Members

Tomohiko Taniguchi

I received my M.D. from Kyoto University before joining OIST in 2024 to pursue interdisciplinary research in a unique international environment. I investigate how somatosensory circuits contribute to the fine control of movement using optogenetics and two-photon microscopy. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and raising my son in Okinawa.

Dmitrii Shipkov

I am from Russia, Kazan. Obtaining my undergraduate and master's studies, my projects focused on developmental neurobiology, specifically, early activity patterns within the hippocampal-entorhinal circuit. After obtaining my master's degree from Kazan Federal University, I enrolled in the PhD program at OIST; I am currently studying structural and functional plasticity in corticospinal neurons during motor skill learning. In my free time, I travel around Okinawa and mainland Japan with my wife, study Japanese, and volunteer at events for children and school students. 

Ken Matsuura

I was born and raised in Kanagawa, Japan, and also spent part of my childhood in Kansas, USA. After completing my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Tokyo, I trained as a postdoctoral researcher and later worked as a Research Associate/Assistant Professor in Tetsu Akiyama’s lab at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, the University of Tokyo, studying Wnt signaling as a molecular biologist. In 2016, I moved to Okinawa and joined Tadashi Yamamoto’s Cell Signaling Unit at OIST as a Staff Scientist. When my term ended in 2021, I wasn’t quite ready to leave OIST—or Okinawa. I also still had a few papers under revision or in preparation, so I was very fortunate that Prof. Yoshida offered me the opportunity to join his unit. That move also gave me the chance to jump into neural circuit research and learn a completely new set of techniques, including two-photon microscopy and wide-field imaging of neuronal activity. Since then, I have developed a genuine love for both the field and these techniques. I am now interested in understanding how specific populations of neurons control skilled behaviors in mice. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, running, and watching movies and anime.

Tomoe Shimazaki

After graduating from university, I have worked as a research technician at various universities and research institutions. I currently support research in neuroscience. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

Moeru Taniguchi

I am originally from Shizuoka and lived in Kyoto for about 10 years after starting university. I moved to Okinawa because of my husband’s job. I worked as a nurse before joining the laboratory, and I am now working as a technician. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing golf, and spending time with my child.

Nazgul Gaifutdinova

Before joining OIST, I studied the pathophysiology of migraine. In this unit, I apply my previous experience and knowledge to investigate how the brain encodes gentle touch. I also support my colleagues with their experiments and help take care of our mice. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and exploring new places around Okinawa.

Tomoko Yamanaka

I was born in Hakodate, Japan, and received my Ph.D. from Osaka University. I have a long-standing interest in how the brain generates emotions and the behaviors that accompany them. Using mice as a model, I have been exploring the neural mechanisms that shape emotional states and guide behavior.

Akimasa Ishida

 Academic background: Nagoya University (rehabilitation)                                                                       Main research areas: Role of descending pathways in the control of skilled limb movements (particularly brainstem-spinal   pathways), rehabilitation-induced reorganization of central nervous system

Takuto Hanasaki

Early-life affective touch, such as gentle stroking during caregiver–offspring interactions, plays an important role in social and emotional development. Focusing on MrgprB4-lineage sensory neurons involved in affective touch, I investigate how early-life tactile experiences shape social behavior and its underlying neural circuits. Using mouse models, I examine social communication and behavior from infancy to adulthood and identify the neural circuits through which early-life touch influences later social development.

Hirohide Takatani

I graduated from Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in 2020 and obtained my veterinary license in the same year. I subsequently pursued a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, and received my doctoral degree in 2025. During my doctoral studies, I spent time at the Burke Neurological Institute in New York, conducting research on neural mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury and functional recovery. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Neural Circuit Unit at OIST, investigating the neural circuits underlying locomotor behaviors, with a particular focus on backward locomotion.

Yu Takata

I am a neuroscientist from Ehime Prefecture with a background in physical therapy. I joined the unit in 2021. My research explores the development and evolution of motor control systems, with a particular focus on their molecular and cellular foundations.

Suzuko Zaha

I joined OIST as a postdoctoral researcher in 2022 and currently study the neural and behavioral mechanisms of gentle touch and its contribution to physical and psychological health and well-being.

Karaku Ou

I’m originally from China but have been living in Japan for almost half of my life, long enough that both places feel like home. I love nature, especially Okinawa’s beautiful ocean. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, café hopping, and exploring new bars with friends. I also occasionally go hiking, although I have a complicated relationship with Okinawa’s wildlife. Don‘t get me wrong, I do love nature, but I strongly prefer it when the bugs keep a respectful distance. As the RUA, I take care of the administrative side of the Yoshida Unit and try my best to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and helping our unit members focus on what they do best RESEARCH!