The UTOPIA Center - 43 interviews

Japanese

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Special Episode 01

From the Jounetsu Tairiku Team: A Love Letter to a Virologist

Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Director, The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

Available on YouTube

Journalist Meets Scientist - Protect People from Infectious Diseases (UTOPIA Special Interview)

Takako Zenba, the host of TBS's 'Houdou Tokushu' , meets Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a virologist and the Director of the UTOPIA Center at the University of Tokyo,

Ms Zenba is an alumna of the University of Tokyo. This insightful dialogue was recorded at Shirokanedai Campus of the University of Tokyo on 30 October 2023.

UTOPIA 43 Interviews

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 34

Why I Became a Parasitologist – Fighting Neglected Diseases

Professor Tomoyoshi Nozaki
Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

July 2025

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 33

Why does the immune system, meant to protect us, attack our own body?

Professor Keishi Fujio
Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

June 2025

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol.32

ATP Synthase: More Than Just Spinning—When You Encounter Something Beautiful

Professor Hiroyuki Noji
Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

February 2025

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol.31

Dreamed of Being a Witch, Not a Princess!? How Gut IgA Knows Good and Bad Bugs

Professor Reiko Shinkura
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo

January 2025

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 30 RNA Modifications, Spinach, and Curry Udon: Research That Rewrites Textbooks

Professor Tsutomu Suzuki
Lab of RNA biochemistry, The University of Tokyo

January 2025

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 29
Innocent Curiosity: Changing the Destiny of Cells to Save Lives

Professor Yasuhiro Yamada
Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

October 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 28
Prevent Pandemics Using Veterinary Medicine: Developing Bird Flu Vaccine

Professor Taisuke Horimoto
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, the University of Tokyo

October 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 27
Toll-like Receptors: Host Defense, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Diseases

Professor Kensuke Miyake

Division of Infectious Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

September 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 26
From Treating Patients to Discovering Cures: A Path into Stem Cell Research

Professor Atsushi Iwama

Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

September 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 25
Making a Difference: Fighting Infections from Molecular to Global Level 　

Professor Yuki Furuse
Department of Microbiology and Infection; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

July 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 24
Immune Memory: Tackling Infections through B Cell Research

Takeshi Inoue, Professor
Department of Molecular Systems Immunology; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

July 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 23
Why a Pediatrician Became a Virus Researcher

Makoto Takeda, Professor
Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

May 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 22
Guarding Life with Cutting-Edge Biometric Sensing Technology: Monitoring Biological Signals with Thin Flexible Sensors

Takao Someya, Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

May 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 21
Viral Therapy for Cancers

Tomoki Todo, Professor
Hospital Director, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

April 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 20
Ribosomes: The Key to Life

Toshifumi Inada, Professor
Division of RNA and Gene Regulation
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

April 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 19
From Neurosurgery to Gene Therapy: Curiosity and Passion for Discovery

Takashi Okada, Professor
Director, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

March 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 18
High Body Temperature and Gut Microbiota: Defense Against Viral Infections

Takeshi Ichinohe, Associate Professor
Division of Viral Infection, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

March 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 17
Malaria Research Beyond Borders: Protecting People around the Globe

Cevayir Coban, Professor
Division of Malaria Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

February 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 16
Nurturing Research Discoveries into Real-world Applications to Save Lives

Fumitaka Nagamura, Professor
Center for Translational Research/Division of Advanced Medicine Promotion, The Advanced Clinical Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

January 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 15
Science: A Pleasurable and Rewarding Journey

James Di Santo, Professor
Institut Pasteur, France
Visiting Professor, UTOPIA
with Dr. Tomoya Hayashi

December 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 14
Research is Fun!
CRISPR-Cas3 Pioneer Talks Fascinating Realm of Genome Editing

Tomoji Mashimo, Professor
Division of Animal Genetics/Division of Genome Engineering
Director of Laboratory Animal Research Center
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

December 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 13
Pioneer in Aging Research Talks

Makoto Nakanish, Professor
Dean, Institute of Medical Science
Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo

December 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 12
United Against Infection: Save the World and Inspire Generations

Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi, Professor
Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

November 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 11
Artificial Intelligence × Virus Variants: Predicting the Future with AI

Yutaka Matsuo, Professor
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

October 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 10
Changing Healthcare with Sociology

Kaori Muto, Professor
Public Policy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

November 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 9
Rock & Science -Specialist in Signal Transduction and Guitarist in 'Ojisan(?)' Band

Jun-ichiro Inoue, Project Professor
Managing Director, The University of TOkyo Pandemic preparedness, Infection and Advanced research center (UTOPIA)
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

September 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 8
Designing Proteins for Human Welfare

Kouhei Tsumoto, Professor
Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

August 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 7
Bones, Immunity, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and COVID-19

Hiroshi Takayanagi, Professor
Dept of Immunology, Grad School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

August 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 6
Protect People from Pandemics!

