It refers to technologies that connect people with information, such as information retrieval and recommendation.

The goal of information access research is to enable people to obtain the information they truly need when they need it. To achieve this goal, researchers employ and integrate a broad range of information technologies.

Representative research topics include:

• Information Retrieval: Technologies that rank and present information in response to user information needs (e.g., keyword-based web search such as Google).
• Information Recommendation: Technologies that present relevant information without explicit user input, such as Amazon recommendations or YouTube autoplay.
• Information Design and Navigation: Techniques such as AI-based summarization that help users understand and internalize information.

We study information access applications that become more useful by considering human and societal factors.

Although information access research is often discussed as a single field, its actual scope varies widely across universities and laboratories. In information retrieval alone, there are numerous subfields, such as improving retrieval accuracy, speeding up processing, or enabling image and video search.

Within this broad landscape, the Shoji Laboratory develops and publishes various information access technologies by integrating user-generated content, social science–inspired algorithms, and AI techniques.

We cover a wide range of topics as long as they are related to information access.

Recent examples include:

• Technologies that help users understand items without reading large numbers of reviews,
• Methods for preventing users from forgetting accessed information,
• Search algorithms that allow flexible expression of user information needs,
• Information access technologies for the physical world beyond computers.

For details, please see the Research page.

We take an interdisciplinary approach that integrates data handling, AI, data mining, and web technologies.

Key approaches include:

• Analyzing user-generated content from social media and review sites for information access,
• Incorporating theories related to diversity and psychological effects into access algorithms,
• Processing large-scale data beyond human capacity using machine learning and AI.

We welcome anyone with strong motivation and interest. The lab is particularly suitable for students interested in the web, social media, machine learning, and big data processing.

However, this lab has a strong engineering-oriented focus. Students who are uncomfortable with computers or programming may find it challenging to complete their degree. While study sessions are provided, those who strongly dislike programming are advised to consider other options.

In this field, it is common to pursue employment after completing a master’s degree. Accordingly, our education and research schedule is designed with graduate study in mind. Students who plan to graduate after the bachelor’s program only are advised not to apply.

Please be sure to visit the lab and consult with us before applying.

We welcome motivated students interested in information access research. While prior background is not strictly required, this field demands reading many English research papers, designing methods, and implementing prototypes. Without sufficient computer skills, programming ability, and English proficiency, completing the program may be difficult.

For master’s-level transfers, prior approval from the prospective supervisor is typically required. Please contact us in advance if you plan to apply.

Admissions Temporarily Suspended.

We welcome students who are enthusiastic about information access technology. Advanced computer skills and English proficiency are essential.

Important Notes:
As the lab is still in its early stages, we are currently limiting the number of international students we can accept. At this time, we are not accepting new overseas students. However, students with substantial independent research experience (e.g., international conference publications) may contact us for individual consultation.

To avoid difficulties in completing your degree:

Internal graduation requirements include:

• Bachelor’s: At least one external presentation (including non-refereed domestic conferences)
• Master’s: At least one international conference or journal publication

The lab holds three group meetings per week (two research seminars and one student-led study group), along with individual and group meetings as needed. As a result, members are generally expected to be present in the lab almost every day.

• One workstation per student
• Free-address desks and monitors
• Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and cooking tools

We hold three group meetings per week, with additional individual research meetings scheduled as needed. Example weekly schedules for senior undergraduates and first-year master’s students are available.

We regularly organize shared meals and social events.

These include BBQs on campus, cooking together in the lab, and seasonal gatherings.

Past events can be found on the News page.

We actively participate in international and domestic conferences.

Examples from 2025:

• DEIM 2025 (Domestic): 5 papers
• MMM 2025 (International): 1 paper
• Kansai–Tokai DBWS (Workshops): 9 presentations
• iiWAS 2025 (International): 4 papers
• IR-Reading Group: 4 undergraduate participants

Easygoing. Not punctual. Often oversleeps. Travels everywhere by bicycle. Sometimes forgets what was said before.

For a formal CV, please see the external website.

Email: lab🐈shoji-lab.jp

(Replace 🐈 with @)

We have conducted collaborative research with companies, laboratories, and organizations such as museums.

Various forms of collaboration are possible.

Please feel free to contact us.