Institute of Nature andEnvironmental Technology
Kanazawa University
Japan

2012

http://k-inet.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/inet/index.html

Institute Establishment Aim
The Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University (K-INET), establishedin 2002, is a university-affiliated institute for research and education on the nature and environmental
technology. One of the largest issues, which science and technology in the twenty-first century is facing, isthe environmental problems that are caused by natural and anthropogenic environmental changes.
The research program of the Institute focuses on environmental monitoring with high-resolution
measurement equipments such as radioactivity sensing and biosensing. Analysis, modeling and prediction
are an integral part of the program. Green technology in harmony with nature on the basis of biodiversity,
biotechnology, electromagnetism, etc. is also being studied.
The Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology played an important role in promoting the 21stcentury COE program “Environmental Monitoring and Prediction of Long- and Short-term Dynamics of PanJapan Sea Area by JSPS (2002-2007).The Institute undertakes collaborative research with institutes throughout
the world on a wide range of topics and is contributing to a number of social and international activities.

History − Foundation and Progress −The Institute was established in 2002 by reorganizing the following four Laboratories and adding new
researchers from Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering:
The Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory, Faculty of Science, which was the sole university research
installation in Japan for environmental radioactivity research,
The Laboratory of Magnetic Field Control and Applications, Faculty of Engineering, which developed
the tools for studying the influence of strong magnetic fields on human beings, etc,
The Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Science, located in the Noto Peninsula, which studied the effects ofbiological diversity on the marine environmental and developed educational programs, and
The Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science, which carried out botanical and ecological research andeducation, and the conservation of genetic resource.
The Institute was reorganized in 2007 in order to develop the theme "Environmental monitoring andprediction of long- and short-term dynamics of Pan-Japan Sea area" of 21 st COE(Center of Excellence)program(2002-2007).
May , 1949
April, 1958
April, 1975
April, 1982
April, 1992
April, 1993
June, 1995
April, 2002

The Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science, was established
The Noto Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Science, was established.
The Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory, Faculty of Science, was established. (to March, 2002)
The Electric Energy Conversion Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, was established. (to March, 1992)
The Laboratory of Magnetic Field Control and Applications, Faculty of Engineering, wasestablished. (to March, 2002)
The Noto Marine Laboratory was renamed the Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Science.(to March, 2002)
The Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science, moved to the Kakuma campus
The Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, has been established.

Organization Chart
Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology
Area of Natural Measurements

Area of Environmental Information

Area of Regional Studies

Division of Earth Dynamics

Division of Natural Environmental
Information

Division of Environmental
Disaster Prevention

Division of Human Environmental
Information

Division of Human andSocial Sciences

Collection, inspection management,
and exchange of the environmental
information in the Circum-Japan Sea
regionInterdisciplinary approach on theenvironmental approach to the
Circum-Japan Sea region

Division of Eco-Technology
Division of Biodiversity
Division of Biological
Measurement and Application
Scientific and technological approachto the environmental issues in the
Circum-Japan Sea region2

Research Subjects
Our Aim for Science and Technology in the Twenty-First Century
Environmental Monitoring and Prediction● High resolution analysis of the natural environment.
● Analysis of the global environment using radioactive elements and isotopes.
● Hydro-geomorphological research on the evolution of the Earth's surface.
● Research and management of biodiversity and ecosystems in Japan Sea and Hokuriku areas.

Development of Green Technology● Medical technology development from a vital reaction analysis under environmental stress.
● Biosensing technology development for environmental monitoring.
● Industrial waste disposal systems that preserve the environment.
● Technology development targeting low enthalpy natural energy.

Common Subjects● Use of radioactive tracers and electromagnetic fields to probe the changes in the natural, biological and man-made environment, and the other related applications for monitoring techniques.

● Development of technologies to preserve and manage natural environment in the framework of global

environmental changes with the cooperative efforts among science and engineering faculty members.

● Promotion and creation of interdisciplinary regional studies related in the Circum-Japan Sea region as a

hub of the region of East Asia.

Outline of the Research Divisions
Area of Natural Measurements
Division of Earth Dynamics
Physical- and chemical- analyses of terrestrial materials (e.g., aeolian and lacustrine sediments) are carried out to determine the structureand evolution of the global environmental system. Modern high-resolution, high-precision equipments are used to acquire analytical results ofhigh quality including the measurement of isotopic ratio and radioactivity even at very low concentration levels. The obtained results are further
processed for the purpose of future prediction, development of new research endeavors in the vicinity of environmental sciences and geochemistry.

