In the second part, we shift to Professor Miura’s personal journey—how she became immersed in research, the unexpected parallels between band life and science, her “give it 120% and if it doesn’t work, that’s okay” philosophy of challenge, and her candid messages for young researchers. Through her stories, we explore both the joy of doing science and the value of taking on challenges, while getting a closer look at the personality and principles that shape Professor Miura as a scientist.
What if there were a mammal that hardly ages and never develops cancer or Alzheimer’s? That “extraordinary species” is the naked mole-rat. Living cooperatively in large underground colonies, this small creature offers remarkable clues for the future of humanity. In this episode of Stellar Lab Radio, we welcome Professor Kyoko Miura from Kyushu University’s Graduate School of Medical Sciences, who is exploring the mysteries of aging and coexistence through her pioneering research on naked mole-rats.
In October 2025, the five awardees of the first cohort gathered for their initial meet-up, where dynamic discussions emerged across diverse disciplines. Alongside their deep passion for their respective research, the conversation also touched on the structural challenges faced by young scientists in Japan. This article highlights their wide-ranging research projects and the shared realization—surfacing through their dialogue—of the vital importance of human connections.
In this second part, under the theme “Bringing new options to medical treatments,” we dive into what the future of medicine could look like through cell therapy, while also uncovering Professor Mabuchi’s origins and perspectives as a researcher. From the unexpected inspiration of crocodile leather bags, to the evolving role of scientists today, and even the secrets to a stress-resilient research life—this episode offers a rich conversation where science and life intersect.
Every year, the SS-F hosts its annual Retreat with the aim of strengthening connections within the Stellar Inventors community. This year, about twenty Inventors and their families gathered in Atami, with the deep blue ocean stretching out before them.The theme of the 2025 SS-F Retreat was Collaboration. Groundbreaking discoveries and inventions cannot be achieved without cooperation that transcends organizations and disciplines. Against this backdrop, the retreat asked a central question: “What does ideal collaboration look like?”
Dr. Mabuchi walks us through the basics of stem cell research, the surprising stress resistance of cells, and the potential of organoid technology in creating “cultured meat.” We explore how fundamental research connects with broader societal challenges and future possibilities.
Dr. Takebe discusses his discovery of mRNA transfer between mouse and human cells, his “phenomenon-first” approach to research, and the personal roots and philosophy that guide him as a scientist. He also reveals groundbreaking findings that challenge conventional understanding of liver development.
How does the meticulous approach unique to Japanese researchers blend with cutting-edge science? What are the origins and philosophy of Dr. Takebe, who has forged his own path as a scientist? In this first part, we dive into the roots of his research, the culture of Japanese science, and the importance of uniqueness in the age of AI.
Working at the intersection of multiple disciplines, Matsuhisa has encountered numerous challenges throughout his research career. How has he overcome those obstacles? In this in-depth conversation, he shares what sparked his interest in electronics, what drove him to become a researcher, and what he learned from his time at top institutions overseas—including Stanford University.
Thanks to technological advances, wearable devices are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. While smartwatches are currently the most common form, did you know that in the near future, we may see revolutionary devices that are as soft as human skin and can seamlessly merge with the body?
Dr. Hoshino is a pioneering researcher in exosome science, working to uncover the mechanisms behind complex diseases. Her research journey began during her university years, when a close friend was diagnosed with osteosarcoma—a life-changing experience that deeply influenced her path.
Exosomes—tiny particles once thought to be cellular waste—have recently gained attention for their role in intercellular communication. Over the past two decades, research has accelerated, with growing hopes for their use in understanding and treating various diseases. In this edition of Invent Innovation, we feature Dr. Ayuko Hoshino from the University of Tokyo. She investigates how exosomes relate to conditions like cancer, autism spectrum disorder, and pregnancy complications, and shares her future plans, including starting a company.
The SS-F New Generation Program is an initiative to support the multifaceted growth of young researchers. The program's first fellow, Dr. Haruka Sasaki, an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Dentistry at Tohoku University, participated over a two-year period. In this interview, she reflects on the transformation she experienced through her engagement with SS-F while pursuing her unique research on the link between asthma and umami receptors.
"What excites me most is the moment when I feel I am truly uncovering the fundamental mysteries of life," Irie shares about the allure of her research. She describes how her journey through different fields led to unexpected discoveries. From a childhood curiosity to an unconventional change of academic direction, and ultimately to securing a research position in the UK through her own initiative, we trace the path that led Irie to become a researcher exploring the profound mysteries of life.
On January 20, 2025, the SS-F Symposium was held in partnership with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Centered around the theme of "Building a Global Scientific Community," the symposium brought together leading researchers, government officials, startup professionals, and early-career scientists. We were honored to welcome Professor Stephen Quake and Professor Eimi Nishimura as keynote speakers, providing a platform for researchers to engage in discussions on cutting-edge research and global innovation.
A single study has the power to change the future. In the second installment of the Invent Innovation series, we interviewed Naoko Irie. Through her research, she hopes to create a world where people facing challenges have more choices. How has she been tackling the profound mystery of germ cells—the very beginning of life itself?
"I feel truly fortunate to have encountered such a compelling research theme like sleep," emphasizing that "unexpected discoveries" are the true essence and joy of research. From his childhood fascination with living organisms to becoming a researcher unraveling the mysteries of sleep, how did Dr. Hayashi's path lead him to this field of study?
SS-F GALA 2024, a gathering of researchers from various fields and corporate supporters, was hosted by SS-F. Now in its third year, this annual event expresses gratitude to researchers and corporate supporters who are part of the community.
How can research labs address the challenge of quickly securing talented researchers? We share the outcomes of the first phase of the SS-F Inventor Bridge Program.
“When there’s no specific goal or obligation, and you engage in discussions with experts from different fields, new ideas naturally emerge.” Report from the SS-F Retreat held in Hakone. We gathered in the peaceful setting of Hakone for meaningful discussions, team-building, and inspiration.
The second event of the "Pioneers Host Pioneers" (PHP) series, hosted by STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F), took place on July 29, 2024, at FabCafe Tokyo in Shibuya. The event was held in a hybrid format, combining an in-person gathering with online streaming.
Dr.Takanori Takebe, the founder of the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F), was awarded the 2024 Ig Nobel Prize for his research on the use of intestinal ventilation mechanisms.
The "Pioneers Host Pioneers" event organized by the STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F) was held on June 21, 2024 at the "CIRCLE by ANRI" incubation facility in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.
On December 27-28, 2023, the second retreat of the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F) was held at the Kashiwa-no-ha Conference Center in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.
On September 14, 2023, we held "THE SS-F GALA 2023" at the Tokyo American Club, bringing together researchers from various fields and supporting companies.
The event was the culmination of six months of activities for the Stellar Science Foundation (hereafter referred to as SS-F), which was established in December 2021. About 50 people attended, including Stellar Inventors, supporters, and staff.
