Okayama University Hosts J-PEAKS Special Seminar 'New Horizons in Advanced Materials Science' — Frontline Research Toward a Circular Society

June 16, 2026 Okayama University, National University Corporation

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

Okayama University, National University Corporation (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), hosted the 2nd "J-PEAKS Special Seminar: New Horizons in Advanced Materials Science" at KIBINOVE (Kibi-nove), its co-creation innovation lab on the Tsushima Campus. The seminar was hosted by Professor Yuta Nishina from the Advanced Research Field, Institute for Planetary Materials (Okayama University Institute for Materials and Systems for Sustainability), with approximately 30 researchers from materials science and chemical engineering fields in attendance.

This event featured Professor Kosan Ito, Special Professor at the University of Tokyo, a leading expert in polymer materials research using topological supramolecules, who presented the latest research advancements toward realizing a circular society. At the beginning of his lecture, Professor Ito introduced the "Slide-Ring Material (SRM)," a mechanically interlocked polymer he first synthesized globally about 25 years ago. He explained its unique "pulley effect," where cross-linking points move like pulleys to disperse stress concentration, significantly enhancing toughness and durability, supported by visual demonstrations. He also introduced self-assembled pseudopolyrotaxane nanosheets, highlighting their potential applications in medical and healthcare fields.

In the latter part of the lecture, Professor Ito presented his leadership roles in the Moonshot Research and Development Program and the Strategic Innovation Creation Program (SIP). These initiatives have gained significant policy attention; during the 4th meeting of the "Cabinet Meeting on Circular Economy" held on the same day as the seminar, SIP's initiatives were repeatedly highlighted. The "Circular Economy Action Plan" adopted at the meeting outlines a policy to invest up to 1 trillion yen through public-private collaboration by 2030. This indicates that budget allocations for R&D on resource circulation—including not only plastics but also metals—are expected to accelerate significantly in the coming years.

Field tests conducted in real marine environments in Ainan-cho, Ehime Prefecture, confirmed that nylon fishing lines, previously considered non-degradable, decompose in seawater. The mechanism, termed the "multi-lock mechanism," involves interactions between crystal structures and microbial activity, suggesting potential solutions to the ghost gear (fishing-related plastic waste) problem. Additionally, the seminar presented concrete pathways toward resource circulation, such as the possibility of recycling used plastic from food containers into automotive components. Professor Ito emphasized, "Plastics themselves are not the problem. It's how we use them that matters," underscoring the pivotal role of materials science in solving societal challenges. Participants raised numerous questions regarding material degradation mechanisms, composite material recycling, and future directions in next-generation material development, leading to lively discussions.

This seminar was held as part of the "Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)," providing a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the connections between cutting-edge polymer materials research and pressing social issues such as resource circulation and marine plastic pollution. Okayama University will continue to promote research exchange and development in advanced materials science through the J-PEAKS initiative to contribute to a circular society. We invite continued attention to Okayama University’s efforts as an open, regionally anchored, and distinctive research university.

This press release was published on May 30, 2026.

Special Professor Kosan Ito from the University of Tokyo delivering a lecture

Special Professor Kosan Ito explaining materials research toward a circular society

Audience members asking questions

Seminar venue atmosphere

KIBINOVE (Kibi-nove), the co-creation innovation lab that hosted the event

◆ References

・Okayama University Vision 3.0 and Long-Term Vision 2050

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/profile/ou-vision.html

・Okayama University Research University Declaration

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003808.000072793.html

・Okayama University Co-Creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE: Kibi-nove)

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/kigyo/kibinove/

・Okayama University Advanced Research Institute for Frontier Research: Research Cluster "Plant and Light Energy Development Hub"

https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/research-excellence/researchers/

・Okayama University Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)

https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Additional Information

・[Okayama University] Selected for MEXT's "Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)" — Accelerating the realization of Okayama University as a research university at the core of global innovation, co-creating the future of regions and the planet, and building a proud national research university landscape

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001935.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Establishment of Okayama University's Top Priority Research Fields — Toward realizing a research university that co-creates the future of regions and the planet and contributes to global innovation

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001601.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Four Okayama University Institutes Launch as the "Advanced Research Institute" — Operation begins not as an organizational "box" but as a "system" combining excellence, innovation creation, mobility, and talent development

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001835.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Advanced Research Institute designates the Research Cluster (Research Zone) "Plant and Light Energy Development Hub" — A top-tier internationally competitive research hub realizing research excellence and planetary health

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002489.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Advanced Research Institute Research Cluster "Plant and Light Energy Development Hub" holds Kickoff Meeting

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002653.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Advanced Research Institute Research Cluster holds 2025 (Reiwa 7) "Plant and Light Energy Development Hub" Research Report Meeting

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003954.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Hosts J-PEAKS Special Seminar on Materials Science "New Horizons in Advanced Materials Science" — Leading researchers from Japan and abroad discuss materials development and applications