Division of Eco-Technology
This division pursuits of development of geothermal energy and analyses of environmental flow systems, creation of progressive
monitoring technology of atmospheric researches and its application, and evaluation of environmental changes in the East Asia on thebasis of geo-scientific techniques in order to create sustainable utilization of bio- and geo-resources.

Division of Biodiversity
The aims are to clarify: (1) the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the diversity of the environments and that of marine
and terrestrial organisms in the Japan Sea and Hokuriku areas and (2) the effects of natural and anthropogenic environmental changes
on the diversity of organisms and ecosystems, using various techniques ranging from molecular biology to population biology.

Division of Biological Measurement and Applications
We develop the measurement technique for measuring the electromagnetic field, hazardous chemical and noise stresses thathumans are exposed to. We also contribute to the maintenance of the environmental preservation, the safety management of industrial
activity, the creation of the environment industry and the healthy life of the mankind.

Area of Environmental Information

Area of Regional Studies

Division of Natural Environmental Information: The purposeof the division is to integrate and construct database of naturalenvironmental information on Eastern Eurasia and Pan-Japan
Sea area, additionally, to assemble and analyze the information
for terrestrial atmosphere-hydrosphere (including cryosphere)
environment and remote sensing.
Division of Human Environmental Information: The purposeof the division is to integrate, advance and construct database ofgeographical and human environmental information on Eastern
Eurasia and Pan-Japan sea area. Environmental geography.

This area pursuits of the social and environmental
problems which have become objects of public concern in
the Circum-Japan Sea region as a hub of the East Asia fromthe view point of natural, human and social sciences. It also
promotes interdisciplinary research in the region with the areas
and divisions of the institute.

3

Details of Research Divisions
Division of Earth Dynamics■ Global Environment System

The research focus of this field is to understand the global
environmental system. The behavior of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, andatmosphere, and their interactions with human activities are studied in
the time-space coordinates system by analyzing terrestrial material andprocessing environmental information. This information is used to determine
the structure and evolution of the environmental system and to assist in theforecasting and prediction of future trends.

Sampling and obtained lake core sediment■ Isotope Geo-science Field

Low background γ-ray
Measuring system
γ-ray spectrum

We measure precisely, in the Ogoya underground laboratory, very low level
alpha-, beta- and gamma-emitting radionuclides and their stable isotopes invarious environmental samples by using an ultra sensitive mass spectrometer.
Through these analyses, we explore the temporal distribution, spatial
distributions and cycling behavior of the materials, and challenge to reclaim
research areas by using radioisotopes as tracers.

■ Extremely Low-level Counting System Development Field

Underground Laboratory (OUL, 270 mwe) was constructed in order tomeasure extremely low level radionuclides. The facility is equipped with morethan ten ultra low-background Ge detectors (ranked #1 in the world) which arelocated in the tunnel of former Ogoya Copper Mine. The following studies havebeen performed using this system: high resolution analyses of temporal variationsof airborne radionuclides, the assessment of low-level neutrons using the nuclear
activation method.

D i v i s i o n o f E c o - Te c h n o l o g y■ Environmental Protection System

Our aim is to develop an innovative system used for field measurements of atmosphericenvironment. This system has been used in various international projects, and recently themeasurements at Dunhuang, China, made large contribution to ACE-Asia (Atmospheric
Aerosol Characteristics Experiment in Asia) project which was made to obtain better
understanding of the effect of Asian atmospheric aerosols on climate changes and global
worming processes.
■ Eco-energy

We aim to develop an easy-to-use but high-accuracy
groundwater measurement system, which is indispensablefor the effective utilization of low enthalpy natural energy,
such as groundwater and river water. Fundamental
analysis and related research activities are directed atlarge-scale extraction of energy from the molten magmathat sleeps at the great depth in the earth.
■ Environmental Dynamics

In order to grasp geo-historical changes of natural environment in and aroundthe marginal seas after the Last Glacial Maximum and to expect their futurefluctuations, geo-scientific and oceanographic researches are carried out in theJapan Sea and Hokuriku region of Japan, coastal areas of the South China Sea
and continental areas of the Southeast Asia. Further, environmental and social
conservation programs in the Angkor World Heritage of Cambodia have been managed in connection with theCambodian government and UNESCO, and the Area of Regional Studies.

