October 2024
April 2025
October 2025

For reference

Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI[Basic Biology]
Application Guidelines
Contents
I.

Outline: Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies
p. 2

II.

Five-year Doctoral Program: Application Procedures and Important Notes
p. 3

III. Three-year Doctoral Program: Application Procedures and Important Notes
p. 14
IV. The course subjects and the faculty members
p. 25
The following Application Guidelines in English are provided for the purpose of non-JapaneseApplicants' convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency between the Japanese Application
Guidelines and the English version, the Japanese version shall prevail.
Applicants have to require to obtain a booklet of Application Forms. Please contact the address
below to ask for a booklet or any further information.

[Contact Information]
Student Affairs Section, Academic and Student Affairs Division
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Shonan Village, Hayama, Miura, Kanagawa 240-0193 JAPANE-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp
Telephone number +81-46-858-1525/1526

1

Ⅰ.

Outline: Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies

Admission Policy<What SOKENDAI expect of our grad students>
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, seeks students who have a strong interest in
research, who constantly hone their abundant intellect and sensitivity with the aim of conducting researchthat will open up a new era, while taking a “bird's-eye view” of the entire field of study, and who have the will
and enthusiasm to be active on the international stage.
<Basic policy for the selection of our grad students>
In selecting students for admission, SOKENDAI places importance on basic academic ability and logicalthinking ability to actively promote research in the cutting-edge 20 research institutes affiliated with
SOKENDAI. In order to properly judge such abilities, various selections will be made according to therespective fields of specialization.
About SOKENDAI

https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/features/
Faculty Directory
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/faculty-directory/index.html
Coursehttps://www.soken.ac.jp/en/education/curriculum/course/

Requirements for Graduation
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/education/curriculum/requirement/
Degree: Apply to Doctor (Katei-Hakase)https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/education/degree/doctor/index.html

2

Ⅱ.
1

Five-year Doctoral Program: Application Procedures and Important Notes

Number of Students Accepted
Number of Students Accepted
ProgramApril Admission

October Admission

Informatics

Around 8

A few

Statistical Science

Around 2

A few

Particle and Nuclear Science

Around 6

A few

Accelerator Science

Around 2

A few

Astronomical Science

Around 5

Fusion Science

Around 3

A few

Space and Astronautical Science

Around 4

A few

Molecular Science

Around 7

Materials structure Science

Around 2

Polar Science

Around 2

Basic Biology

Around 5

A few

Physiological Sciences

Around 3

A few

Genetics

Around 6

A few

Integrative Evolutionary Science

Around 3

A few

Total

2

A few

58

Qualifications for Application

Applicants must fulfill one of the following conditions
Applicants who are not required to have qualification screening;(1) Applicants who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a Japanese university specified in Article
83 of the School Education Law by the preceding month of enrollment.
(2) Applicants on whom a Bachelor’s degree has been conferred or is expected to be conferred by thepreceding month of enrollment in accordance with Article 104, Paragraph 4 of the School Educational Law.
*1(3) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete 16-year course of school education in aforeign country by the preceding month of enrollment.
(4) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete 16-year course of school education in aforeign country by taking the correspondence courses provided by a school in said foreign country while
residing in Japan by the preceding month of enrollment.
(5) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete a program at an educational institute in Japan3

designated separately by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, that provides
courses of a foreign university within the 16-year school education of said foreign country, by the preceding
month of the enrollment. This applies solely to those who have completed 16-year course of school
education in said foreign country.
(6) Applicants who have been conferred or are expected to be conferred a degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s
degree by the preceding month of enrollment by completing an educational course of three or more years
in a foreign university or in a foreign educational institute; which shall be evaluated by an organization
approved by a relevant official institution in the country for their education and research activities, orrecognized as so by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The course shall
include a correspondence course which enables students to study in Japan by a university or an
educational institute which is approved by the educational system of the country and satisfy the above
requirements.
(7) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete the specialized course of a vocational school
designated separately by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in accordancewith Enforcement Regulation of the School Education Law, Article 155, paragraph 1, item 5 (limited tocourses for which the term of study is four years or more, and which satisfies the standards determined by
the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) on or after the date determined by the
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, or by the preceding month of enrollment.
(8) Applicants who are designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology inaccordance with Enforcement Regulation of the School Education Law, Article 155, paragraph 1, item 6(i.e., Ministry of Education Notification number 5, 1953) *2
Applicants who are required to have qualification screening before the general application can besubmitted;(9) Applicants who fulfill any of the following provisions (a) to (c) below, and have been recognized by
SOKENDAI as having acquired the specified credits with excellent results;(a) Applicants who have completed 15-year course of school education in a foreign country by the end of
preceding month of enrollment,(b) Applicants who have completed 15-year course of school education in a foreign country by taking thecorrespondence courses provided by a school in said foreign country while residing in Japan,(c) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete a program in an educational institute inJapan designated separately by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,
that provides courses of a foreign university within the 15-year school education of said foreign country,
by the preceding month of the enrollment. This applies solely to those who have completed 15-year
course of school education in said foreign country.
(10) Applicants who have been or will have been enrolled in a Japanese university specified in Article 83 of the
School Education Law for at least three years by the end of preceding month of enrollment, and have beenrecognized by SOKENDAI as having acquired the specified credits of said university with excellent results.
(11) Applicants who have entered a graduate school other than SOKENDAI in accordance with the Article 102,4

paragraph 2 of the School Education Law, and have been recognized by SOKENDAI as having theappropriate academic ability to follow the content of graduate coursework.
(12) Applicants who have been recognized as having academic ability equivalent to a university graduate or
higher by the individual screening of Admission Qualifications of SOKENDAI, and attain the age of 22 by
the end of preceding month of enrollment. *3*1

Applicants to whom the provision (2) above apply are those on whom a Bachelor’s degree has been

conferred or are expected to be conferred by National Institute for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancementof Higher Education (formerly, National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation).
*2

Applicants to whom the provision (8) above apply are those who have graduated or are expected tograduate from a university under Old University Ordinances, or Daigakko under orders for organization and actsof establishment of government ministries or agencies.
*3

Applicants to whom the provision (12) above apply are those who have graduated or are expected tograduate from junior college, technical college, vocational school, other schools, Japan campus of foreign
university, foreigners’ school in Japan and other educational institutes, and who have been recognized by
SOKENDAI as having academic ability equivalent to a university graduate or higher by individual screening.
If you have any questions regarding the qualification for admission, please contact the Student Affairs Section(E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp or telephone no.: +81-46-858-1525/1526) in advance.

3

Qualification Screening for Application

Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (9) to (12) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are required
to submit the following documents to the Student Affairs Section by the designated deadline. Application
documents shall be withheld until the qualification screening is completed.
(1) Documents Required for Qualification Screening for Application(a) Application for Certifying Applicant’s Qualification (Attached Form 7-1)(b) Application documents (as described in “5 Application Documents” below)
Examination fee, however, should be paid after application qualification is approved.
(c) Other documents required by this program. For details, please refer to the program office.
(a), (b) and (c) above must be submitted all together.
(2) Application Period for Qualification Screening(Only for the applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (9) to (12) in “2 Qualification forApplication”)
First round
Second round

Application Period
October 2024 Admission
June 3 (Monday) to
April 2025 Admission
June 6 (Thursday), 2024
April 2025 Admission
November 5 (Tuesday) to
October 2025 Admission
November 7 (Thursday), 2024

The application must arrive no later than the last day of the application period without fail.
It must be received during 09:00～12:00, 13:00～17:00 on weekdays of the application period.
5(3) Procedure for Qualification Screening
The complete set of application documents should be sent by postal mail in a commercially available
envelope (33cm x 24cm) with the prescribed label in the booklet pasted. Please be sure to send it byregistered express mail. Applicants should write “Application Documents and Application for Certifying
Applicant’s Qualification Enclosed” in red ink on the face of the envelope. The application must reach
SOKENDAI no later than the last day of the application period.
(4) Result of Qualification Screening for Application
The result of Qualification Screening for Application shall be notified prior to the application period.
Applicants who have been approved by the screening should send in the payment for the examination fee
in accordance with Form 8. After remittance is completed, Form 8 on which the remittance receipt is
attached should be submitted.

4

Application Procedure

Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (1) to (8) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are required tosubmit the following documents to the Student Affairs Section by the designated deadline.
(1) Application Period
First round
Second round

Application Period
October 2024 Admission
June 27 (Thursday) to
April 2025 Admission
July 3 (Wednesday), 2024
April 2025 Admission
December 5 (Thursday) to
October 2025 Admission
December 11 (Wednesday), 2024

The application must arrive no later than the last day of the application period without fail.
It must be received during 09:00～12:00, 13:00～17:00 on weekdays of the application period.
(2) Application Method
In principle, the complete set of application documents should be sent by postal mail in acommercially available envelope (33cm x 24cm) with the prescribed label in the booklet pasted.
Please be sure to send it by registered express mail. The application must reach SOKENDAI no later
than the last day of the application period. Please note that application documents will NOT be accepted byany parent institute or program office.
(Note)
Before submitting, please be sure to fill in and enclose all the necessary documents.
Please allow enough time to send the application documents, giving consideration to mail delivery
conditions and the case of insufficient documents.
Mailing address:
Student Affairs Section, Academic and Student Affairs Division
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Shonan Village, Hayama, Miura, Kanagawa 240-0193 JAPAN
Telephone number +81-46-858-1525/1526

6

5

Application Documents
Please read through the “Important Notes for Applicants” beforehand. Also, application forms must becompleted with a black or blue pen or ballpoint pen (erasable pens are not acceptable).
(1) Application form and admission ticket for the examination (Form 1-A)
Please attach two identical photographs (4.5cm by 3.5cm taken within the past three months, upper
body, full-faced with no hat) on Form 1-A. Please read through the application guidelines and sign yourname in agreement with the contents.
(2) Academic transcripts (original)(a) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (1) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit academic transcripts from the undergraduate school. In case any of the credits wasapproved after transferred to the undergraduate school, academic transcripts from the technicalcollege or other college are also required.
(b) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (2) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit all the academic transcripts concerning the Bachelor’s degree.
(c) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (3) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application”
must submit the academic transcripts from the foreign undergraduate school.
(d) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (10) to (12) in “2 Qualifications for Application”
must submit the academic transcript from their final academic background.
(3) Certificate of (expected) graduation (original)(a) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (1) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the certificate of graduation from the university which a Bachelor’s degree has been
conferred from.
(b) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (2) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the certificate from National Institute for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement ofHigher Education (formerly, National Institute for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation).
(c) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (3) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application”
must submit the certificate of (expected) graduation from the foreign undergraduate school.
(d) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (10) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the school-certificate, and applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (11) and (12)in “2 Qualifications for Application” must submit the certificate of graduation of their final academic
background.
(4) Statement of Purpose (Form 2)
Applicants who apply to a second-choice program should copy and prepare the form for the secondchoice program separately.
(5) Examination fee of 30,000 yen
For payment details, please refer to Form 8. MEXT scholarship students do not have to bear theexamination fee, however, they need to submit a certificate of MEXT scholarship student status.

7(6) Recipient’s address labels (Form 9)
Applicants who live outside Japan must contact the Student Affairs Section in advance. [E-mail:gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp](7) Confirmation Letter regarding the Applicability of the Specific Categories for Compliance with Article
25(1) and (2) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Form10)
Applicants residing in Japan must submit Form 10. Please refer to the simple check flow chart (*) tocomplete the form. For details, please contact the Research Coordination Section. [E-mail:kenkyo@ml.soken.ac.jp]* https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/file/tokuteiruikei-E.pdf(8) LETTER PACK PLUS
We will send Admission ticket for the examination by "LETTER PACK PLUS." Please purchase"LETTER PACK PLUS" at the post office in Japan. Applicants who live outside Japan must contact theStudent Affairs Section in advance. [E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp](9) Curriculum Vitae (Form 1-2, only for international applicants and Japanese applicants who havereceived their education outside Japan)(10) Documents certifying the applicant’s research abilities, such as thesis, research report and othermaterials in which research capabilities are indicated.
Applicants who apply to a second-choice program must submit another set of copy of the documents
for the second-choice program separately.
(11) Letter of Recommendation
Applicants may submit the Letter of Recommendation, if any, from those who are appropriate toevaluate the applicant’s academic ability. The letter must be sealed up by the writer. Applicants who
intend to apply under the provision (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are recommended to submit
the Letter of Recommendation for the qualification screening.
(12) Permission for Studying While in Employment (Form 6)
Applicants who are currently employed full-time are required to submit Permission for Studying Whilein Employment (Form 6). In case the permission cannot be obtained or the applicant intends to resign
before enrollment, s/he may instead submit a statement of reason with her/his signature.
(13) A copy of Residence Card (international applicants residing in Japan) or
A copy of passport (international applicants residing outside Japan at the time of application)
Notes:i.

Incomplete documents shall not be accepted. No documents shall be returned.

ii.

In case the applicant’s name has changed after marriage, etc., a copy of family register should be
attached.

iii.

Form 2 is also downloadable at our website.
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/application_info/bb/index.html

iv.

Application documents should be written in Japanese or English. If you submit the certificate neither
in Japanese nor English, please also attach the certificate in Japanese or English.
8v.

Applicants who are (were) in the doctoral or master's program must submit a transcript of the doctoralor master's program. Applicants who have graduated from a doctoral or master's program must
submit a certificate of graduation. Applicants who have withdrawn from the doctoral or master's
program must submit a withdrawal certificate.

6

Screening Procedures

Screening will be conducted based on submitted application documents and results of academic tests. For thedetails of the screening methods for this program, please refer to “Important Notes for Applicants”.
If you apply to more than two programs, please note that screening is conducted individually, and the date orvenue may differ depending on the screening.

First round
Second round

October 2024 Admission
April 2025 Admission
April 2025 Admission
October 2025 Admission

Examination Date
August 6 (Tuesday) and August 7 (Wednesday), 2024
January 23 (Thursday) and January 24 (Friday), 2025

(Note) Detailed information about the time and venue of the examination will be provided with theadmission ticket for the exam. In case the ticket shall not be delivered one week prior to the date of
examination, please contact the Student Affairs Section. Please see the following website for the delivery
schedule of admission ticket.
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/application_info/bb/index.html
Venue of the examination

7

Program

Location and Directions

Basic Biology

National Institute for Basic Biology
38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585
Seven-minute walk from Higashi-Okazaki Station (Nagoya Railway, Meitetsu).

