.png)
Profiles are listed in no particular order.
Board of Advisors
The Board of Advisors brings together leaders in education, research, and social innovation who share a commitment to Natsu Project’s mission. They provide strategic guidance, share expertise, and help hold our team accountable as we grow. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which ensures that each edition of Natsu Camp delivers transformative, globally minded learning experiences for students.
Kenjiro Takemura, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University
Kenjiro Takemura is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Keio University, where he specializes in soft robotics, haptic interfaces, and biomedical devices. After receiving his Ph.D. in Integrated Design Engineering from Keio in 2002, he served as Assistant Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology’s Precision and Intelligence Laboratory before returning to Keio in 2008. His research bridges mechanical systems and human interaction, with applications ranging from medical technology to next-generation robotics.
Hideto Fukudome, Ph.D.
Professor, Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo
Hideto Fukudome specializes in the historical and comparative study of higher education, with a focus on the U.S. system. His research covers undergraduate curriculum, academic governance, and graduate education, approached through cross-cultural lenses. He teaches in the University Management and Policy program and currently serves as Chair of the Department of Integrated Educational Sciences and Special Assistant to the President of the University of Tokyo.
John Groschwitz
Associate Director, Center for East Asian Studies, Stanford University
Since 2008, John Groschwitz has served as Associate Director of the Center for East Asian Studies at Stanford University, the nexus of East Asia–related research, teaching, outreach, and exchange across the campus. He has worked closely with students, scholars, and institutions across the U.S., Asia, and beyond, and brings extensive experience in international education and global exchange to his role as a distinguished advisor to Natsu Project.
Takashi Fukui
Professor, College of Arts and Design, Ritsumeikan University
Takashi Fukui is a purpose branding consultant, creative director, and art director who helps organizations define their purpose and translate it into integrated branding, communication, and design. After beginning their career at Dentsu, he went on to lead cross-sector social design initiatives and later became independent. His work spans purpose-driven brand strategy, strategic PR, and creative direction, and has been recognized with major awards including Cannes Lions, the New York ADC, and the Tokyo ADC Awards.
Timothy Ravasi, Ph.D.
Professor, Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
Timothy Ravasi is a Professor of Marine Science, the Principal Investigator of the Marine Climate Change Unit at OIST and an Adjunct Professor at the College of Science and Engeneering, James Cook University in Australia. Tim’s research interest lies on the current status of coral reef ecosystems. He is particularly interested in looking at ecologically relevant issues in the light of rapid environmental change, such as climate change. Using integrative approaches, he seeks to understand how coral reef fish respond to rapid environmental changes such as climate change, heatwaves, overfishing and urbanization.
Ryo Ohmura, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University
Ryo Ohmura is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Keio University, where he specializes in clathrate hydrates, energy technologies, physical chemistry, crystal growth, and phase equilibria. His research focuses on the unique properties of clathrate hydrates, including their ability to store gases at high density and their large heat of dissociation. He conducts research from fundamental physical chemistry to applied technologies for energy and environmental applications, including natural gas storage and next-generation energy technologies.
Keita Yasuda, Ph.D.
Professor, Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering Program, University of the Ryukyus
Keita Yasuda is a Professor in the Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering Program at the University of the Ryukyus, where he specializes in thermal engineering, chemical engineering, and clathrate hydrate technologies. During his doctoral studies at Keio University, he also conducted research at the Colorado School of Mines as a visiting researcher. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Keio University in 2015 and subsequently joined the University of the Ryukyus. His research focuses on the physical chemistry and engineering of clathrate hydrates, with applications ranging from seawater desalination and salt production to advanced separation technologies and sustainable energy and environmental systems.