Division of Digital Society Research Research Unit

In the face of challenges like COVID-19 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to change our behaviors for the sake of a better future. This unit is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on technologies designed to change human behavior. Our research proceeds interdisciplinary research using ICT, incorporating principles from behavioral economics, such as nudges and gamification, and psychological insights like cognitive biases, through collaborative efforts with various research fields. At 272 hectares, Ito Campus is one of Japan's largest campuses, and the 18,000 students, faculty, and staff who study and work there will be subject to empirical research to further understand the principles of behavior change based on scientific evidence. Additionally, through open innovation with corporations and local governments, we will drive social transformation.

We conduct research on new agricultural production technologies considering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our efforts to streamline and optimize agricultural production, provide a consistent supply fit with consumer demand, and improve quality and functionality. This research also involves technologies for the automatic measurement, analysis, and visualization of field and biological information, as well as studies on data-driven technologies for production infrastructure using the accumulated data.

The role of lifelong learning after the graduation of primary, middle and higher education has become increasingly important for human well-being. ICT as an element of learning environment contributes to achieve our well-being. Consequently, there are growing expectations for data-driven learning environments. The GIGA School program in primary and middle education can promote the creation of data-driven learning environments for a wide range of age groups. This research unit focuses on smart learning environments design, development, and evaluation for the creation of a smart society that underpins well-being. We collaborate across diverse research areas, including but not limited to educational technology, information sciences, arts engineering, educational philosophy, cognitive psychology, educational psychology, and science education. Also implementation of our research outcomes in society is important activity for our research unit.

In the data-driven society being promoted by the Data-Driven Innovation Initiative, it is said that the impact on society of the results of applying analytical technology, machine learning (as typified by AI), and generative AI, as well as access to sensitive information such as data collection and utilization, will be extremely significant. In the future, restrictions may be placed on the handling of data based on data-driven approaches and the application of AI, and it is possible that in the not-too-distant future, education, research, and medical care promoted by the university may not be able to proceed freely. One of the risks is legal issues, and it is easy to predict that it will become essential to consider issues not only from the technological development perspective, but also from the legal perspective, for university education, research, and medical care in a data-driven society. The aim of this research unit is to hold regular discussions between legal researchers with a high level of knowledge in information-related fields and researchers with knowledge of all aspects of digital technology research and development who are interested in legal issues, in order to predict legal issues that may arise in the digital society now or in the future, and to compile proposals on how to proceed with university education, research, medical care, etc. based on these legal issues.

This research unit aims to build a society that achieves both technical safety and psychological security in the field of disaster prevention by integrating the fields of disaster prevention, digital transformation (DX), and the humanities and social sciences. Japan is a country that frequently experiences natural disasters, and strengthening disaster prevention is an important issue. Meanwhile, recent technological advances have provided new possibilities for disaster prevention through DX. However, in order for technological solutions to be accepted by society, it is necessary to take into account cultural background and psychological aspects. We will not only improve disaster prevention technology, but also consider how this technology can be disseminated in society and contribute to the sense of security of individuals. By integrating knowledge from different fields, we aim to enhance the resilience of local communities and explore what kind of technology is needed to ensure that residents can live with peace of mind in the event of a disaster.

This research unit aims to advance digital transformation in the fields of counseling and mental health care, with the goal of enhancing the quality, sustainability, and accessibility of psychological support. Drawing on expertise in psychosomatic medicine, clinical psychology, developmental disability studies, and research on reasonable accommodation, the unit seeks to develop support models that are responsive to diverse individual characteristics.
Specifically, the unit explores the development of digital applications that support mindfulness and body-based practices, the visualization of psychological and physiological indicators using wearable devices, and AI-driven systems that facilitate sustained engagement in mental health practices. In addition, it investigates data-informed psychological support processes that integrate consultation, reflection, and continuous follow-up for diverse populations, including students and international students.
Furthermore, the unit examines the use of generative AI and metaverse environments as forms of reasonable accommodation for individuals with developmental characteristics, focusing on inclusive learning, counseling spaces, peer support, and a sense of belonging. By iteratively linking practice and research, the unit aims to establish an evidence-based, inclusive model of mental health care DX that balances personalization with accessibility.