Announcement of Results
First round
Second round

Notification
October 2024 Admission
April 2025 Admission
April 2025 Admission
October 2025 Admission

Late August 2024
Mid-February 2025

Further details will be sent to applicants.
Results will be mailed to the successful applicants. Announcement of results will be made on the SOKENDAI
website (https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/general_admission/result/index.html), however, results shallbe confirmed by notification by mail. Inquiries regarding the results by telephone or other means will not be
responded to.

8

Admission Procedures(1) Admission period is scheduled as below:
Late September 2024 for the enrollment of October 2024
Early to mid-March 2025 for the enrollment of April 2025
9

Late September 2025 for the enrollment of October 2025
Successful applicants must complete the admission procedures during the prescribed period. Further
details will be notified to successful applicants separately.
(2) Fees required for admission are as follows.
Entrance Fee: JPY282, 000
Tuition Fee for six months: JPY267, 900
Student Insurance Fee for five years: JPY5,750(Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research)
Note:(a) In case the entrance or tuition fees are revised at the time of or during enrollment, the revised
fees shall be applied from the date of revision.
(b) Entrance fees shall not be refunded under any circumstances once the payment is made.
Premium for the student insurance, however, may be refunded only if applicants decline theadmission by the cut-off dates as blow:
September 30, 2024 for the enrollment of October 2024
March 31, 2025 for the enrollment of April 2025
September 30, 2025 for the enrollment of October 2025
(3) Applicants who are currently employed full-time must submit the “Letter of Approval” issued by the employer
that acknowledges the enrollment while employed. Resignation certificate must be submitted if you resign
before you enroll at SOKENDAI.
(4) Applicants who are enrolled at a school other than SOKENDAI at the time of application (not including
applicants who will have graduated/completed the school before you enroll at SOKENDAI) must submit thecertificate of withdrawal from said school.
(5) Foreign nationals are strongly advised to obtain a student visa unless a particular reason would prohibit
them from doing so. Detailed information on how to obtain this type of visa is available on the SOKENDAI’s
website: http://www.soken.ac.jp/en/campuslife/international/immigration/

9Long-term course system
Long-term course system is a planned course of study for a certain period of time beyond the standard
period of study upon request from the student, who has an occupation or other circumstances. For further
information, please contact the Educational Affairs Section.
E-mail: kyomu@ml.soken.ac.jp, or Fax: +81-46-858-1632

10

General Notes(1) Before applying and taking the entrance examination, applicants should read through “Important Notes forApplicants”.
(2) Submitted documents shall not be returned. No changes or alternations to the submitted documents shall10

be accepted after filing.
(3) Admission might be revoked in case of any false entry or act of dishonesty on application documents andother documents.
(4) Applicants who wish to transfer to SOKENDAI from other graduate school must contact Student Affairs
Section before the last day of the application period.
(5) Applicants with disabilities who require special consideration at the examination and after enrollment areadvised to inform SOKENDAI three months prior to the application period.
(6) Applicants should inform the Student Affairs Section if they wish to withdraw their application.
(7) In case the applicant has changed the mailing address after submitting the application documents, please
inform the Student Affairs Section of the change.
E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp, or Fax: +81-46-858-1632(8) Students are not allowed to simultaneously register at other universities while studying at SOKENDAI.
(9) For applicants with foreign nationality, if your name contains characters from your native language, thesecharacters may be replaced with the Roman alphabet for administrative purposes.
(10) If there is any change for SOKENDAI admissions, we will announce on SOKENDAI website. Please makesure SOKENDAI website.

11

Security Export Control
Based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (*), SOKENDAI has established regulations andconducts examinations for the provision of technology and the acceptance of researchers and students. For
this reason, if it is deemed that there is a risk of falling under regulations, you may be required to change
your desired education or research content. Security Export Control regulations has nothing to do with
passing or failing the entrance examination. Please consult the program office for further details.
* https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/englishpage.html

12

Privacy Policy(1) Any personal information including applicant’s name and address submitted to SOKENDAI as part of theapplication documents shall be used during the application process such as applicant/examination
procedures, notification of results and admission procedures. After enrollment, personal information shallalso be used for student affairs (school register and course registration), student services (health care,tuition exemption and scholarship application, and career support) and administrative purposes ofprocessing payments for entrance and tuition fees.
(2) Personal information obtained in the screening process such as examination results, shall be used for
aggregate analyses of examination results and research for use in the screening process.

11

Important Notes for Applicants to Basic Biology Program(Five-year Doctoral Program)(1) It is highly recommended that applicants contact an appropriate supervisor prior to submitting a formal
application to inform him or her of their interest in submitting a research plan. For information on whichlaboratories and professors are affiliated with this program, please see The course subjects and the faculty
members on pages 25-30 of this brochure.
Applicants may also select a second-choice laboratory in addition to their first-choice laboratory. Applicants
can apply to the second-choice program from Astronomical Science, Fusion Science, Space andAstronautical Science, Molecular Science, Materials structure Science, Polar Science, Physiological
Sciences, Genetics or Integrative Evolutionary Science, if the application period, doctoral program, andenrollment period are the same. Please note that screening is conducted individually, and the date orvenue may differ depending on the screening.
(2) Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from someone who can provide an appropriate opinionof their research abilities.
(3) Selection Method(a) Document review, written examinations (English and short essay), and an interview will be conducted.
Each written examination will take an hour. For the English examination, applicants are allowed touse up to three dictionaries from the following: their native language-to-English dictionary, Englishto-their native language dictionary, and English dictionary (electronic dictionaries are not allowed).
(b) The interview will take up to 30 minutes. The first 15 minutes will be spent exploring the applicant’s
reasons for applying, previous research (or details of his or her studies), future research aspirations,and any other relevant topics. A whiteboard will be available for use during the interview. The
remaining 15 minutes will be used for a question-and-answer session covering the applicant’spresentation, submitted documents, and the results of the written examination.
(c) This examination can be taken in either Japanese or English. Applicants may write a short essay in
English and/or take the interview in English. Applicants who write a short essay in English will be
exempted from the English written examination. If applicants wish to write a short essay in English
and/or take the interview in English, they must notify us in advance.
(d) The written examination and interview will be held at the National Institute for Basic Biology in Aichi,
Japan. Please note that applicants need to obtain their own short-term visa for the entrance
examination themselves.
(4) Criteria for grading, evaluation and admission decision<Criteria for grading and evaluation>
Applicants will be graded on a score from A (the highest grade) to D (the lowest grade) based on the
results of the written examination, interview, and submitted documents.
<Criteria for admission decision>
Acceptance will be determined by the total score and overall performance.
12(5) For individuals who require a longer period of study than the prescribed length, a long-term course of study
may be permitted after admission. Those who wish to pursue this course of study must contact anappropriate supervisor before submitting their application documents.
(6) Financial Support for Students
Graduate students may apply for the Research Assistance program after consultation with their supervisingprofessor. Those employed as Research Assistants receive an annual salary of approximately 1,000,000
yen each.
(7) Questions regarding this section may be addressed to:
Graduate Student Affairs Section
International Relations & Research Cooperation Division
National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)
Nishigonaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
Phone: +81 564 55 7139
Fax: +81 564 55 7119
Web site: http://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/univ/

13

Ⅲ. Three-year Doctoral Program: Application Procedures and Important Notes
1

Number of Students Accepted
Number of Students Accepted
ProgramApril Admission
Anthropological Studies

