MEXT Vice Minister visits BRI

On April 21, 2026, Mr Hiroshi Masuko, (Administrative) Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, visited Niigata University. Following a discussion session and a tour of the Sakeology Center at the Ikarashi Campus, he proceeded to BRI at the Asahimachi Campus.

During his visit to BRI, Mr Masuko was guided to the Center for Human Brain Research Resource Initiative (ChBRI), a core facility dedicated to mobilizing brain research resources to advance both research and education. The center aims to promote internationally competitive, cutting‑edge research, cultivate outstanding talent, and drive innovation, and it commenced full‑scale operations in April 2026.

Professor Akiyoshi Kakita (Dept of Pathology) provided a comprehensive overview of the department, including its historical initiatives and major achievements. This was followed by an extensive Q&A session, which enabled in-depth discussion on the utilization of brain research resources and future directions. Subsequently, Mr Masuko toured the ChBRI facilities, where he observed specimen preparation procedures, a variety of research equipment, and the freezer room used for the storage of fresh-frozen brain samples.

After the ChBRI tour, Mr Masuko visited the lab of Professor Kazuki Tainaka (Dept of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders). There, he was introduced to tissue-cleared specimens and virtual reality-based imaging technologies that enable three-dimensional observation of zebrafish anatomy, as well as research initiatives incorporating artificial intelligence. Mr Masuko expressed strong interest in the future development of these cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven research, promoting a lively and engaging exchange of views.

Photo Gallery

▸Dept. of Pathology
▸Dept. of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders