Environmental Adaptation Research Group

　Goal: To shed light on the characteristics of each group's biological qualities
Humans in modern societies spend a large amount of time in comfortable, artificial environments. On the other hand, such artificial environments may negatively impact health.
In this department, we consider likely future issues such as low birthrates, longevity, and global climate change. We plan to conduct studies on the biological qualities of each group (e.g., by sex, age, genetic type) in various settings. Based on such scientific achievements, we aim to help propose standards such as those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Furthermore, we hope to create truly comfortable and sustainable living environments for humans.

Active Lifestyle Research Group

　Goals: To shed light on physical and mental functions and achieve scientific understanding Propose measures for active lifestyles
In this department, we examine the morphological and functional characteristics of seniors, the disabled, and children from a physio-anthropological angle. We have made many achievements in terms of research. We plan to further develop these studies. We will also suggest designs for products and environments associated with lifestyles (e.g., in terms of clothing, food, and residences), work, sports, education, and caregiving that best suit people's characteristics.
Instead of senior or nursing care support, upon scientifically understanding the physical and mental functions of disabilities and each age group, we aim to recommend steps toward active lifestyles and to help build lively societies.

Humanity Research Group

By exploring humans' sensibility, we plan to create emotionally rich society.
"Sensibility" can be considered "emotional functioning" upon evolutionary adaptation toward "better survival." Against such a background, in this department, we study human sensibility and design scientific methods to assess it.
To improve the potential of sensibility, we will develop this method further and scientifically explore higher mental functions (such as aesthetic taste, moral frameworks, empathy, reciprocal altruism, satisfaction, happiness, and imagination). We aim to help create emotionally rich society., so that people can fulfill their highest potential.

Resilience Design Research Group

Goals:　Visualize humans' "ability to fight back against the strain"
"Reduced stress" via physiological anthropology
For various types of stress that humans face, the "ability to fight back against the strain" is resilience, which is the capability to maintain normal equilibrium, even in extremely challenging situations. In recent years, many natural disasters have left numerous victims in their wake. Following a primary disaster, victims must live together in public facilities such as school gyms and city halls. Subsequently, these victims move into temporary housing two to three months later. This process is often stressful for victims, both mentally and physiologically. We believe that physiological anthropology helps reduce such forms of stress.