4

Division of Biodiversity■ Terrestrial Biodiversity

The terrestrial ecosystem on the Sea of Japan side differs in many aspects owing toheavy snowfall from that on the Pacific side. We intend to clarify the histories and processesof differentiation using molecular techniques at DNA level, phylogenetic analyses atindividual level, and ecological research at population, community and ecosystem level.
We analyze the impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes in the ecosystem and utilize
those information for the regional revitalization and sustainable development.
Japan serow at Kakuma Campus■ Marine Biodiversity

The aims of our research are to clarify the diversity of marine organisms and theiradaptation to different environments. We finally clarify the mutual relationship between thediversity and environments, and their evolution. In addition, the effects of environmental
pollutants on living organisms are investigated. We consider Japan Sea as a suitable
place for our aims because of a closed environment. We have noticed the biota aroundthe Noto Peninsula in which the Tsushima warm current flows on the cold water mass.

Division of Biolog ical Measurement and Applications■ Electromagnetic Environment Field

The researches concerning effect of magnetic fields on anticancer drug potency, andon bone metabolism are being conducted by the exposure system of magnetic fields for cell
culture. This knowledge will be applied to medical treatment with magnetic fields.
■ Bioassay Field

Biological responses of microorganisms andhuman cells against various environmental stimuli are analyzed using massspectrometry. The obtained information is utilized for researches concerning
green-innovation and life- innovation.
■ Mechanical Environment Field

Bones adaptively respond to mechanical stimulation in vivo.
However, the details of the bone mechanoadaptation have not been
fully understood yet. We perform various mechanical stimulation
experiments for regenerative bones in vitro using a piezo-driven
mechanical stimulator. Obtained data help us reveal the mechanismand our findings will be clinically applied to bone regenerative
medicine.

DAPI stained cross-section of a SEM image of the inside of a regenerative
regenerative bone with osteoblasts bone, showing an osteoblast settling on
scattering in a collagen sponge scaffold.
the surface of collagen sponge scaffold.

Area of Environmental Information■ Division of Natural Environmental Information

The purpose of the division is to integrate and construct database of natural environmental information on
Eastern Eurasia and Pan-Japan sea area, additionally, to assemble and analyze the information for terrestrial
atmosphere-hydrosphere (including cryosphere) environment and remote sensing.
■ Division of Human Environmental Information
The purpose of the division is to integrate, advance and construct database of geographical and humanenvironmental information on Eastern Eurasia and Pan-Japan sea area. Environmental geography.

Area of Regional Studies
The area composed of Division of Environmental Disaster Prevention and Division of Human and Social Sciences wasestablished in the institute in 2007 as the incoming organization of the "Japan Sea Research Institute of Kanazawa University". The
former division concerns prevention of damage from various natural disasters and environmental problems, and the later pursuits
to promote and develop interdisciplinary studies among human, social and environmental sciences which have become objects ofpublic concern in the Circum-Japan Sea region as a hub of the East Asia. This area has published a unique annual journal "Japan
Sea Research (Nihon Kaiiki Kenkyu)" which specializes in regional studies of the Circum-Japan Sea region since 1969.
5

Special Projects■ The Institute and the 21st Century COE Program

The project "Environmental monitoring and prediction of long- and short-term dynamics of Pan-Japan Sea area" by Kanazawa
Univ. (leader, Prof. W. Hayakawa) was selected as one of the 21st Century COE (Center of Excellence) Program projects in 2002 by
the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT).
Northeast Eurasia including the Japan Sea (Sea of Japan) is a region that is highly sensitive to climatic changes. Located in the
middle latitudinal zone, this region is not only affected by the prevailing western winds, but is also controlled by East Asian monsoons.
The Sea of Japan is a semi-closed area surrounded by the Japanese Islands (Japan), the Korean Peninsula and the EurasianContinent. The countries around the sea (Japan, Korea, China and Russia) are rapidly developing industries and economies withlarge populations, suggesting that the Sea of Japan is a key region for natural and artificial environmental monitoring.
This fact leads that Kanazawa University should be a main player for Pan-Japan Sea environmental studies. The program wascarried out under 6 sub-projects, among which four sub-projects (Limno-climatic change, Atmospheric environment, Ecosystem &biodiversity and Environmental radioactivity) were developed in the Institute. Most results and themes developed in the project havebeen undertaken by the Institute (reorganized in 2007)■ Satoyama & Satoumi Nature ProjectIn 1999, we launched the “Kakuma Satoyama Nature School" to open the Satoyama forest in
the Kakuma Campus of Kanazawa University up to the public for a lifelong learning project of theconservation of Satoyama as well as to education and research in Kanazawa University. In 2006, we
expanded our mission to the Noto area. The “Noto's Satoyama and Satoumi" are rich in traditional
culture and biodiversity. In June 2011, it was designated as a site of Globally Important Agricultural
Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The ecosystems of these landscapes are under threats from a shrinking
rural population and an ageing society. In close cooperation with local residents, we carry out the research and education activities toconserve the rural landscape and biodiversity and to reactivate the local communities in the Noto area.

