Research Theme

Development and Measurement of “Maemuki (Forward-looking)” indices

We will create a subjective index of positivity (positivity scale) and establish a method to estimate mental “positivity” from physical information.

In this way, we will clarify the positive factors and degree of positivity appropriate to the social situation, and establish a system for evaluating positivity that fits the individual’s situation. We will construct a system to evaluate the level of forwardness that fits the individual’s situation.

In addition, we will improve real-world sensing technology and clarify the effect size of positivity, as well as the circulation and generalization of positivity.

  • YAMADA Makiko
  • KASHINO Makio
  • SHIMOJO Shinsuke
  • HAMADA Hiroaki

Assistance and training for “Maemuki (Forward-looking mind)”

We will establish “prospective” assistance techniques using sensory manipulation (rhythm, opticalflow, etc.), brain activity manipulation (MRI, EEG), and molecular function manipulation (chemical genetics).

We will also establish “prospective” training techniques using biomechanical manipulation
(gait, movement, posture, etc.).

  • HIRAO Takahiro
  • MINAMIMOTO Takafumi
  • SADO Natsuki
  • INOUE Ken'ichi

“Maemuki (Forward-looking)” ELSI and social applications

We evaluate “positivity” in a variety of social situations.

We will identify the elements and degree of “positivity” that leads to desirable new advancement status in populations with various attributes and situations, including developmental stages such as children, adults, and the elderly, as well as palliative care patients and patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders such as dependence, mania, and depression.

In addition, we will examine the efficacy and ideal state of “positivity” support by “positivity” assistants and “positivity” trainers.
The findings from these demonstrations will be consolidated into a reference manual and ELSI guidelines for “Positive” support.

  • TAGUCHI Shigeru
  • FUJIMORI Maiko
  • MATSUDA Tetsuya
  • TAKAHASHI Hidehiko

  • YAMADA Makiko

    • Project Manager
    Affiliation

    Group Leader, Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency

    Research Theme

    “Mechanisms of Embodied Positivity.”

    We will create a “Positive Scale,” a subjective index of positivity. We will also create a prototype version of “Body2Positive,” which estimates mental positivity from physical information, by evaluating the relationship between positivity indices, physical information, brain data, and actual behavior through laboratory experiments. We will establish a forward-looking index and evaluation method, link the obtained findings to forward-looking operations, ELSI, and social implementation, deepen our understanding of forward-looking mechanisms, and establish a scientific and technological foundation for forward-looking.

  • YAMADA Makiko

    • Development and Measurement of “Maemuki (Forward-looking)” indices
    Affiliation

    Group Leader, Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency

    Research Theme
    “Mechanisms of Embodied Positivity.”

    We will create a “Positive Scale,” a subjective index of positivity. We will also create a prototype version of “Body2Positive,” which estimates mental positivity from physical information, by evaluating the relationship between positivity indices, physical information, brain data, and actual behavior through laboratory experiments. We will establish a forward-looking index and evaluation method, link the obtained findings to forward-looking operations, ELSI, and social implementation, deepen our understanding of forward-looking mechanisms, and establish a scientific and technological foundation for forward-looking.

    Research Member

    MIYAMAE Mitsuhiro (Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    MATSUYOSHI Daisuke (Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    TSUCHIYA Naotsugu (Monash University School of Psychological Sciences)
    Leung Angus (Monash University School of Psychological Sciences)
    ISATO Ayako (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Saitama gakuen University）
    FUYAMA Miho (Department of Literature, Ritsumeikan University)
    AMANO Kaoru (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo)
    HIRANO Shigeki (Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University/Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    TAMAKI Kentaro (Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    AIZAWA Yasunori (Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    YABE Yoshiko (Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    Wang Yaru (Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University/Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    MORI Mizuki (Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University/Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    TAMURA Mitsuyoshi (Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University/Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Quantum Science and Technology Agency)
    HAGIWARA Ippei (Consortium for Applied Neuroscience)
    ISOMURA Syota (NTT DATA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, Inc.)
    INOUE Masahiko (NTT DATA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, Inc.)

  • KASHINO Makio

    • Development and Measurement of “Maemuki (Forward-looking)” indices
    Affiliation

    Director, Kashiwano Diverse Brain Research Laboratory, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Communication Science Laboratories

    Research Theme
    “Real-Environment Sensing and Performance Assessment.”

    We will establish a technological basis for estimating prospective from physical information in a real environment using wearables, computer vision (CV), and other non-observable measurements. In addition, we will evaluate forward-looking related indicators, physical information, and performance in real environments for athletes and students in preparatory schools, and verify the effect and degree of embodied forward-looking on performance. We will also use body information obtained from real-world sensing and laboratory experimental data to determine which body information can be used and to what degree estimation accuracy can be achieved.

  • SHIMOJO Shinsuke

    • Development and Measurement of “Maemuki (Forward-looking)” indices
    Affiliation

    California Institute of Technology Biology and Biological Engineering Professor

    Research Theme
    “Flow Experiences Circulate and Generalize Positivity.”

