Members

Director

Shutaro Takeda

専門領域

Fusion, Environment and Energy, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship

略歴

Holding a Ph.D. in Energy Science from Kyoto University and a Master's in Sustainability from Harvard University, he began his career as a United Nations official and a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV). He was subsequently appointed as a Designated Associate Professor at Kyoto University at the youngest age.

In 2019, he founded Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd. with the aim of realizing the "Sun on Earth." He successfully scaled the company into a global enterprise, achieving numerous accolades, including the top ranking in Forbes Japan's Deep Tech category.

Dedicated to bringing about a paradigm shift that fundamentally transforms humanity's energy use, he is also involved in policy formulation as a government committee member. In 2023, he was conferred a Vatican-recognized knighthood.

Professor, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

Ryota Kasada

専門領域

Nuclear and Fusion Materials Engineering, Science Communication

略歴

Works broadly on "materials", a consistently critical issue in realising fusion energy, covering themes from fundamentals to applications. Particular strengths include micro-scale testing techniques for evaluating the mechanical properties of structural materials and advancing materials with superior resistance to degradation. Also works on developing original workshops that promote communication and public engagement related to the social implementation of fusion energy and materials research.

Associate Professor, College of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University

Yuta Ando

専門領域

Sustainability Studies, Science and Technology Communication, Circular Economy

略歴

After completing the Undergraduate School of Engineering Science, Kyoto University, proceeded to the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in the Micro Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, earning a Ph.D. (Engineering) in 2022. Subsequently served as a Designated Researcher and Designated Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, and has held the current position since April 2025. Research focuses on sustainability and environmental issues, with an emphasis on driving social transformation and behavior change.

Professor, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University

Kazuaki Hanada

専門領域

Fusion Science

略歴

After earning a degree at Kyoto University through research on the WT-3 tokamak, engaged in work on the TST-M spherical tokamak at the University of Tokyo and the TRIAM-1M superconducting tokamak at Kyushu University. Currently contributes to the design and operation of the QUEST spherical tokamak, focusing on the realization of long-duration plasma discharges.

Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Faculty of Letters, Kobe University

Go Okui

専門領域

Political Philosophy, Science and Technology Studies

略歴

After graduating from the State University of New York at Albany and working in the private sector, obtained a Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary Studies) from Kyoto University in 2021. Has served as a Designated Researcher (Bioethics/Philosophy) at the Kyoto University Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology since 2020, and has held the current position since December 2024. Research centers on Arendt's political philosophy while also addressing ethical issues arising from advances in science and technology.

Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Mizuki Sakamoto

専門領域

Plasma Engineering, Fusion Science

略歴

After appointments at the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), part of the National Institute of National Sciences, and the Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, assumed the position of Professor in the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, and currently serves as Director of the Plasma Research Center. Engages in fundamental research in fusion science, focusing on divertor heat and particle control and plasma-wall interactions, to accelerate the realization of fusion energy. Since 2023, has served as Chair of the Task Force on Comprehensive Strategy for Prototype Reactor Development under the Fusion Science and Technology Committee, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Professor, National Institute for Fusion Science Fusion Science Interdisciplinary Coordination Center Director

Ryo Yasuhara

専門領域

Laser Diagnostics, Plasma Diagnostics, Laser Engineering

略歴

Research centers on fusion applications, including the development of new laser sources, ultra-high-temporal-resolution plasma diagnostics, and optical and magneto-optical materials. Actively engages in industry-academia collaboration and international joint research. Recognised as a World's Top 2% Scientist, with international contributions such as work on the W7-X and LHD experiments, high-power laser development, and the first observation of magneto-optical effects in transparent ceramics.

Managing Director, Strategy Group, Business Consulting Division

Hakuto Watanabe

専門領域

Strategic Focus Areas: Corporate Strategy M&A, Post-Merger Integration, and Alliance Strategy Energy Strategy CCUS and Next-Generation Energy Transition Strategy Sustainability Strategy Industry Focus Areas: Electric Power, Gas, Oil, Chemicals, and General Trading Companies in the Materials and Energy Sector

略歴

Over a career spanning nearly 30 years, worked in IT consulting and served as Japan Lead for Energy and Sustainability at a Big 4 firm before assuming the current role. Possesses deep expertise in the electric power, gas, and broader energy sectors, with extensive experience leading projects in M&A, corporate restructuring such as holding-company formation and spin-offs, and other transformation phases. In the sustainability domain, has supported numerous cross-industry CCUS demonstration projects, next-generation energy-hub development concepts, and decarbonization pilots in Leading Decarbonization Regions, enabling collaborations that extend beyond corporate and industrial boundaries.

Doctoral Course, Department of Technology Management for Innovation
The University of Tokyo Research Assistant, Institute for Future Initiatives
The University of Tokyo Researcher, The Keio University Graduate School of Media Design

Hiroyoshi Iwata

略歴

After completing a master's degree in the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, in 2013, worked at a plant engineering company and a venture capital firm before focusing on climate innovation research. Has contributed to startup support as the secretariat for the Environment and Energy Innovation Community, a Domain Expert for UK-based Carbon 13, and as a project catalyst for New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Doctoral Course, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University

Misa Iwamoto

専門領域

Environmental and Energy Studies, Socio-economic Analysis, Sustainability Assessment

略歴

Graduated from Kure National College of Technology; earned a Master’s in Engineering at Kyushu University for research on environmental and social risk assessment of power supply chains, including fossil and renewable energy. Conducts socio-economic research evaluating the multi-faceted social and economic value and impacts of fusion energy. Recipient of the Kyushu University Branch Director’s Award (City Planning Institute of Japan) and the Young Presentation Award (Japan Society of Plasma and Fusion Research).

4th grade, School of International Liberal Studies, concentration in Sustainability Studies
Waseda University Research Assistant
The Keio University Graduate School of Media Design

Naomi Madoka Kerr

専門領域

Sustainability Studies, Carbon Neutrality, ESG Communication

略歴

A fourth-year student at Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies, concentration in Sustainability Studies. Has also earned the Carbon Neutral Leader certification as a minor. Experience includes serving as an executive member of a student organization focused on sustainable fashion, along with public relations and marketing work at a startup in the ESG field. Now engaged in fusion energy social-implementation projects as a Research Assistant at the Keio University Graduate School of Media Design, with a master’s program beginning at the same graduate school in 2025.