Around 4

Japanese Studies

Around 3

Japanese History

Around 3

Japanese Literature

Around 2

Japanese Language Science

Around 3

Informatics

Around 12

A few

Statistical Science

Around 6

A few

Particle and Nuclear Science

Around 1

A few

Accelerator Science

Around 1

A few

Astronomical Science

Around 1

A few

Fusion Science

Around 2

A few

Space and Astronautical Science

Around 3

A few

Molecular Science

Around 5

A few

Materials structure Science

Around 1

A few

Global Environmental Studies

Around 2

Polar Science

Around 1

A few

Basic Biology

Around 3

A few

Physiological Sciences

Around 6

A few

Genetics

Around 2

A few

Integrative Evolutionary Science

Around 1

A few

Total

2

October Admission

62

Qualifications for Application
Applicants must fulfill one of the following conditions
Applicants who are not required to have qualification screening;(1) Applicants who hold or are expected to take a Master’s degree or a Professional degree by the preceding
month of enrollment.
(2) Applicants on whom a Master’s degree or a degree equivalent to a Professional degree has been
conferred or is expected to be conferred in a foreign country by the preceding month of enrollment.
14

(3) Applicants who have completed the correspondence courses provided by a school in a foreign country
while residing in Japan, and have been conferred or are expected to be conferred a Master’s degree ora degree equivalent to a Professional degree by the preceding month of enrollment.
(4) Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete a program in an educational institute inJapan that provides courses from a foreign graduate school within the school education system of said
foreign country, and that is designated separately by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology, and have been conferred or are expected to be conferred a Master’s degree or a degree
equivalent to a Professional degree by the preceding month of enrollment.
(5) Applicants who have completed a course at the United Nations University and have been conferred orare expected to be conferred a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree by the preceding month ofenrollment, in accordance with the Enforcement Regulation of the School Education Law, Article 156,
Item 4.
(6) Applicants who have completed a course of study at a school in a foreign country or an educational
institute that has graduate school in a foreign country or the United Nations University, and have passed
or will have passed the examinations and screening equivalent to those specified in Article 16-2 of theStandards for Establishment of Graduate Schools (1974 Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
Ordinance Number 28), and who have been or will have been recognized by SOKENDAI as having
academic abilities equivalent to those who have a Master’s degree.
Applicants who are required to have qualification screening before the general application can besubmitted;(7) Applicants who have graduated from a university and have been or will have been engaged in researchat a university or a research institute for at least two years by the preceding month of the enrollment, andhave been recognized by SOKENDAI as having academic ability equivalent to or superior to those whohave a Master’s degree or a Professional degree based on said research achievement.
(8) Applicants who have completed 16-year course of school education in a foreign country or 16-year courseof school education by taking the correspondence courses provided by a school in a foreign country while
residing in Japan, and thereafter, have been or will have been engaged in research at a university or a
research institute for at least two years by the preceding month of the enrollment, and have beenrecognized by SOKENDAI as having academic ability equivalent to or superior to those who have a
Master’s degree or a Professional degree based on said research achievement.
(9) Applicants who have been recognized by SOKENDAI as having academic ability equivalent to or superior
to those who have a Master’s degree or a Professional degree by the individual screening of Admission
Qualifications of SOKENDAI, and attain the age of 24 by the end of preceding month of enrollment. ** Applicants who have completed a six-year course of medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary schools are
required to be recognized by SOKENDAI as having academic ability equivalent to or superior to those who havea Master’s degree or a Professional degree by the individual screening of Admission Qualifications of
SOKENDAI. For details, please refer to ‘3. Qualification Screening for Application’.
If you have any question regarding the qualification for admission, please contact the Student Affairs Section
15

(E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp or telephone no.: +81-46-858-1525/1526) in advance.

3

Qualification Screening for Application(1) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (7) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are required
to submit the following documents to Student Affairs Section by the designated deadline. Application
documents shall be withheld until the qualification screening is completed.
(2) Applicants who wish to apply under the provisions (7) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are required
to submit the following documents for screening to be recognized as “having academic ability equivalent tothose who have a Master’s degree or a Professional degree”. An interview may be conducted if necessary.
(a)Documents Required for Qualification Screening for Applicationi.

Application for Certifying Applicant’s Qualification (Form 7-2)

ii.

Application Documents as specified in “5 Application Documents”

Examination fee, however, should be paid after the application is approved.
(i.) and (ii.) above should be submitted all together. Please note that applicants might be asked to submit
other documents by the program.
(b)

Application Period regarding Qualification Screening(Only for the applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (7) to (9) in “2 Qualification forApplication”)
First round
Second round

Application Period
October 2024 Admission
June 3 (Monday) to
April 2025 Admission
June 6 (Thursday), 2024
April 2025 Admission
November 5 (Tuesday) to
October 2025 Admission
November 7 (Thursday), 2024

Application must arrive no later than the last day of the application period without fail.
It must be received during 09:00～12:00, 13:00～17:00 on weekdays of the application period.
(c) Procedure for Qualification Screening
The complete set of application documents should be sent by postal mail in a commercially available
envelope (33cm x 24cm) with the prescribed label in the booklet pasted. Please be sure to send it byregistered express mail. Applicants should write “Application Documents and Application for Certifying
Applicant’s Qualification Enclosed” in red ink on the face of the envelope. If the application documents
do not fit in an envelope, they may be sent in a box. However, even in this case, please send the
documents by traceable mail. The application must reach SOKENDAI no later than the last day of theapplication period.
(d) Result of Qualification Screening for Application
The result of Qualification Screening for Application shall be notified prior to the application period.
Applicants who have been approved by the screening should complete payment for the examination fee
accordance with Form 8. After the remittance is completed, Form 8 on which the remittance receipt is
attached should be submitted to Student Affairs Section.

16

4

Application Procedure

Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (1) to (6) in “2 Qualifications for Application” are required tosubmit the following documents to the Student Affairs Section by the designated deadline.
(1) Application Period
First round
Second round

Application Period
October 2024 Admission
June 27 (Thursday) to
April 2025 Admission
July 3 (Wednesday), 2024
April 2025 Admission
December 5 (Thursday) to
October 2025 Admission
December 11 (Wednesday), 2024

The application must arrive no later than the last day of the application period without fail.
It must be received during 09:00～12:00, 13:00～17:00 on weekdays of the application period.
(2) Application Method
In principle, the complete set of application documents should be sent by postal mail in acommercially available envelope (33cm x 24cm) with the prescribed label in the booklet pasted.
Please be sure to send it by registered express mail. If the application documents do not fit in an
envelope, they may be sent in a box. However, even in this case, please send the documents by traceable
mail. The application must reach SOKENDAI no later than the last day of the application period. Please
note that application documents will not be accepted by any parent institute or program office.
(Note)
Before submitting, please be sure to fill in and enclose all the necessary documents.
Please allow enough time to send the application documents, giving consideration to mail delivery
conditions and the case of insufficient documents.
Mailing address:
Student Affairs Section, Academic and Student Affairs Division
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Shonan Village, Hayama, Miura, Kanagawa 240-0193 JAPAN
Telephone number +81-46-858-1525/1526