Kei Sato, Professor
Systems Virology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

July 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 5
Deciphering Life's 3D Secrets: Unveiling Molecular Structures for Life-Saving Breakthroughs

Osamu Nureki, Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

July 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 4
Embracing the Joy and Sorrow of Patients

Sakae Tanaka, Professor
Director of the University of Tokyo Hospital

June 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 3
"Mutual benefits" and "Altruism" are the key to overcoming challenges

Masahiko Kikuchi, Project Professor
The UTOPIA Center, The University of Tokyo

June 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 2
I believe there is a ray of hope beyond countless failures.

Yasushi Kawaguchi, Professor
Division of Molecular Virology, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo

June 2023

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 1
Discovering true freedome through research

Ken Ishii, Professor
Division of Vaccine Science, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo

June 2023

Professor Kawaoka, director, introduces UTOPIA on YouTube

In Japanese with English subtitle

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May 2023

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Professor Yoshihiro KawaokaDirector, The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

Journalist Meets Scientist - Protect People from Infectious Diseases (UTOPIA Special Interview)

Professor Tomoyoshi NozakiDepartment of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Professor Keishi FujioDepartment of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol.32

Professor Hiroyuki NojiDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol.31

Dreamed of Being a Witch, Not a Princess!? How Gut IgA Knows Good and Bad Bugs

Professor Reiko ShinkuraInstitute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo

Professor Tsutomu SuzukiLab of RNA biochemistry, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 29Innocent Curiosity: Changing the Destiny of Cells to Save Lives

Professor Yasuhiro Yamada Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 28Prevent Pandemics Using Veterinary Medicine: Developing Bird Flu Vaccine

Professor Taisuke Horimoto Department of Veterinary Microbiology, the University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 27Toll-like Receptors: Host Defense, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Diseases

Professor Kensuke Miyake

Division of Infectious Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

September 2024

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 26From Treating Patients to Discovering Cures: A Path into Stem Cell Research

Professor Atsushi Iwama

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 25Making a Difference: Fighting Infections from Molecular to Global Level

Professor Yuki FuruseDepartment of Microbiology and Infection; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 24Immune Memory: Tackling Infections through B Cell Research

Takeshi Inoue, Professor Department of Molecular Systems Immunology; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 23Why a Pediatrician Became a Virus Researcher

Makoto Takeda, Professor Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 21Viral Therapy for Cancers

Tomoki Todo, ProfessorHospital Director, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Toshifumi Inada, ProfessorDivision of RNA and Gene RegulationThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Takashi Okada, Professor Director, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Takeshi Ichinohe, Associate ProfessorDivision of Viral Infection, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Cevayir Coban, Professor Division of Malaria Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Fumitaka Nagamura, Professor Center for Translational Research/Division of Advanced Medicine Promotion, The Advanced Clinical Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 15Science: A Pleasurable and Rewarding Journey James Di Santo, Professor Institut Pasteur, FranceVisiting Professor, UTOPIA with Dr. Tomoya Hayashi

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 14Research is Fun! CRISPR-Cas3 Pioneer Talks Fascinating Realm of Genome Editing

Tomoji Mashimo, ProfessorDivision of Animal Genetics/Division of Genome EngineeringDirector of Laboratory Animal Research CenterThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 13Pioneer in Aging Research Talks

Makoto Nakanish, ProfessorDean, Institute of Medical ScienceDivision of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 12United Against Infection: Save the World and Inspire Generations

Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi, Professor Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 11Artificial Intelligence × Virus Variants: Predicting the Future with AI

Yutaka Matsuo, ProfessorGraduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 10Changing Healthcare with Sociology

