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Naohiko KOHTAKE

Naohiko KOHTAKE,Ph.D.Professor,Graduate School of System Design and Management,
Keio University

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Research Areas

Design of socio-technical systems based on systems engineering that integrates natural and social sciences, ranging from urban development to space systems. His research develops methodologies for understanding and designing current and future societal challenges and opportunities by combining technology-generated data, such as those collected through smartphones, IoT devices, and satellites, with human-centered social data obtained through surveys, observations, and dialogue. His areas of application include innovation, healthcare, space systems, education, communities, sports, urban planning, disaster information systems, user experience, IoT, and digital transformation (DX).

Biography

Naohiko Kohtake received his M.S. degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology at Keio University and subsequently joined the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). He was engaged in the research, development, and launch operations of the H-IIA launch vehicle. Following his appointment as a Research Fellow at the European Space Agency (ESA), he served as a Senior Development Engineer at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

At JAXA, he led independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities for software onboard the International Space Station and satellites, while also coordinating international collaborations with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ESA on spacecraft software engineering.

Since joining Keio University in 2009, he has held a number of academic and leadership positions, including Visiting Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Advisor to the High Performance Strategy Department of the Japan Sport Council (JSC), and Principal of Keio Yokohama Elementary School. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Institute of Positioning, Navigation and Timing of Japan, a Steering Committee Member of Multi-GNSS Asia, and Representative Director of the Space Service Innovation Laboratory Cooperative Association.

He is currently a Visiting Professor at the Center for Design Research, Stanford University, and a Visiting Professor at the Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, and holds a Ph.D. in Media and Governance.

Research

Professor Kohtake conducts interdisciplinary research in the field of System Design and Management in collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and institutions around the world.

For current research projects, please visit the Research Projects page.

For the research topics of doctoral and master's graduates supervised by Professor Kohtake, please visit the Graduate Research Topics page.

Teaching

Professor Kohtake teaches courses in systems engineering, design, management, and research methodology at the Graduate School of System Design and Management.

    Graduate School of System Design and Management, Keio University:
  • Systems Verification and Validation (Japanese / English)
  • System Design and Management Practicum (Japanese / English)
  • Frontier Project Management (Japanese / English)
  • Human Interface Design (Japanese)
  • Research Methodology (Japanese / English)
    Other Academic Programs, Keio University:
  • Case Writing (Graduate School of Business Administration, Japanese)
  • Space Systems Engineering (Graduate School of Science and Technology, Japanese / English)
    Educational Leadership and Outreach:
    Professor Kohtake has also been actively involved in educational leadership and talent development.
  • KEIO WIZARD GLOCAL - Next-Generation Science and Technology Challenge Program (Program Director)
    A science and technology enrichment program for students from Grade 5 through Grade 9, conducted at Keio University's Tonomachi and Hiyoshi campuses. The program aims to foster globally minded future leaders through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.
  • Keio Kids Performance Academy (Founder and Director)
    A sports and human development program for elementary school students (Grades 1-6), held at the Keio University Rugby Ground. The academy promotes personal growth, teamwork, leadership, and performance development through sports.
  • Keio Yokohama Elementary School (Former Principal)
    Served as Principal of Keio Yokohama Elementary School, leading educational innovation and organizational development while promoting interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

Publications

For a complete list of journal articles, conference papers, books, book chapters, and other academic publications, please visit the Publications page.

Selected Articles and Media Contributions

Professor Kohtake regularly contributes articles, commentaries, interviews, and expert opinions on topics including systems thinking, innovation, space development, digital transformation, education, sports, and social systems. Selected articles and media contributions can be found on the Articles and Media page.

Professional Memberships

Professor Kohtake is a member of several international and domestic academic and professional societies, including:

  • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
  • Geographic Information Systems Association (GISA)
  • Geographic Information Systems Society of Japan
  • Human Interface Society
  • Information Processing Society of Japan (IPSJ)
  • Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE)
  • Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences (JSASS)
  • Japan Urban Society

Research Centers and Laboratories

Professor Kohtake leads and participates in several interdisciplinary research laboratories and research centers.

Director:
Sensing and Design Laboratory (S&D Lab.)
Kohtake Laboratory, Graduate School of System Design and Management (SDM), Keio University

Sports System Design and Management Laboratory
Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory, Graduate School of System Design and Management, Keio University