Latest news with #KyushuUniversity
Yomiuri Shimbun
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Southwest Japan's Challenges: Signs of Growth / Kyushu's Space Industry Blasts Off Into A Bright Future
With the future of the Kyushu region, as well as Yamaguchi and Okinawa prefectures, in mind, this series takes an in-depth look at industries in those regions with growth potential. This is the first installment in a five-part series. Somewhere in the suburbs of Fukuoka City stands a large, aging warehouse, surrounded by houses and other buildings. One day in late April, with special permission, I entered inside, a wide open space that feels like a secret base, and discovered its secret: a giant satellite antenna that may represent the future of Japan's space industry. The Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Fukuoka City-based space venture firm with roots in Kyushu University, renovated the warehouse and has been operating it at full capacity as a research and development center since March. On the day I visited, iQPS staffers were preparing a small Earth observation satellite for shipment to New Zealand, from where it would soon be launched. 'If we can observe Earth essentially in real-time, we can eliminate a lot of anxiety about disasters and other problems,' said Shunsuke Onishi, the 39-year-old president of iQPS, which has been turning heads in Japan and around the world. 'We want to revolutionize the space industry from here in Kyushu.' The satellite was successfully launched on May 17. The satellite will perform preliminary functions for a few months before beginning full-scale commercial operations. Currently, iQPS operates three commercial satellites, but the company intends to expand this network to 24 satellites within three years and eventually to a total of 36. This will enable its satellites to observe almost every location on the planet once every 10 minutes, send data back to Earth and track the movements of people and objects.80% of components made locally Tetsuo Yasaka, an 83-year-old professor emeritus at Kyushu University, and two colleagues around the same age who had been involved in the space industry for many years founded iQPS in 2005. Onishi, who had been a student of Yasaka's, joined the company in 2013 and became its president about six months later. The company was first listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in December 2023. Most of the data they glean from their satellites is sold to the government, but iQPS also is pushing ahead with efforts to expand sales to clients in the private sector. A synthetic aperture radar on the company's satellites fires radio waves at Earth's surface, then captures and analyzes those that bounce back to create a three-dimensional image of conditions on the ground. These radar systems, capable of determining the conditions in units of just a few millimeters, are not affected by weather conditions and can operate even at night. The power required to emit the radio waves is generated by solar panels that cover much of each satellite's body. An antenna, which unfolds in space, amplifies radio wave output. Most of these components were made in small factories in the Kyushu region. About 20 companies from Fukuoka and Nagasaki prefectures and elsewhere have cooperated with this project, resulting in about 80% of the satellite parts being manufactured in Kyushu. Ogawa Material Handling Co., a company based in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, has been involved with iQPS since the development of its first satellite. 'This project is turning a profit, and space-related technologies and businesses are steadily becoming established in Kyushu,' said Ogawa Vice President Shinji Ito, 50. International competition is heating up in the satellite development field. In March, the decision was made to grant iQPS about ¥8.4 billion from a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency fund, which will be used to accelerate its development efforts. Room for growth Satellite performance and technology have made great strides in recent years. Launching multiple small satellites and having them work together as a 'satellite constellation' has become increasingly common. Reducing the size of satellites has brought down development costs, which once ran into tens of billions of yen, to between tens of millions and a few billion yen. This has opened the door for emerging startups to join the industry, including iQPS. The World Economic Forum, a private Swiss think tank, estimates that the global space market in 2035 could be worth about ¥270 trillion — about triple its size in 2023. In addition to Earth observation services, this would cover a wide spectrum of fields, including communications, space travel and exploration. The use of satellite data has enormous room for growth. Advanced technologies are needed to utilize satellite data. New Space Intelligence Inc. (NSI), a company founded in 2021 and based in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, saw an opening in the market because much of this data cannot easily be tapped now. NSI selects and processes data into a form that is easy to use and then provides this information to customers. 'Satellite data is very versatile and can be useful in all sorts of industries,' said NSI President Yumiko Nagai, 50, who previously worked as a researcher. 'There will come a day when most companies have their own satellites.' Kyushu's advantage The Kyushu region is home to the Uchinoura Space Center in the town of Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, from which the nation's small Epsilon rockets blast off; and the Tanegashima Space Center, also in the prefecture, from which its mainstay H3 rockets launch. JAXA operates both facilities. The Kyushu region's two launch facilities give it an edge that is widely believed to offer the foundations for the region to firmly establish itself as a hub of the space industry. In Oita Prefecture, Oita Airport aims to become a 'spaceport' at which spaceships can land and take off. U.S. space company Sierra Space Corp. is considering using the airport as a landing site for its spaceplanes when they return to Earth after delivering supplies to the International Space Station and other locations. Japan Airlines Co., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and other companies also are participating in initiatives that envision making the airport a hub for space travel. More launches However, the number of space launches in Japan has struggled to grow. No satellites have been launched from the Uchinoura Space Center since a failed attempt in 2022, and only three H3 rockets got off the ground in 2024. 'If there was about one launch per week, the surrounding area would thrive and the space industry's base would expand,' said Kyushu Institute of Technology Prof. Cho Mengu, who has researched mini satellites for many years. Almost 200 students have studied under Cho. In the past 10 years, the institute has operated about 30 small satellites, making it one of the world's leading academic satellite operators. 'Kyushu by itself has the potential to spawn about 50 space-related companies in the next five years,' Cho said. 'Universities and local governments should work together, because if we create an environment in which setting up such businesses becomes easier, Kyushu could become 'a place close to space' in a very real sense.'
Asahi Shimbun
19-06-2025
- Health
- Asahi Shimbun
Research: Sex hormone makes men less prone to Alzheimer's
This schematic diagram explains that testosterone suppresses the mTOR signaling pathway via the cell membrane receptor GPRC6A, thereby enhancing autophagic activity and prompting decomposition of amyloid beta. (Provided by Akiko Mizokami) FUKUOKA—Testosterone, a sex hormone produced primarily in male testes, could be the reason why men are less likely than women to develop Alzheimer's disease, researchers with Kyushu University here said. Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the accumulation of a protein called 'amyloid beta' in the brain. The team's experiments showed that administration of testosterone triggers a process that reduces that protein. The researchers said their findings could help in the development of new therapies. There are about twice as many female Alzheimer's disease patients than male patients, studies in Japan and abroad have shown. The research group said mechanisms behind the sex-based differences in patient numbers have not been determined, although some studies say a drastic decline in estrogen, a female sex hormone, in postmenopausal women is the primary factor. The Kyushu University researchers decided to focus on testosterone to find out why men are less prone to the disease. After the team removed testicles from male mice to reduce their testosterone levels, the accumulation of amyloid beta in them increased. However, the accumulation levels dropped in the mice when testosterone was administered. An experiment using cultured cells showed that testosterone administration enhances the activity of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain. Studies have shown that microglia have an 'autophagy' function that decomposes abnormal proteins, including amyloid beta. The university team's study showed that testosterone plays a role in prompting decomposition of the substance responsible for Alzheimer's disease and suppressing the onset of the illness, the scientists said. 'Establishing the cause of the sex-based differences in the onset of the disease is key to understanding the disease itself,' said Akiko Mizokami, a Kyushu University associate professor of dental science and neuroscience and a leading member of the research team. 'We hope to continue with our study so we can help propose therapies and prophylactics.' The research results were published in Advanced Science, a scientific journal (
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Trilingual book on Kayan folklore launched in Miri
Dennis (seated centre) with (seated, from second left) Yasuka, Yuhki, Roselind and others during the launch of 'Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection'. MIRI (June 12): A Kayan folklore book titled 'Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection' written in Kayan, English and Japanese was launched in Miri yesterday. The 28-page book revolves around Lebui and his wife and features four folk tales well-known to the older Kayan generation. It will be making its way into schools, libraries and universities. Sarawak Kayan Association president Datuk Dennis Ngau officiated the launch of the book, which is a Curtin University Malaysia community project. 'What makes it even more meaningful to me personally is because this 'Lung Lebui' is my generation's version of today's Netflix to kids. 'There are many versions of Lung Lebui, but I recall one told my father as particularly spine-chilling, especially as we lay down in our makeshift farm-house smack in the middle of the Borneo jungle during farming season,' said the Telang Usan assemblyman when met at the Forum Cultural Centre here. Dennis hoped with the launch of the book, more Kayans would be encouraged to research and write about their own community, including the publication of more Kayan folklore. The project was organised by Curtin University Malaysia in collaboration with linguistics lecturers from Kyushu University and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. It is a collaborative effort between Dr Roselind Wan from Curtin University Malaysia; Dr Yasuka Fukaya from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Kyushu University; Yuhki Takeuchi, an independent artist affiliated with Studio Ghibli and Sony Interactive Entertainment; and Usun Anyi, a storyteller from Long Panai, Baram. Yasuka, who was researching Kelabit language grammar, first met Roselind in Singapore – kick-starting the journey which led to the publication of the book. According to Curtin University Malaysia's acting pro vice-chancellor and dean of learning and teaching Tang Fu Ee, the book is both a scholarly milestone and heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural heritage. 'This is more than a book – it is a bridge between generations, cultures, oral tradition and written legacy. It brings the voices of the Kayan people into the hands of children, educators and readers across the region and beyond. 'It affirms that indigenous stories, which are rich with wisdom, values and imagination, belong not only to the past but also our shared future,' he said. Also present were Kayan paramount chief Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, community leaders, teachers and academicians. Dennis Ngau Kayan folklore book lead Lung Lebui miri
Asahi Shimbun
11-06-2025
- Science
- Asahi Shimbun
Intricate design found on ancient spear likely used in Yamato ritual
A 3-D image of the spear through the X-ray of a CT scan (Provided by the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region') MUNAKATA, Fukuoka Prefecture—Intricate decorative patterns were found on an iron spear tip from the late sixth century to early seventh century, underscoring the importance of Yamato Dynasty rituals on the sacred island of Okinoshima, researchers said. An X-ray examination of the weapon, a designated national treasure, revealed elaborate designs covering its entire surface that had been hidden under a layer of rust, officials of Munakata Taisha shrine here confirmed on June 10. The spear tip, about 30 centimeters long, was excavated on Okinoshima island, a World Heritage site, in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, along with a treasure trove of other relics believed to date back to the late Kofun Period (third to seventh centuries). Researchers said they believe the spear was made in Japan but had its origins on the Korean Peninsula. They also said the Kinzogan forging method, in which metal is embedded in carved lines, was probably used to create the designs on the spear. The embedded material is still unknown, but they suspect it is gold. Given the decorative patterns covering the entire surface, the spear was likely an offering to the gods, not an item for practical use, they said. Okinoshima, an isolated island in the Genkainada sea, is where the goddess Munakata is said to be enshrined. The island was the site of rituals for marine safety conducted by the Yamato Dynasty for about 500 years. 'A highly advanced technique was used for creating the exquisitely detailed and gorgeous design,' said Tadashi Nishitani, professor emeritus at Kyushu University and an expert on archaeology in East Asia. 'The discoveries on this object are unprecedented and there is no other example. This really shows the greatness of national rituals on Okinoshima island,' he said. The spear tip remains inside a gilt bronze sheath. The researchers used a CT scan to create a three-dimensional perspective projection of the blade, allowing them to see inside the sheath and beneath the rust. The cross section of the spear is triangular. Some researchers believe the pattern is a Japanese arabesque design featuring a combination of hexagonal patterns surrounding a phoenix. Others say the design consists of floral or feather patterns. Toshinori Mizuno, material section chief at the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, said the spear is 'unique and of excellent quality among items in the East Asian region.' 'I assume it was created by the Yamato Dynasty for a ritual ceremony at Okinoshima island,' he said. About 80,000 items were discovered on Okinoshima island after World War II, and all of them have been designated as national treasures. The Cultural Affairs Agency provided a subsidy to the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' to conduct X-ray examinations on about 4,200 metal objects, including the spear, from the island. The council consists of Munakata Taisha shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture, a local municipal government and other related parties.
Japan Times
11-06-2025
- Science
- Japan Times
Documents of 1945 vivisection of U.S. POWs on exhibit at Fukuoka museum
Documents related to a 1945 vivisection of U.S. prisoners of war (POW) are being exhibited at the medical history museum of Kyushu University in the city of Fukuoka until June 22 with the aim of promoting medical and peace education by sharing lessons from the past. In the incident, eight captured U.S. soldiers died after undergoing experimental surgeries at Kyushu Imperial University, the predecessor of Kyushu University, in the late stages of World War II. Dr. Toshio Tono, who witnessed the surgeries as a medical student at the time, collected documents related to them before he died at the age of 95 in 2021. His family donated about 30 of the documents to the university in 2024, and some of those are now on display. The documents include a floor plan of a school building in which the location of the anatomy laboratory where the surgeries were conducted is written by hand, as well as a copy of a suicide note left by a surgeon involved in the incident who took his own life after being arrested. After the war ended, Tono was questioned by the WWII Allies as a witness to the incident. He also testified at the trials of those involved. Eager to learn exactly what led to the incident, Tono repeatedly visited the area near the border between Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, where a U.S. B-29 bomber had crashed. He interviewed local residents about how U.S. soldiers were taken from the scene. Based on the documents he collected, Tono wrote a book about the vivisection incident, which was published in 1979. Kyushu University now recognizes the social significance of Tono's efforts and the high academic value of his collected documents. At the time of the incident, the university was headed by an Imperial Japanese Navy admiral. According to Tono's book, the university was effectively under the navy's control, and the surgeries on the U.S. soldiers are believed to have been conducted at its behest. Still, many details of the incident remain unknown, partly because the professor who performed them killed himself before the trial. The surgeries are believed to have included lung resection and the injection of seawater into blood vessels as part of efforts to develop a blood substitute. The incident was uncovered by the General Headquarters of the Allied occupation forces, also known as GHQ in Japan, and a total of some 30 people from the university and the former navy were indicted. In August 1948, 23 individuals were convicted of war crimes. The incident inspired Shusaku Endo's novel "The Sea and Poison." Ryoko Nakajima, a sixth-year medical student at the university now, helped to sort the donated documents. "In wartime, people may do things (against their wishes) if they are forced," said the 25-year-old. "I renewed my pledge to maintain a sense of ethics as a doctor." "I think my father would be very happy (with the exhibit)," said Tono's first son, Atsuhiko, 68, who is also a doctor. "I hope people of all ages, especially younger generations, will learn about the incident."
