Our institute, RISH, was established in 2004, making this year, 2024, our 20th anniversary. RISH conducts research to establish “Humanosphere Science.” We define “Humanosphere Science” as an interdisciplinary field indispensable for human life activities, which attempts to diagnose and assess the status of the “humanosphere,” and proposes comprehensive solutions for creating a human society capable of sustainable development. With the establishment of RISH, we coined the word “Sustainable Humanosphere,” which arose from the need for a new term to concisely describe the sustainable development of human society to include the environment, energy, and resources. The United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals” were adopted in 2015, making RISH 10 years ahead in pursuing similar objectives.

Specifically, we define the following five missions as central themes to address in Humanosphere Science: Mission 1: Environmental Diagnosis and Regulation of Circulatory Function; Mission 2: Advanced Development of Science and Technology towards a Solar Energy Society; Mission 3: Sustainable Space Environments for Humankind; Mission 4: Development and Utilization of Wood-based Sustainable Materials in Harmony with the Human Living Environment; and Mission 5: Quality of the Future Humanosphere. Using the results from these five missions, we aim to contribute to the sustainability of the humanosphere in which humankind lives.

As an approved Joint Usage/Research Center for the Humanosphere Science, RISH is equipped with a number of superior research facilities, such as atmospheric radars, large radio anechoic chambers, a supercomputer for space and radio sciences, test facilities for the structural performance of wood-based components, analytical systems for the development of plant and biomass materials, a greenhouse for the study of transgenic plants, and systems for studying wooddegrading organisms. RISH has also created the “Database for the Humanosphere,” composed of observational data and a collection of wood specimens. We open these assets to domestic and international researchers to promote collaborative research and become a central hub of Humanosphere Science. RISH’s overall coordination is managed by the Committee of Collaborative Research Programs, with multiple specialized committees operating individual activities.

The range of research at RISH has expanded to encompass all research categories defined by the KAKENHI grants. Many of our efforts in collaborative research are highly regarded. Meanwhile, there remains an increasing expectation for innovation in Humanosphere Science at RISH. Towards this end, we reorganized RISH to establish the Center for Future Pioneering Research on the Humanosphere, where we have welcomed highly motivated researchers and made a promising start in continuing to explore new fields suitable for Humanosphere Science.

Additionally, the promotion of internationalization is crucial for the advancement of Humanosphere Science and global recognition of individual achievements. Our institute has strong connections in Asia, particularly in the fields of wood science and atmospheric science. While leveraging these strengths, we are actively working to strengthen our international ties.

We will continue to actively expand the field of Humanosphere Science in cooperation with related communities inside and outside Japan. We look forward to your valuable assistance, support, and participation.

Mamoru Yamamoto
Director

List of Directors