Imanaka has authored over 350 journal papers, given numerous invited lectures, and has been recognized with more than 15 Awards, including, The Seiyama Award from Japan Association of Chemical Sensors (2001), Award for outstanding paper from The electrochemical Society of Japan in 2003, Ichimura Science Award (2005), The Ceramic Society of Japan Award for Academic Achievements (2005), The Rare Earth Society of Japan Award (2006), The Electrochemical Society of Japan Award for Academic Achievements (2007), Inoue Science Award (2008), Yazaki Science Award (2009), The Chemical Society of Japan Award for Creative Work (2010), Award for outstanding paper from The Electrochemical Society of Japan (2012), Award for outstanding paper from Japan Society of Color Material (2013), Research Award from The Iron and Steel Institute of Japan (Division of the measurement, control, system, 2014), The President Distinction from Osaka University (2015). He has also authored or edited 40 books and holds more than 70 patents (including 31 patents authorized).

He is the President of the Rare Earth Society of Japan, an Executive Member of Japan Association of Chemical Sensors, an Executive Member of Japan Society of Colour Material.

His research fields are focussed on the solid electrolytes mainly on the multivalent ion conducting solids, chemical gas sensors, novel types of environmental catalysts, environmentally friendly inorganic pigments.