Our main research is focused on the development of organic compounds that provide new functionality, predicated on the ideal of efficient production of target materials using new types of synthetic methodologies and reactions. Put simply, our goal is to create new materials, more strictly, organic compounds with the potential to provide new functionality. This may include the novelty in the process sense, that is, the utilization of a new synthetic reaction or methodology.

The fundamental aim of organic chemistry is to clarify material structures and the mechanisms behind the manifestation of physical properties at the atomic and molecular level, and to develop methodologies for producing organic compounds with the desired functionality. In order to ensure that materials are prepared in an environmentally benign manner, we need to artificially recreate chemical transformation with a high level of activity and selectivity using catalysts featuring enzymes, a key characteristic of biological reactions, and further to develop ever better enzyme mimics.

Taking advantage of precise molecular and/or ion recognition ability hitherto never seen, which is achieved by learning from enzymes, we can also develop new reactions for environmentally-benign organic synthesis.

Our research is dedicated to exploring the potential of original discoveries made in our laboratory. Quite often, unexpected discoveries are made in the course of ongoing research work. So it is vital that we fully utilize the background knowledge acquired through our daily work in questioning the natural world about our beliefs and assumptions and seeking responses. There is great satisfaction in analyzing the responses to our queries.