Common Facilities◆ The Marine Laboratory “a public seaside practice"

We have the lodging facility, and at this factory, the seaside practice of multiple
departments of Kanazawa University is carried out. Otherwise, seaside practice of theuniversity in the neighborhood is also carried out. Various practical facilities to the field from themolecule for seaside practice have been arranged.
◆ The Botanical Garden and Satoyama area in Kamura Campus of Kanazawa University
Botanical Garden, located in Kakuma Campus, is comprised of administration building, staff
and student rooms, green houses and experimental fields. Satoyama area (74 ha), also located in the campus, has patches ofSatoyama forests with oaks and bamboos and sugi (a kind of coniferous tree) plantations etc. The area is used for education andresearch in Kanazawa University and for environmental education by citizens and volunteers outside of Kanazawa University.
◆ Kakumano-sato Hall, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kanazawa University
This is a 350 year-old large farmer house, transplanted from Shiramine village at the foot of Mt. Hakusan in 2005. This
Hall is used as the hub for education and research of Kanazawa University and for environmental education and conservation
activities. by citizens and volunteers outside of the University.
◆ Kanazawa University Noto School
This is a former elementary school building, donated by Suzu city in 2006, is used as the hub of various activities of Satoyama
Satoumi Project in research, education and regional collaborations and as the atmospheric observation center “Noto Super Site".
◆ The Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory
This laboratory is situated on a hill in Tatsunokuchi Town located in Ishikawa Prefecture. In this laboratory, practical training ofKanazawa University students and collaborative research activities with other universities and research institutes are carried out by using
the extremely low background radioactivity measurement system constructed in former Ogoya mine.
◆ China office of Kanazawa University http://www.lasg.ac.cn/COKU/index.html
Japan branch of China was jointly established with Institute of AtmosphericPhysics,Chinese of Academy of Sciences in April 2007. Its mission is to promote further
bilateral cooperation in both research and education, by hosting research collaborations aswell as meetings, fostering young researchers, and endorsing international exchange students.
◆ Korea office of Kanazawa University
It was the first research center built abroad for Kanazawa University. Its aim is to facilitate
mutual exchange and cooperation among the common disciplines. Expectations are high forthe further development of collaborative projects.
◆ International laboratory in Kanazawa University
Japan branch of Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral resources (KIGAM) is open
in the Institute since 2008 under the agreement concluded in 2005. The branch has been a key
station for promoting joint researches, joint meetings, etc. between Japan and Korea since then.

6

Cooperative Researches◆ Research and development on the biofuel production using a high-functionalbioreactor. (Osaka Science & Technology Center)◆ Research on electromagnetic wave technology which contributes to the development of

the regional industry. (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)◆ Evaluation of the present environmental pollution and destruction in and around the

Angkor World Heritage, Cambodia (APSARA National Authority, Cambodia and UNESCO)◆ Geo-environmental development and evaluation of mechanisms sustaining the biodiversity

in Lake Tonle Sap, Cambodia (APSARA National Authority, Cambodia and UNESCO)◆ Environmental changes in and around mangrove habitats in South Thailand withspecial reference to their restoration after the attack of the Sumatra-Andaman Tsunami
in 2004 (Prince of Songklha University and Mahidol University)◆ Research and development of needle type micro magnetic probe and applications
to low-invasive measurements in bio-fields(Technical University of Lublin, Poland,
University of Lorraine, France)◆ Study on sex-determination in Thai medaka using by molecular biologicalmethods(National Institute for Basic Biology in Japan, Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand)◆ Regulation of bone metabolism in space: Analysis by an in vitro assay system using goldfish scale as a model ofbone (Japan Space Forum)

Partner Institutions
Institutions

Country

Contact Person

DetailCoordinating Committee for Geoscience
Programs in East and Southeast Asia [CCOP]

Intergovernmental
Organization

Prof. Shinji Tsukawaki

Capacity building and personnel exchange of students andresearchers in the East and Southeast Asia.

