I am honored to have joined the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University as Professor in April 2026. Previously, at Kumamoto University (Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection), I have pursued research that approaches the essence of infectious diseases through the lens of retrovirology. At Hokkaido University, I will build on this experience to further develop our research on retroviruses—particularly HTLV-1 and HIV-1—while expanding our scope beyond retroviruses to a broader range of viral infections to deepen our understanding of pathogen–host interactions and disease pathogenesis.

Despite major advances in therapy, retroviral infections still present a central challenge: latency and persistent infection continue to hinder cure. Our group has addressed the long-standing mystery of HTLV-1 latency and worked to uncover its molecular basis. In parallel, we have investigated HIV-1 persistence and the viral reservoir, aiming to understand and ultimately overcome the mechanisms that create “intractability.”

At Hokkaido University, we will integrate advanced technologies—including single-cell analyses, next-generation sequencing, and digital PCR—to pursue breakthroughs that address intractable problems across infectious diseases and cancer. In particular, we place high value on translating research outcomes into clinical impact, strengthening collaborations with clinical departments to connect mechanistic insights to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Medical education and the training of the next generation of researchers are also central missions of our laboratory. In the stimulating environment of Hokkaido University, where infectious disease research thrives and a frontier spirit is valued, we will support young scientists in taking on ambitious challenges and work together to create research that can be communicated to the world. We also aim to leverage our international research network to contribute to the further internationalization of Hokkaido University and its School of Medicine. With steady commitment, we will continue to build a research hub that contributes—however modestly—to the development of Hokkaido.

Our laboratory places the highest priority on empowering the next generation of researchers. Together with collaborators and clinicians within and beyond the university, in Japan and internationally, we will advance research toward solutions for intractable diseases. Students and graduate students who wish to participate in our research, as well as colleagues considering collaboration, are warmly invited to contact us. I look forward to opening new frontiers of research with you.