Based on the reaction chemistry of organotransition metal complexes, we have developed well-defined molecular catalysts with high activity and selectivity. In particular, we have studied (1) oxidation/reduction systems with smooth hydrogen transfer enabled by the cooperation between metals and proton-responsive ligands, as well as (2) hydrogenation catalysts with significant reduction ability under mild conditions. We are also working on (3) chemical synthesis using supercritical carbon dioxide as a reaction medium and (4) catalyst design using polymers in which reactive functional groups are accumulated as a reaction field. We aim to realize highly efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into value-added compounds in these unique reaction fields and to develop next-generation processes in the direction of green chemistry.

1969 Born in Tokyo

1992 B.S. degree from Waseda University

1997 Ph. D. degree from Waseda University (under the supervision of Prof. Akio Yamamoto)

1996 Research fellow of the Japan Society of the Promotion of Science

1998 Postdoctral associate of the CREST project of JST (Ikariya Group at Tokyo Institute of Technology)

2001 Researcher of the PRESTO project of JST

2005 Research fellow at Tokyo Institute of Technology
2009 Assistant professor (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo)