News
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2026.01.20
Our laboratory’s research on “brainwave information decoding technology” was featured in the Asahi Shimbun’s series “The Age of AI.” (January 19, 2026, morning edition, pages 1-2).
Following an earlier report on Asahi Shimbun Digital, the Asahi Shimbun morning edition also introduced research on technology that uses brainwaves and AI to interpret the intentions of patients who have lost the ability to move their bodies due to conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
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2026.01.16
Prof. Masayuki Hirata Highlights ALS‑Supportive BCI Research on the International Podcast Strategy& Insider
This Strategy& Insider podcast episode highlights brain‑signal decoding (BCI) research aimed at supporting communication and motor recovery for ALS patients. The conversation between Prof. Hirata and the moderator explores how thoughts can be translated into text or actions, as well as the challenges and future prospects for clinical application.
Listen here →Apple Podcasts →Spotify →Corporate LinkedIn Channel →Dr.Thomas’s profile
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2026.01.13
Our research was featured in an Asahi Shimbun Digital article covering advances in AI and brain science technology: [AI Decoding the Mysteries of the Brain: Hope for Humanity or Threat to Mental Freedom?]
The Hirata Laboratory is advancing research in neurotechnology that combines AI with brainwave measurement to interpret the intentions of individuals unable to move their bodies due to conditions like ALS. We are developing assistive devices that acquire brain activity using electrode sheets directly attached to the brain, with AI analyzing these signals and outputting them as speech. We are aiming to apply for clinical trials for what would be Japan’s first implantable device, striving to realize a new means of communication for patients with impaired communication abilities.
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2025.11.11
Our laboratory’s work has been featured in a special report by Nikkei BP’s Nikkei Biotech, titled “Clinical Applications of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)”.
This interview provides a detailed overview of the development of invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) signal processing technologies in Japan, as well as the current status of related clinical trials. JiMED Inc. is actively preparing to launch clinical trials for invasive BCI systems.
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2025.10.10
Our research challenge was featured on TV Tokyo/BS TV Tokyo’s Nikkei Special “Breakthrough: Indomitable Pioneers”!
The program closely followed our development of technologies that analyze brain waves and neural signals to control computers and robots without using hands. It highlighted the potential of Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI) to support individuals who have lost physical mobility due to accidents or illness, and explored future applications of this technology.
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2025.09.18
Our Research Featured on ABC Asahi Broadcasting, Yahoo News, and YouTube
“Development of an Implantable Brain-Computer Interface for Direct Neural Communication: Supporting ALS Patients with Clinical Trials Planned in 2025 and Practical Implementation by 2028”
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2025.04.04
Our Research Featured on Yomiuri TV’s ‘ten.’
The brain-computer interface (BCI) research conducted in our laboratory was featured on Yomiuri TV’s program Kansai Information Network: ten.
Date: April 3, 2025 (Thursday)
→ You can also watch it on YouTube.
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2025.03.27
Research Report of the Brain Computer Interface Device by the reviewing WG
Research Report of the Brain Computer Interface Device by the reviewing WG, a part of the Project: the Development of Evaluation Index for Next-Generation Medical Devices and Regenerative Medicine Products in 2024, has been published on the Japan Neurosurgical Society’s website. Professor Masayuki Hirata contributed to it as a Task Force Committee Member.
→ Report Publication Announcement: Japan Neurosurgical Society
Additionally, alongside this evaluation index, the formulation of Development Guidance is also underway.
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2025.02.16
Upcoming BCI Clinical Trial Featured on the Front Page of Yomiuri Shimbun (February 15, 2025)
The upcoming groundbreaking clinical trial application by ( JiMED ), a medical device venture founded by Professor Hirata, has been featured in Yomiuri Shimbun.
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2024.12.25
Professor Masayuki Hirata presents research achievements at the Osaka University and UCL international symposium
A cross-disciplinary symposium on ageing and dementia between University College London (UCL) and Osaka University was jointly organised at UCL on 11 and 12 November 2024.
Professor Masayuki Hirata from our lab presented the research achievements of our research at the symposium.
