
About
Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Cooperative Major in Advanced Health Science, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University
Masahito Hosokawa Laboratory
The Masahito Hosokawa Laboratory, established in 2021 at Waseda University's Nishi-Waseda Campus, will utilize digital technology to elucidate the potential of unknown microorganisms and apply that knowledge to biotechnology. We aim to contribute to sustainable industrial development and to the improvement of human welfare.
Our research is focused on developing a platform to collect, analyze, and utilize microbial genome information. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, microfluidic technology, and synthetic biology, we pursue the infinite possibilities of microorganisms, from the search for unknown useful microorganisms to the development of new biotechnology. .
One representative example is the development of a pioneering method to decipher the entire genome of uncultured microorganisms at the single-cell level. This technology, bit-MAP® has been commercialized by the company bitBiome, Inc. that is a university-based venture company launched by Hosokawa.
Prof. Hosokawa leverages his expertise in research that integrates biology and engineering, with a particular focus on the development of innovative biotechnology using single cell analysis technology and microorganisms. Our mission is to develop future scientists, learn together, and inspire outstanding students who will build the next generation of our field.
The Hosokawa Laboratory always welcomes opportunities for joint research and discussions with academia and private companies, and places emphasis on contributing to the scientific community and building networks. Please feel free to contact us.
Team

Masahito Hosokawa
Professor
Ph.D. (Engineering)
Affiliation
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Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University
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Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University
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Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering
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bitBiome, Inc.
Career
April 2026 - Present: Professor at Waseda University
April 2026 - Present: Senior Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Cabinet Office
April 2022 - Present: Emergent Researcher, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
April 2021 - March 2026: Associate Professor, Waseda University
November 2018 - Present: Director and CSO, bitBiome Inc.
September 2018 - March 2020: Associate Researcher (Lecturer, Research Institute), Waseda University
October 2015 - March 2019: Researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) PRESTO Program.
April 2014 - March 2016: Associate Researcher (Assistant Professor, Research Institute), Waseda University
June 2013 - March 2014: Waseda University, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellow (PD)
April 2011 - May 2013: Shizuoka Prefectural Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellow (PD)
April 2010 - March 2011: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellow (PD), changed from DC2 status.
April 2008 - March 2010: Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Award
September 2025: Japan Society for Biotechnology, Biotechnology Encouragement Award (Saito Award)
Waseda University Research Award (International Research Dissemination) December 2024
September 2022: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, University-Launched Venture Award 2022
July 2021 : 5th "Bioindustry Encouragement Award" - Japan Bioindustry Association
April 2019, FY2019 Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award in the field of science and technology, Young Scientist Award, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
March 2019 Innovation Award, Japan Science and Technology Agency PRESTO (Integrated Single-Cell Research Area)
May 2016, 96th Spring Annual Meeting, Excellent Presentation Award (Academic), Chemical Society of Japan
Committee member
The Society for Biotechnology, Japan, Representative (2017-)
The Chemical Society of Japan, Biotechnology Subcommittee Officer (2022-)

Zikai Xiang
Junior Researcher (Assistant Professor)

Hideto Tochikura
Research assistant

Sumie Eto
Research assistant

Mika Nishimura
D3

Nevin John McCone
D2

Norina Hamada
M2

Kenta Fukunishi
M1

Sena Takahashi
B4

Hirokazu Hara
B4

Alumni
2024
Taiki Hakozaki
Koji Arikawa