5

Application Documents

Prior contact with the prospective supervisor of your choice is required in order to apply.
Please read through the “Important Notes for Applicants” beforehand. Also, application forms must be completedwith a black or blue pen or ballpoint pen (erasable pens are not acceptable).
(1) Application form and admission ticket for the examination (Form 1-B)
Please attach two identical photographs (4.5cm by 3.5cm taken within the past three months, upper-body,full-faced with no hat) on Form 1-B. Please read through the application guidelines and sign your name inagreement with the contents.
(2) Academic transcripts (original)(a) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (1) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must submit
the academic transcript from the graduate school or the Professional graduate school, and that from theundergraduate school. In case any of the credits was approved after transferred to the undergraduate
17

school, academic transcripts from the technical college or other college are also required.
(b) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (2) to (6) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the academic transcript from the graduate school in said foreign country (a Master’s degree or a
Professional degree) and that from the undergraduate school concerning the Bachelor’s degree.
(c) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (7) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the academic transcript from their final academic background.
(3) Certificate of (expected) graduation (original)
The certificate should state conferment of the Master’s degree or the Professional degree.
(a) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (1) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must submit acertificate of (expected) graduation from the graduate school which a Master’s degree or a Professional
degree has been conferred from.
(b) Applicants who intend to apply under the provision (2) to (5) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit the certificate of (expected) graduation from the foreign graduate school.
(c) Applicants who intend to apply under the provisions (6) to (9) in “2 Qualifications for Application” must
submit a certificate of graduation of their final academic background.
(4) Summary of Previous Research Experience (Form 3)(5) List of Research Presentations and Publications (Form 4)
Applicants who do not have any, please specify “None” on Form 4 and submit the form.
(6) Research Proposal (Form 5)
Applicants who apply to a second-choice program must copy and prepare the form for the second-choiceprogram separately.
(7) Examination fee of 30,000yen
For payment details, please refer to Form 8. MEXT scholarship students do not have to bear theexamination fee, however, they need to submit a certificate of MEXT scholarship student status.
(8) Recipient’s address label (Form 9)
Applicants who live outside Japan must contact the Student Affairs Section in advance. [E-mail:gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp](9) Confirmation Letter regarding the Applicability of the Specific Categories for Compliance with Article 25(1)and (2) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Form10)
Applicants residing in Japan must submit Form10. Please refer to the simple check flow chart (*) tocomplete the form. For details, please contact the Research Coordination Section. [E-mail:kenkyo@ml.soken.ac.jp]* https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/file/tokuteiruikei-E.pdf(10) LETTER PACK PLUS
We will send Admission ticket for the examination by "LETTER PACK PLUS." Please purchase "LETTERPACK PLUS" at the post office in Japan. Applicants who live outside Japan must contact the Student Affairs
Section in advance. [E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp](11) Curriculum Vitae (Form 1-2, only for international applicants and Japanese applicants who have received
18

their education outside Japan)(12) Two copy of Master’s thesis
Applicants who have a Master’s degree or who have submitted the Master’s thesis should submit two copiesof Master’s thesis. Please specify “Master’s thesis” on the upper-right corner of the front page in red ink.
Applicants who apply to a second-choice program must submit another set of copy of the Master’s thesis
for the second-choice program separately.
(13) Applicants who have any publication of scientific paper or treatise should submit two copies of the
publication.
Applicants who apply to a second-choice program must submit another set of copy of the publication for thesecond-choice program separately.
(14) Letter of Recommendation
Applicants may submit the Letter of Recommendation from persons who are appropriate to evaluate theapplicant’s academic ability. The letter must be sealed up by the writer.
(15) Permission for Studying While in Employment (Form 6)
Applicants who are currently employed full-time are required to submit Permission for Taking the Entrance
Examination (Form 6). In case the permission cannot be obtained or the applicant intends to resign before
enrollment, she/he may instead submit a statement of reason sealed by her/himself. In this case, “Letter of
Permission to be enrolled while employed” or “Certificate of Resign” must be submitted at the time ofadmission.
(16) A copy of Residence Card (International applicants residing in Japan) ora copy of passport (international applicants residing outside Japan at the time of application)(Notes)i.

Incomplete documents shall not be accepted. No documents shall be returned.

ii.

In case the applicant’s name has changed after marriage, etc., a copy of family register should be
attached.

iii.

Form 3, 4 and 5 are also downloadable at our website.
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/application_info/bb/index.html

iv.

Application documents should be written in Japanese or English.

If you submit the certificate neither

in Japanese nor English, please also attach the certificate in Japanese or English.
v.

Applicants who are (were) in the doctoral program must submit a transcript of the doctoral program.
Applicants who have graduated from a doctoral program must submit a certificate of graduation.
Applicants who have withdrawn from the doctoral program must submit a withdrawal certificate.

6

Screening Procedures

Screening will be conducted based on submitted application documents and results of academic tests. For
details of the screening methods for this program, please refer to “Important Notes for Applicants”.
If you apply to more than two programs, please note that screening is conducted individually, and the date orvenue may differ depending on the screening.
19

First round
Second round

October 2024 Admission
April 2025 Admission
April 2025 Admission
October 2025 Admission

Examination Date
August 6 (Tuesday) and August 7 (Wednesday), 2024
January 23 (Thursday) and January 24 (Friday), 2025

(Note) Detailed information about the time and place of the examination will be provided with theadmission ticket for the exam. In case the ticket shall not be delivered one week prior to the date of
examination, please contact the Student Affairs Section. Please see the following website for the delivery
schedule of admission ticket.
https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/application_info/bb/index.html
Venue of the examination

7

Program

Location and Directions

Basic Biology

National Institute for Basic Biology
38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585
Seven-minute walk from Higashi-Okazaki Station (Nagoya Railway, Meitetsu).

Announcement of Results
First round
Second round

Notification
October 2024 Admission
April 2025 Admission
April 2025 Admission
October 2025 Admission

Late August 2024
Mid-February 2025

Further details will be sent to applicants.
Results will be mailed to the successful applicants. Announcement of results will be made on the SOKENDAI
website (https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/admission/general_admission/result/index.html), however, results shallbe confirmed by mailed notification. Inquiries regarding the results by telephone or other means will not be
responded.

8

Admission Procedures(1) Admission period is scheduled as below:
Late September 2024 for the enrollment of October 2024
Early to mid-March 2025 for the enrollment of April 2025
Late September 2025 for the enrollment of October 2025
Successful applicants must complete the admission procedures during the prescribed period. Further
details will be notified to successful applicants separately.
(2) Fees required for admission are as follows.
Entrance Fee: JPY 282,000
Tuition Fee for six months: JPY 267,900
Student Insurance Fee for three years: JPY 3,620(Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research)
Note:
20

(a) In case the entrance or tuition fees are revised at the time of or during enrollment, the revised fees
shall be applied from the date of revision.
(b) Entrance fees shall not be refunded under any circumstances once the payment is made. Premiumfor the student insurance, however, may be refunded only if applicants decline the admission by the
cut-off dates as blow:
September 30, 2024 for the enrollment of October 2024
March 31, 2025 for the enrollment of April 2025
September 30, 2025 for the enrollment of October 2025
(3) Applicants who are currently employed full-time should submit the “Letter of Approval” issued by theemployer that acknowledges the enrollment while employed. Resignation certificate must be submitted if
you resign before you enroll at SOKENDAI.
(4) Applicants who are enrolled at a school other than SOKENDAI at the time of application (not including those
who will have graduated from/completed the school before you enroll at SOKENDAI) must submit thecertificate of withdrawal from said school.
(5) Foreign nationals are strongly advised to obtain a student visa unless a particular reason would prohibit
them from doing so. Detailed information on how to obtain this type of visa is available on the SOKENDAI’s
website: http://www.soken.ac.jp/en/campuslife/international/immigration/

9Long-term course system
Long-term course system is a planned course of study for a certain period of time beyond the standard
period of study upon request from the student, who has an occupation or other circumstances. For further
information, please contact the Educational Affairs Section.
E-mail: kyomu@ml.soken.ac.jp, or Fax: +81-46-858-1632

10(1)

General Notes
Before applying and taking the entrance examination, applicants should read through “Important Notes
for Applicants for Applicants”.

(2)

Submitted documents shall not be returned. No changes or alternations to the submitted documents will
be accepted after filing.

(3) Admission might be revoked in case of any false entry or act of dishonesty on application documents andother documents.
(4) Applicants who wish to transfer to SOKENDAI from other graduate school must contact Student Affairs
Section before the last day of the application period.
(5) Applicants with disabilities who require special consideration at the examination and after enrollment areadvised to inform SOKENDAI three months prior to the application period.
(6) Applicants should inform the Student Affairs Section if they wish to withdraw their application.
(7) In case the applicant has changed the mailing address after submitting the application documents, please
inform the Student Affairs Section of the change.
21E-mail: gakusei@ml.soken.ac.jp, or Fax: +81-46-858-1632(8) Students are not allowed to simultaneously register at other universities while studying at SOKENDAI.
(9) For applicants with foreign nationality, if your name contains characters from your native language, thesecharacters may be replaced with the Roman alphabet for administrative purposes.
(10)If there is any change for SOKENDAI admissions, we will announce on SOKENDAI website. Please makesure SOKENDAI website.

11

Security Export Controls
Based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (*), SOKENDAI has established regulations andconducts examinations for the provision of technology and the acceptance of researchers and students. For
this reason, if it is deemed that there is a risk of falling under regulations, you may be required to change
your desired education or research content. Security Export Control regulations has nothing to do with
passing or failing the entrance examination. Please consult the program office for further details.
* https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/englishpage.html

12

Privacy Policy(1) Any personal information including applicant’s name and address submitted to SOKENDAI as part of theapplication documents shall be used during the application process such as applicant/examination
procedures, notification of results and admission procedures. After enrollment, personal information shallalso be used for student affairs (school register and course registration), student services (health care,tuition exemption and scholarship application, and career support) and administrative purposes ofprocessing payments for entrance and tuition fees.
(2) Personal information obtained in the screening process such as examination results, shall be used for
aggregate analyses of examination results and research for use in the screening process.

22

Important Notes for Applicants to Basic Biology Program(Three-year Doctoral Program)(1) It is highly recommended that applicants contact the appropriate supervisor prior to submitting a formal
application to inform him or her of their interest in submitting a research plan. For information on whichlaboratories and professors are affiliated with this program, please see The course subjects and the faculty
members on pages 25-30 of this brochure.
Applicants may also select a second-choice laboratory in addition to their first-choice laboratory. Applicants
can apply to the second-choice program from Astronomical Science, Fusion Science, Space andAstronautical Science, Molecular Science, Materials structure Science, Global Environmental Studies,
Polar Science, Physiological Sciences, Genetics or Integrative Evolutionary Science, if the application
period, doctoral program, and enrollment period are the same. Please note that screening is conductedindividually, and the date or venue may differ depending on the screening.
(2) Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from a person who can provide an appropriate opinionof their research abilities.
(3) Selection Method
Document review and an interview will be conducted.
(a) Document review: Review will be conducted regarding the contents of the application, including
academic transcripts, and associated materials.
(b) Interview: An interview will take 30 minutes. The first 15 minutes will be spent exploring the applicant’s
previous research and future research aspirations. A whiteboard will be available for use during theinterview. The remaining 15 minutes will be used for a question-and-answer session covering thecontent of the applicant’s presentation and submitted documents.
(c) This examination can be taken in either Japanese or English. If applicants wish to take the interview
in English, they must notify us in advance.
(d) The interview will be held at the National Institute for Basic Biology in Aichi, Japan. Please note thatapplicants need to obtain their own short-term visa for the entrance examination themselves.
(4) Criteria for grading, evaluation and admission decision<Criteria for grading and evaluation>
Applicants will be grated on a score from A (the highest) to D (the lowest grade) based on the content of
their research to date, interview, and academic transcripts.
<Criteria for admission decision>
Acceptance will be determined by the total score and overall performance.
(5) For individuals who require a longer period of study than the prescribed length, a long-term course of study
may be permitted after admission. Those who wish to pursue this course of study must contact anappropriate supervisor before submitting their application documents.
(6) Financial Support for Students
Graduate students may, after consultation with their supervising professor, apply for the Research
23

Assistance program. Those employed as Research Assistants receive an annual salary of approximately
1,000,000 yen each.
(7) Questions regarding this section may be addressed to:
Graduate Student Affairs Section
International Relations & Research Cooperation Division
National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)
Nishigonaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
Phone: +81 564 55 7139

Fax: +81 564 55 7119

Web site: http://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/univ/

24

Ⅳ. The course subjects and the faculty members
Basic Biology Program
The faculty members affiliated with Basic Biology Program conduct the following research at the National Institute for Basic
Biology (NIBB). For more detailed information and the research interests of faculty members not listed here, please visit the
NIBB website (https://www.nibb.ac.jp) and the websites of the individual laboratories listed here. Faculty members marked
with (＊) are not eligible to be considered as potential supervisors due to retirement or other reasons.

DIVISION OF CELLULAR DYNAMICS
Prof. UEDA, Takashi (+81-564-55-7530) tueda@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/cellular/en/)
Membrane trafficking among single membrane-bounded organelles plays a pivotal role in various cellular activities ineukaryotic organisms, which are also crucial in multiple layers of higher-order functions in multicellular organisms. While thefundamental framework of membrane trafficking is well conserved across eukaryotic lineages, recent studies have shown thateach lineage has developed a distinctive membrane trafficking system during evolution. Our research focuses on elucidating
the mechanisms underlying the diversification of membrane trafficking in plants. Currently, we are investigating the uniqueorganelle functions and membrane trafficking pathways in plants using Arabidopsis thaliana and the liverwort Marchantia
polymorpha as model organisms.
DIVISION OF CHROMATIN REGULATION
Prof. NAKAYAMA, Jun-ichi (+81-564-55-7680) jnakayam@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/chroma/index_eng)
Multicellular organisms are made up of diverse populations of many different types of cells, each of which contains
an identical set of genetic information encoded in its DNA. Cell differentiation and the process of development itself dependon the ability of individual cells to maintain the expression of different genes, and for their progeny to do so through multiple
cycles of cell division. In recent years, we have begun to understand that the maintenance of specific patterns of gene
expression does not rely on the DNA sequence, but rather takes place in a heritable, “epigenetic” manner. DNA methylation,
chromatin modifications, and RNA silencing are some of the best known epigenetic phenomena. Our division investigates
how modifications to the structure and configuration of chromatin (complexes of nuclear DNA and proteins) contribute toepigenetic gene regulation by studying events at the molecular level in the model organisms such as fission yeast, theciliate Tetrahymena, and mammalian cultured cells.
LABORATORY OF NEURONAL CELL BIOLOGY
Assoc. Prof. SHIINA, Nobuyuki (+81-564-55-7620) nshiina@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/neurocel/English/)Translation is a fundamental process of life. In neurons, an important part of translation is regulated locally: a subset ofmRNA is transported to dendrites and translated upon synaptic stimulation near the stimulated synapses. mRNA transportand subsequent local translation make it possible to supply the stimulated synapses with newly synthesized proteins andpotentiate neural networks connected through the stimulated synapses, which is required for long-term memory formation.
It is known that RNA granules, which are macromolecular complexes containing the dendritically transported mRNA, play
central roles in the regulation of mRNA transport and local translation in dendrites. In our laboratory, we are identifying mRNAand RNA-binding proteins localized to RNA granules and analyzing the mechanism of mRNA transport and local translationin mouse neurons. We are further studying the role of dendritic mRNA transport and local translation in the formation ofsynapses and neural networks as well as in learning, memory and behavior using mice as model animals.