Authority for the Protection and Managementof Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (Siem
Reap)

CambodiaProf. Shinji Tsukawaki

Conservation programs for conservation and protection ofnatural and social environment in the Angkor World Heritageand capacity building

Institute of Technology of Cambodia (Phnom
Penh)

CambodiaProf. Shinji Tsukawaki

Yanbian University (Yanji)

China

Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya

Educational support of the Geo-resource Department, and capacity
building in the fields of science and technology in Cambodia
Joint research on global environment measurement andstudent exchange programs
Joint research and student exchange program

Xidian University (Xi’an)

China

Prof. Shigeo KimuraState Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric
Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (LASG), Institute ofAtmospheric Physics (IAP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

ChinaProf. Kazuichi
Hayakawa

Joint research on global environment measurement

Institut Teknologi Bandung (Bandung)Indonesia

Prof. Koji Nakamura

Joint research on terrestrial biodiversity and student exchange
programs

Korea

Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya

Joint research on global environment measurement

Korea

Prof. Shigeo Kimura

Joint research and student exchange programs

National Taiwan University (Taipei)

TaiwanProf. Kenji Kashiwaya

Kyung Hee University, Faculty of Sciences(Seoul)Korea

Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya
Asso. Prof. Noriko Hasebe

Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok)

ThailandProf. Shinji Tsukawaki

Chiang Mai University (Chiang Mai)

ThailandProf. Kazuichi Hayakawa

Prince of Songkla University (Had Yai)

ThailandProf. Shinji Tsukawaki

Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral
Resources (Daejeon)
Korea Advanced Institute of Science andTechnology, College of Engineering (Deajeon)

Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Institute ofGeology and Mineral Resources (Ulaanbaatar)
Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Institute ofGeography (Ulaanbaatar)

Mongolia
Mongolia

Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya
Asso. Prof. Noriko Hasebe
Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya
Asso. Prof. Noriko Hasebe
Prof. Kenji Kashiwaya
Asso. Prof. Noriko Hasebe

National University of Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar)

Mongolia

Griffith University (Brisbane)

Australia

Prof. Sotoshi Yamada

Australia

Prof. Sotoshi Yamada

PolandProf. Sotoshi Yamada

USA

Prof. Shinji Tsukawaki

University of South Australia, Division of Information
Technology, Engineering & the Environment (Adelaide)
Lublin University of Technology(Lublin)
University of Nevada, Reno
(Reno, Nevada)

Joint research on global environment measurement andstudent exchange program
Joint research on global environment measurement andstudent exchange programs
Interdisciplinary exchange and capacity building programs ofstudents and researches
Joint research and student exchange programs
Research and evaluation of environmental pollution anddestruction in South Thailand and restoration program after theattack of the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Tsunami
Joint research on global environment measurement
Joint research on global environment measurement
Joint research on global environment measurement
Joint research on magnetic applications and student
exchange programs
Joint research on magnetic applications and student
exchange programs
Joint research on magnetic applications and student
exchange programs
Management and promotion of student exchange programs

7

The Map of Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology
⑤
④
Noto

⑦
Komatsu
Airport⑧

Kanazawa② ①⑥⑨③

ToyamaFukui① Kakuma Campus : Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, JAPAN
Phone : +81-76-234-6821② The Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory : Wake , Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1224, JAPAN
Phone : +81-761-51-4440③ Ogoya Underground Laboratory: Ka 1-1, Ogoya, Komatsu, Ishikawa 923-0172, JAPAN
Phone and Fax : +81-761-67-1740④ The Marine Laboratory “a public seaside practice": Mu 4-1, Ogi, Noto-cho, Housu-gun, Ishikawa 927-0553, JAPAN,
Phone : +81-768-74-1151⑤ Satoyama Satoumi Natural School : 33-7 Kodomari, Misakicyou, Suzu, Ishikawa, 927-1567, JAPAN
Phone and Fax : +81-768-88-2528⑥ Satoyama Narural School in Kakuma : Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, JAPAN⑦ China office of Kanazawa University : Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, CHINA
Phone : +86-10-82995148⑧ Korea office of Kanazawa University : Korea Inter-University Institute of Ocean Science #312, Pukyong National University,
Daeyon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan 608-737, KOREA
Phone and Fax : +82-51-629-7389, +82-51-625-4101⑨ International laboratory in Kanazawa University: Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, JAPAN■ Division of Earth Dynamics………………………… ① , ② , ④………………………………… ①■ Division of Biodiversity ……………………………… ① , ③ , ⑤■ Division of Biological Measurement and Applications …… ①
■ Division of Eco-Technology■ Division of Natural Environmental Information…………… ①…………… ①■ Division of Environmental Disaster Prevention …………… ①■ Division of Human and Social Sciences …………………… ①■ Division of Human Environmental Information

Kanazawa University

Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology
http://k-inet.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/inet/

AddressTel
E-mail〈Office〉
920-1192 Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa+81-76-234-6821
s-somu@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp