Our Research

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In our group, with knowledge of theoretical chemistry, we do research with the following two purposes:

(1) Elucidation of the functions of organic compounds and metalloenzymes in living organisms.

(2) Analysis of the mechanism of enantioselective organic synthesis reactions, and exploration of new reactions, materials, and catalysis.

The term “physical organic chemistry” may be unfamiliar to you, but it is a field that lies at the boundary between physical chemistry and organic chemistry. In other words, it is a study that seeks to understand the phenomena of organic chemistry from a fundamental perspective. It is well known that the discovery of unexpected phenomena in the diversity of compounds and reactions is what makes organic chemistry so interesting. Recently, however, such diversity has come to be explained in a unified manner as the motion of nuclei and electrons.

Laboratories that use computers to conduct research from the viewpoint of experimental chemistry are rare not only in Japan but also in the world. Currently, our research is not limited to classical organic chemistry; it is expanding into other fields such as the mechanisms of action of chemical substances and enzymatic reactions in living organisms. Our motto is “to do research that others do not do,” but we also strive to conduct research and education from an international and global perspective, considering the relationship with society. We are also very active in international collaborations. 

Graduate students from Tohoku University, University of Tokyo, Osaka University, Osaka Metropolitan University, and other universities with which we have exchanges come to our laboratory to learn computational chemistry. We also invite foreign researchers and graduate students to our laboratory for sessions with our graduate students.

Research in the sciences involves the process of independently searching for and obtaining answers to problems that have not yet been solved by anyone else in the world. Unlike studying textbooks in various fields up to now, research requires independence. But don’t be afraid of the physical-chemistry aspects that may come into play. The most important thing is to question nature. If you are a person with a strong desire to do research and are interested in my research field, let’s collaborate on research together. I also welcome dedicated and hardworking individuals. Computer skills are welcome, and if you are a beginner, senior group members and I will guide you through the process.