His research centers on artificial intelligence and human computer interaction. He opened up a new field of research called conversational informatics in 2003. He edited and co-authored three books on conversational informatics and related topics from Wiley and Springer. As a social synergy, he served as a supervisor for JST’s Creation of Human-Harmonized Information Technology for Convivial Society domain in FY2014-2016 and the president for Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence in FY 2010-2011. He also serves as an associate editor of the AI & Society journal and an associate member of the Science Council of Japan.