25

LABORATORY OF ORGANELLE REGULATION
Assoc. Prof. MANO, Shoji (+81-564-55-7500) mano@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/plantorganelles/)Plant organelles change their functions, morphology, and the number dramatically in response to cell types,
developmental stages and environmental stimuli. This flexibility of organelles supports various biological processes in plant
cells. We have been tackling research of plant peroxisomes and oil bodies, which have various crucial functions such as
lipid metabolism and accumulation of storage oils, respectively. The defects of their functions disturb normal cell functions
and plant growth, showing the significance of both organelles in plant life cycle. However, the detailed mechanisms ofdynamics of both organelles remain to be understood. The aim in our laboratory is to understand the regulatory mechanismsof functions and biogenesis of peroxisomes and oil bodies at the molecular level. We are taking a comprehensive approachby a variety of strategies in cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, imaging technique etc. to achieve this purpose.

DIVISION OF EMBRYOLOGY
Prof. FUJIMORI, Toshihiko (+81-564-59-5860) fujimori@nibb.ac.jp
Assoc. Prof. KINOSHITA, Noriyuki (+81-564-59-5862) nkinoshi@nibb.ac.jp
Assoc. Prof. AJIMA, Rieko (+81-564-59-5862) rajima@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/embryo/)
The aim of our research is to understand the events underlying early mammalian development during the period from thepre-implantation to establishment of the body axes.
Mammalian embryo is characteristic for their ways of development occurring in the uterus of the mother. The othercharacteristic is their highly regulative potential. The pattern of cell division and allocation of cells within an embryo during theearly stages vary between embryos. The timing of the earliest specification events that control the future body axes is still
under discussion. Functional proteins or other cellular components have not been found that localize asymmetrically in thefertilized egg. We would like to provide basic and fundamental information about the specification of embryonic axes,
behaviors of cells and the regulation of body shape in early mammalian development through visualization and live imaging
of cells and molecules in addition to the classical methods commonly used in embryology.
DIVISION OF GERM CELL BIOLOGY
Prof. YOSHIDA, Shosei (+81-564-59-5865) shosei@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/germcell/index_E)
Generation of gametes-eggs and sperm- is one of the most fundamental function of living organisms. Division of Germ
Cell Biology focuses on mammalian spermatogenesis, which represents a highly potent and robust stem cell system.
Decades of research,including detailed morphological examinations, post-transplantation repopulation, and in vitro culture,
have made it one of the most intensively studied mammalian stem cell systems.
However, the cellular nature and regulation of the stem cells remain largely unknown. We aims to fully understand the
mammalian sperm stem cell system using mice.
Our current interests include 1) the cellular nature of the stem cell compartment and their behaviors in the in steady-state
spermatogenesis, and 2) the anatomical basis and function of the sperm stem cell niche.
LABORATRY OF REGENERATION BIOLOGY＊Prof. AGATA, Kiyokazu (+81-564-55-7650) agata@nibb.ac.jp
Assoc. Prof. SUZUKI, Kenichi (+81-564-55-7542) suzuk107@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/developmental_biology/agata/)
Why regeneration-competent animals such as newts can restore their missing body parts, but mice and humans cannot?” In the past decade, great advances in regeneration studies have revealed many of the molecular mechanisms
underlying regeneration. Thus, we now aim to develop strategies to induce regenerative response in humans for
replenishing missing tissues and organs by understanding the molecular basis of regeneration from regenerationcompetent animals.