Kaori Muto, ProfessorPublic Policy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 8Designing Proteins for Human Welfare Kouhei Tsumoto, Professor Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 7Bones, Immunity, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and COVID-19 Hiroshi Takayanagi, ProfessorDept of Immunology, Grad School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 6Protect People from Pandemics! Kei Sato, ProfessorSystems Virology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 5Deciphering Life's 3D Secrets: Unveiling Molecular Structures for Life-Saving Breakthroughs Osamu Nureki, ProfessorDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 4Embracing the Joy and Sorrow of Patients Sakae Tanaka, ProfessorDirector of the University of Tokyo Hospital

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 3"Mutual benefits" and "Altruism" are the key to overcoming challengesMasahiko Kikuchi, Project ProfessorThe UTOPIA Center, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 2I believe there is a ray of hope beyond countless failures. Yasushi Kawaguchi, Professor Division of Molecular Virology, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 1Discovering true freedome through researchKen Ishii, Professor Division of Vaccine Science, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo

Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Director, The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

Professor Tomoyoshi Nozaki
Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Professor Keishi Fujio
Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

Professor Hiroyuki Noji
Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

Professor Reiko Shinkura
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo

Professor Tsutomu Suzuki
Lab of RNA biochemistry, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 29
Innocent Curiosity: Changing the Destiny of Cells to Save Lives

Professor Yasuhiro Yamada
Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 28
Prevent Pandemics Using Veterinary Medicine: Developing Bird Flu Vaccine

Professor Taisuke Horimoto
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, the University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 27
Toll-like Receptors: Host Defense, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Diseases

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 26
From Treating Patients to Discovering Cures: A Path into Stem Cell Research

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 25
Making a Difference: Fighting Infections from Molecular to Global Level 　

Professor Yuki Furuse
Department of Microbiology and Infection; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 24
Immune Memory: Tackling Infections through B Cell Research

Takeshi Inoue, Professor
Department of Molecular Systems Immunology; The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA)

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 23
Why a Pediatrician Became a Virus Researcher

Makoto Takeda, Professor
Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 21
Viral Therapy for Cancers

Tomoki Todo, Professor
Hospital Director, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Toshifumi Inada, Professor
Division of RNA and Gene Regulation
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Takashi Okada, Professor
Director, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Takeshi Ichinohe, Associate Professor
Division of Viral Infection, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Cevayir Coban, Professor
Division of Malaria Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Fumitaka Nagamura, Professor
Center for Translational Research/Division of Advanced Medicine Promotion, The Advanced Clinical Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 15
Science: A Pleasurable and Rewarding Journey

James Di Santo, Professor
Institut Pasteur, France
Visiting Professor, UTOPIA
with Dr. Tomoya Hayashi

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 14
Research is Fun!
CRISPR-Cas3 Pioneer Talks Fascinating Realm of Genome Editing

Tomoji Mashimo, Professor
Division of Animal Genetics/Division of Genome Engineering
Director of Laboratory Animal Research Center
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 13
Pioneer in Aging Research Talks

Makoto Nakanish, Professor
Dean, Institute of Medical Science
Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 12
United Against Infection: Save the World and Inspire Generations

Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi, Professor
Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 11
Artificial Intelligence × Virus Variants: Predicting the Future with AI

Yutaka Matsuo, Professor
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 10
Changing Healthcare with Sociology

Kaori Muto, Professor
Public Policy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 8
Designing Proteins for Human Welfare

Kouhei Tsumoto, Professor
Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 7
Bones, Immunity, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and COVID-19

Hiroshi Takayanagi, Professor
Dept of Immunology, Grad School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 6
Protect People from Pandemics!

Kei Sato, Professor
Systems Virology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 5
Deciphering Life's 3D Secrets: Unveiling Molecular Structures for Life-Saving Breakthroughs

Osamu Nureki, Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 4
Embracing the Joy and Sorrow of Patients

Sakae Tanaka, Professor
Director of the University of Tokyo Hospital

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 3
"Mutual benefits" and "Altruism" are the key to overcoming challenges

Masahiko Kikuchi, Project Professor
The UTOPIA Center, The University of Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 2
I believe there is a ray of hope beyond countless failures.

Yasushi Kawaguchi, Professor
Division of Molecular Virology, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo

UTOPIA 43 Interviews | Vol. 1
Discovering true freedome through research

Ken Ishii, Professor
Division of Vaccine Science, the Institute of Medical Sciences, The University Tokyo