    We will test the possibility that “flow experiences” can lead to a cycle of positivity (positive loops) and generalize to other aspects of positivity using a positive cognitive task. We will evaluate how the presence and extent of flow experiences during the performance of tasks with different characteristics affect positive cognitive tasks and other positivity-related indicators measured before and after the task.

  • HAMADA Hiroaki

    • Development and Measurement of “Maemuki (Forward-looking)” indices
    Affiliation

    Researcher, Research and Development Department, ALAYA Co.

    Research Theme
    “Modeling Positivity.”

    We will conduct mathematical analysis of psychological measures of positivity and cognitive task data and brain, body, and physiological data to construct standard profiles of positivity and profiles by individual attributes and social situations. Using the data obtained in the development of the prospective scale and Body2Positive, we will use machine learning to build optimal predictive models and increase the accuracy of estimating an individual’s prospective from physical information.

  • HIRAO Takahiro

    • Assistant Project Manager
    • Assistance and training for “Maemuki (Forward-looking mind)”
    Affiliation

    Researcher, Brain and Mind Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Japan Quantum Science and Technology Agency

    Research Theme
    “Five Sense Assist and Biofeedback Training for Positive Support.”

    To develop assistive technology, we will manipulate the five senses (sound, rhythm, visual stimulation, etc.) and brain activity to clarify which and to what extent elements of forward looking are altered. Specifically, we will construct a biofeedback system that analyzes and displays various biological signals (EEG, eye movement, ECG, respiration, and gait) in real time, and clarify the amount and persistence of forward-looking changes caused by biofeedback training.

  • MINAMIMOTO Takafumi

    • Assistance and training for “Maemuki (Forward-looking mind)”
    Affiliation

    Group Leader, Systems Neural Circuit Research Group, Functional Brain Imaging Research Department, Quantum Medical Science Institute, Japan Quantum Science and Technology Agency

    Research Theme
    “Prospective Assist through Molecular Manipulation”

    For the development of forward-looking assist technology, we will verify causality by manipulating circuits using artificial receptors in monkeys. Specifically, we will manipulate dopamine and serotonin neural activity in monkeys using chemical genetics to clarify the relationship between prospective and molecular functions, including causality.

  • SADO Natsuki

    • Assistance and training for “Maemuki (Forward-looking mind)”
    Affiliation

    Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, University of Tsukuba

    To develop forward-looking training, we will manipulate biomechanical indicators related to forward-looking (posture, movement, myoelectricity, etc.) to “clarify which elements of forward-looking are changed and to what extent. Then, in collaboration with Task 1, we will verify the amount of forward-looking change and its sustainability by biofeedback training of biomechanical indicators.

  • INOUE Ken'ichi

    • Assistance and training for “Maemuki (Forward-looking mind)”
    Affiliation

    Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University (EHUB) Assistant Professor

  • TAGUCHI Shigeru

    • "Maemuki (Forward-looking)" ELSI and social applications
    Affiliation

    Professor, Graduate School of Letters, Hokkaido University

    Research Theme
    “The Meaning and Ethics of Forward Looking.”

    Based on the findings of previous research and empirical studies, we will examine what forward-looking means from the perspective of philosophy and psychology, and collaborate with Item 1 Assignment 1 to create a “reference book” on forward-looking. In addition, we will examine ELSI that may arise with the establishment of a forward-looking scientific and technological foundation, using multifaceted research methods (literature review, social survey, dialogue/interview, etc.), and prepare a tentative version of ELSI guidelines.

  • FUJIMORI Maiko

    • "Maemuki (Forward-looking)" ELSI and social applications
    Affiliation

    Director, Division of Supportive and Survivorship TR Research / Behavioral Science Research, National Cancer Center, Institute for Cancer Control and Prevention, Japan

    Research Theme
    “Positivity in Aging and Death.”

    Using psychological measures of positivity, cognitive tasks, and somatic information measurement techniques, we will clarify the state of positivity in elderly and palliative care patients.

    We will then clarify the relationship between positive factors and physical information in elderly and palliative care patients, and identify which factors and degree of positivity affect their physical and mental state.

  • MATSUDA Tetsuya

    • Sub Project Manager
    • "Maemuki (Forward-looking)" ELSI and social applications
    Affiliation

    Tamagawa University, Institute of Brain Science / Tamagawa University, Graduate School of Brain Science – Professor

    Research Theme
    “Positive development.”

    Using psychological measures of forwardness, cognitive tasks, and physical information measurement techniques, we will clarify the state of forwardness in the developmental process (from elementary school to high school) both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

    We will also clarify the relationship between the elements of forwardness and physical information, and which forwardness has an effect on physical and mental growth.

  • TAKAHASHI Hidehiko

    • "Maemuki (Forward-looking)" ELSI and social applications
    Affiliation

    Professor, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

    Research Theme
    “Deviant and Positive.”

    Using psychological measures of positivity, cognitive tasks, and physical information measurement techniques, we will clarify the relationship between positive factors and physical information in depressed and manic-depressed patients and addicted patients, and identify which positive factors and to what degree they influence their physical and mental states.

    We will also clarify the relationship between positive factors and bodily information in the state of excessive “positivity” (deviation from positivity) and its influence on the physical and mental states.

  • MIYAMAE Mitsuhiro

    • Assistant Project Manager