26

DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROBIOLOGY
Prof. HIGASHIJIMA, Shinichi (+81-564-59-5875) shigashi@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/behavior/)
Neuroscientists have long wanted to understand neuronal mechanisms how locomotion and behaviors are generated. We
are trying to address this issue by using small fish (zebrafish and medaka) whose central nervous systems are simpler, andthus easier to analyze. We have been generating a large number of transgenic zebrafish strains, each of which express
fluorescent protein in a particular class of neurons. By using these transgenic fish, we are investigating behavioral roles ofeach class of neurons. Techniques we use include electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and genetic ablationof neurons. Currently, we are focusing on the following topics: (i) how rhythms are generated, (ii) how animals change thespeed of locomotion, and (iii) how flexior/extensor and left/right movements are coordinated during rhythmic pectoral fin
movements.
LABORATORY OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
Assoc. Prof. WATANABE, Eiji (+81-564-59-5595) eiji@nibb.ac.jp(http://www.nibb.ac.jp/neurophys/)
In order to interact successfully with the environment, animals must deduce their surroundings based on sensory
information. The visual system plays a particularly critical role in such interactions with the environment. "Why can we see?"This question is fundamental for a thorough understanding of vision-dependent animals, including human beings. One ofour major subjects is the psychophysical and computational studies of medaka (Oryzias latipes). Another of our major
subjects is the psychophysical and theoretical studies of the visual system of human beings (Homo sapiens).
DIVISION OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Prof. HASEBE, Mitsuyasu (+81-564-55-7546) mhasebe@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/evodevo/index_EN)
Our group is focusing on solving how plants detect mechanical stimuli and rapidly move with the sundew Drosera
rotundifolia, the Venus flytrap Dionaea muscipula, and the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica. We have established methods fortransformation for these plants to understand the molecular mechanisms. On the other hand, we research stem cell
formation in plants with the moss Physcomitrium patens with high regeneration ability. We found a master regulator of stem
cell, STEMIN and analyze the genetic regulatory network regulated by STEMIN. This Division will close in March 2028.
DIVISION OF SYMBIOTIC SYSTEMS
Prof. KAWAGUCHI, Masayoshi (+81-564-55-7564) masayosi@nibb.ac.jp
Assoc. Prof. SOYANO, Takashi (+81-564-55-7563) soyano@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/miyakohp/)
Symbiosis refers to close and sympatric interactions between species. The interactions involve dynamic changes ofgenomes, metabolisms, and signaling networks of symbiotic partners, and a unified understanding of these interactions isrequired when studying symbiotic organisms. Using a model legume Lotus japonicus, we are studying the molecularmechanisms of nodulation and mycorrhization to elucidate their evolutionary origin. In addition, we use mathematical andcomputational approaches to understand complex metabolic interactions in symbiosis.
DIVISION OF EVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Prof. NIIMI, Teruyuki (+81-564-55-7606) niimi@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/niimilab/)
Insects can boast of an overwhelming wealth of species. With a history of evolution spanning over 400 million years,
insects have adapted to every environment on earth, diversifying into an extraordinary range of forms along the way. With
over a million species, insects are a treasure trove of diversity, and represent infinite possibilities as research tools forunlocking the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for the evolution of animal form. We focus on the evolutionary novelties
acquired by insects through evolution, in order to elucidate the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms leading to the large
variety of traits that they display. From this wealth of exciting traits, our lab currently focuses on promoting research into (1)the origin and diversification of insect wings, (2) wing color patterns and mimicry of ladybird beetles,, and (3) acquisition anddiversification of beetle horns.
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LABORATRY OF EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS
Prof. SHIGENOBU, Shuji (+81-564-55-7670) shige@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/evolutionary_biology_and_biodiversity/shigenobu/)
Every creature on the earth exists among a network of various biological interactions. For example, many multicellularorganisms, including humans, harbor symbiotic bacteria in their bodies: some of them provide their hosts with essential
nutrients deficient in the host’s diet and others digest foods indigestible by the host alone. The goal of our group is toestablish a new interdisciplinary science “Symbiosis Genomics”, where we aim to understand the network of biologicalinteractions at the molecular and genetic level. To this end, we take advantage of state-of-the-art genomics such as nextgeneration sequencing technologies. Grad students in our lab are expected to be trained to be familiar with both ofexperimental biology and bioinformatics.
LABORATRY OF BIORESOURCES＊Prof. NARUSE, Kiyoshi (+81-564-55-7580) naruse@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/bioresources/)
Medaka is a small egg-laying “secondary” fresh water fish found in brooks and rice paddies in Eastern Asia. This species
has a long history as an experimental animal, especially in Japan. Our laboratory has conducted the study on evolution ofsex determination system using medaka and relatives, identification of the causal gene of body color mutants to analyze thepigment cell development in fish. We are focusing on development of novel cre driver lines which can visualize neuralactivities. In addition to these activities, our laboratory is stepping forward to lead the National BioResource Project Medaka(NBRP Medaka: http://www.shigen.nig.ac.jp/medaka/).
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOBIOLOGY
Prof. MINAGAWA, Jun (+81-564-55-7515) minagawa@nibb.ac.jp
Assoc. Prof. YOKONO, Makio (+81-564-55-7517) myokono@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/photo/)
Plants and algae possess impressive adaptability to diverse environments. Central to this is optimizing photosynthetic
reactions, crucial for harvesting and converting solar energy into vital chemical energy. Particularly, microalgae dynamicallyadjust light-harvesting protein and photosystem supercomplex organization in response to environmental cues. To unravel
how photosynthesis adapts and optimizes, we employ advanced techniques such as biochemistry, molecular genetics,
spectroscopy, and microscopy. Our research explores photosystem supercomplexes in a range of plants, various
microalgae, and their evolutionary ancestors, uncovering their structural and functional intricacies.
DIVISION OF PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSES
Prof. MORITA, Miyo T. (+81-564-55-7556) mimorita@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/perhp/en/)Plants have the ability to sense various environmental stimuli such as light, humidity, gravity, etc. To enhance their chanceof survival, plants reorient growth direction of their organs in response to such stimuli. These physiological responses arereferred as tropisms and the gravitropism is one of major determinant for organ growth direction. The direction of gravity isrecognized in specific cells called as statocytes in which amyloplasts are displaced toward the direction of gravity. We areinterested in the gravity sensing and signaling in gravitropism, in particular, how displacement of amyloplast is converted tobiochemical signal transduction. We aim to understand the detailed molecular mechanism of gravity sensing and signaling byapplying a genetical, molecular biological, and cell biological approaches using model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
LABORATORY OF GENOME INFORMATICS
Assoc. Prof. UCHIYAMA, Ikuo (+81-564-55-7629) uchiyama@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/theoretical_biology/uchiyama/)
Accumulation of genomic and related data of various kinds of organisms has made it possible to explore general principles
of genomic evolution that generates biological diversity, through cross-species comparisions. Toward this goal, we havedeveloped a microbial comparative genome database (MBGD; http://mbgd.genome.ad.jp) based on comprehensive
ortholog analysis, and are conducting systematic studies of comparative/evolutionary genomics using this database. We arealso developing methods to effectively analyze large-scale genomic data.
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LABORATORY FOR SPATIOTEMPORAL REGULATIONSAssoc. Prof. NONAKA, Shigenori (+81-564-55-7590) snonaka@nibb.ac.jp(http://www.nibb.ac.jp/~bioimg2/en/)Live imaging technique of the whole organisms without dissecting and slicing are increasingly important to capture vital
phenomena. We pursue left-right determination mechanism and cell migration during gastrulation of developing mouseembryos, using light-sheet microcopy and two-photon microscopy, which enable imaging of thick living organism with good
penetration depth and least photodamages. We are also working for the development of imaging techniques based on lightsheet microscopy.
LABORATORY OF BIOTHERMOLOGY（SPECTROGRAPHY AND BIOIMAGING FACILITY）
Prof. KAMEI, Yasuhiro (+81-564-55-7535) ykamei@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/lspectro/kamei_lab)
A microscope is a tool for “observation” of micro-world, while, recently, new technologies enable “manipulation” of living
cells via microscope. We developed single-cell gene induction microscope which utilized infrared laser for heating cells andutilized heat shock response to induce a target gene. The system can be applied to many model orgasms, such as medaka,
nematode and higher plant Arabidopsis. On the other hand, we developed reverse-genetical technique for medaka, called
TILLING, and then we can make KO mutants for target genes. We combine the technique for laser gene induction and themutant production system for the fine gene analysis in vivo to explore how the biological mechanism of gene expression
net-work builds up the body or controls differentiation.
TRANS-OMICS FACILITY
Prof. SHIGENOBU, Shuji (+81-564-55-7670) shige@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/evolutionary_biology_and_biodiversity/shigenobu/)
For research details, see the section on the LABORATRY OF EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS.
Assoc. Prof. YOSHIDA, Takuya (+81-564-55-7670) tyoshida@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/tsb_center/trans_omics/)
We employ mass spectrometry (MS)-based omics analyses to obtain comprehensive profiles of proteins and metabolites,
including sugars, amino acids and hormones, for studying plant signaling pathways. Our particular interest is in plant
hormones (phytohormones) because they play a crucial role in growth, development and stress responses throughout theplant life cycle. Our research themes include investigating plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought stress, using
Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, our mission is to develop novel MS-based analytical and imaging platforms.
RESEARCH UNIT
Assoc. Prof. WATABE, Masaki (+81-564-59-5883) m-watabe@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/interdisciplinary_research_unit/index/)
In cell modeling using a systems biology approach, we have been building a foundation for understanding complex cells
as systems by mathematically modeling life functions such as transcription, metabolism, and signal transduction based on
biomolecular information. For example, in whole-cell modeling of organisms like bacterial E. coli and mycoplasma, we havebeen converting a wide variety of biomolecular information into reaction rate equations to predict and validate phenotypes
from genome sequences. However, cells are not merely assemblies of biomolecular networks; they also encompass avariety of physical parameters and governing equations derived from thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, optics, fluid
dynamics, and quantum biology. These elements correlate with the network information of biomolecules, together forming
a single life system. In our research group, we are developing a new method of cell modeling that can simultaneously handle
both biological and physical information, based on the physical laws and governing equations (such as the heat conduction
equation and wave equation) that should apply within cells.

Astrobiology Center
Assoc. Prof. TAKIZAWA, Kenji (+81-564-55-7520) kenji-t@nibb.ac.jp(https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/sections/concurrent/abc1/)
The presence of green plants on Earth can be detected from outer space since their photosynthesis interacts with theglobal environment. If ‘alien plants’ exist on extrasolar planets, oxygen in the atmosphere and light reflection by vegetation29

could be detected via astronomical observation. In the next decade, direct imaging of habitable exoplanets will be
implemented. We are studying to characterize phototrophs on exoplanets and to predict detectable biosignatures.

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