experimental design, data analysis, and computational simulation. While these are the core methods for students, we also welcome postdoctoral researchers (e.g., JSPS PD Fellows) from fields such as folklore studies, history of religions, and sociology of science, where qualitative methods may be central.
Basic knowledge and practical skills in programming, statistics, and experimental design are essential for research in this lab. Those who are new to these areas but are willing to take on the challenge are warmly encouraged to apply. Naturally, we also welcome those who already have experience in these domains.
I myself come from a background in the humanities, with prior studies in comparative cultures, religious studies, and literature, and had no previous experience with programming, data analysis, or computational methods. I began self-study in these areas as an undergraduate preparing for graduate school. For this reason, I believe that students from the humanities and social sciences can acquire the necessary skills after joining the lab. That said, those who are able to begin preparing beforehand are encouraged to do so. Early preparation is beneficial, but we understand that individuals may join at different stages, and later preparation is not necessarily disadvantageous.
If you are unsure where to begin, I suggest starting with the statistical programming language R (external link). Mastery of R can enable you to do most of what is needed in this lab. If you encounter difficulties learning on your own, please do not interpret this as a lack of aptitude or become discouraged—we are here to support your learning journey.
Importantly, a commitment to quantitative research does not preclude qualitative or text-based inquiry. Depending on each researcher’s topic, qualitative research and literature-based analysis may be employed in tandem with quantitative methods.
Recommended Books
Please read the following book. All students are expected to read it.
Alex Mesoudi, Cultural Evolution: How Darwinian Theory Can Explain Human Culture and Synthesize the Social Sciences. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo8787504.html
Research activities in this laboratory may be conducted in either Japanese or English. Fluency in one of these languages is sufficient for pursuing research. For those who are not fluent in either, a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and experimental design is crucial. Without such knowledge, research activities may be difficult.
In particular, students with a background in Japanese linguistics but limited fluency in Japanese may find the research process especially challenging. However, we will fully support those who are genuinely committed to this challenge. On the other hand, students with backgrounds in psychology, quantitative social sciences (e.g., economics, political science, sociology), or natural sciences (e.g., ecology) can typically carry out research smoothly, even if neither Japanese nor English is their first language.
Note: All seminars assume basic understanding of the R language (https://www.r-project.org/).
The laboratory adheres strictly to academic standards regarding plagiarism and data fabrication. Plagiarism—reproducing others’ work without proper citation—will be addressed with utmost seriousness. The definition and scope of plagiarism will be clearly explained upon joining the laboratory.
Similarly, data fabrication and other forms of research misconduct are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in failure to obtain a degree, including rejection of Master's or PhD theses, and possibly more serious consequences. This is not unique to our lab but reflects standard academic practice across institutions.
We also place a strong emphasis on transparency and reproducibility. Students are expected to submit all data, analysis code, and research materials when submitting their theses, ensuring that others in the lab can reproduce the results. If you have concerns about this, we encourage open discussion.
Within the laboratory, we use polite speech regardless of age, gender, status (faculty, researcher, or student), or background. This practice promotes a respectful and inclusive environment, particularly during first encounters.
While informal variations in language are natural as relationships develop, we ask that the "-san + polite speech" norm be maintained by default. This also applies to students from other laboratories when presenting or collaborating with members of our group.
All collected data must be securely backed up. Unless otherwise agreed, data should be shared within the lab. Research data, analysis code, experimental programs, and survey instruments should be preserved and made available to enable full reproducibility.
Please refer to the following GitHub repository as a model:
https://github.com/YNakawake/projectile_neg
Proper data documentation and sharing are considered in the evaluation of Master's and Doctoral theses.
Confidentiality must be strictly maintained regarding personal data obtained through experiments or surveys. Information shared in the lab—including the details of others' research—should be handled with discretion. Before sharing any such information, consider whether doing so might disadvantage others, even inadvertently.
This includes content shared via social media or blogs. Please also adhere to the university’s policy on Security Export Control:
https://education.joureikun.jp/jaist/act/frame/frame110000155.htm
Respect must also be extended to research participants. Even complimentary remarks should not be made publicly without consent. Any concerns should be promptly discussed with the faculty.
While personal beliefs and affiliations are respected, we ask that students refrain from advocacy or proselytizing within the laboratory or university settings. Public expressions of ideological, religious, or political views should not be made in connection with the lab or university affiliations.
We aim to foster an inclusive space for researchers with diverse perspectives. Even if one’s views are firmly held, we ask that everyone remain open to the differing views of others.
This policy does not preclude the participation of individuals affiliated with religious or political institutions. In such cases, we welcome early discussions—ideally prior to enrollment—so that mutual understanding and accommodation can be reached.
Please keep the lab clean and do not place personal belongings outside of your assigned space without prior consultation. In urgent cases, email notification is acceptable.
Do not leave items in hallways, as this poses safety risks during emergencies. Dispose of food waste in designated areas outside the lab, and avoid using lab bins for such waste.
Keeping plants or animals in the lab without permission is strictly prohibited.
7. Graduate Research Supervision Policy
We set different research goals for students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree and those who do not. As a result, the time allocated for supervision and the evaluation of research progress and outcomes may also differ. The expected level of achievement for obtaining a master’s degree may vary depending on the student’s future aspirations. In particular, students who aim to pursue a research career (e.g., as a university faculty member or research institute staff) are expected to meet higher standards of performance and progress. This is because securing a research position requires meeting a certain level of academic achievement.
For example, students aiming for a research career will be expected to produce a master’s thesis or research project that can be objectively evaluated as an academic paper. On the other hand, students who wish to explore questions derived from their professional or personal experiences, after gaining some understanding of the relevant academic fields, may choose topics more closely aligned with their individual interests. However, not all topics can be supervised, and the research theme must generally fall within the supervisor’s areas of expertise and interest.
Supervision practices may also differ between campuses. At the Tokyo satellite campus, which accommodates working professionals, students may face constraints on the time available for research; in contrast to the Ishikawa campus where full-time study is the norm. Seminars and related academic activities are therefore conducted independently at each site.
Regarding research funding, students who conduct research related to externally funded projects obtained by the supervisor may receive more support for experiments, travel expenses, research materials, books, etc. In particular, attending international conferences is subject to budget availability and may be selective. This is because such research projects often include joint research with graduate students as part of their research plan, and progress in these joint efforts contributes to the overall project. Priority may be given to students working on the supervisor’s core research themes.
When contacting the PI, please kindly include the statement 'I have thoroughly reviewed the information pertaining to the lab assignment' at the end of your email, without changing any words. I am very sorry for this, but I have received a bunch of emails in the last year without reading any of the information.