Okumura lab is also continuing the research on Science and Technology for Regional Planning (STReP) of Center for Northeast Asian Studies(CNEAS)

Many parts of Northeast Asia face extremely harsh natural conditions ranging from volcanoes and earthquakes to arid climates, heavy snows, and low winter temperatures. Cities, in essence, function as outposts of human activity erected against this hard environment; but today, the cities of Northeast Asia are vulnerable both to natural disasters as well as to serious environmental destruction caused by rapid urbanization, motorization, and other consequences of human activity within.

Given the above, researchers at our division employ the Geographical Information System (GIS), optimization calculation, and other tools drawn from statistics, economics, and geographical studies to develop and assess social infrastructure plans, economic incentive measures, and other policies aimed to design cities to better coexist with the surrounding environment.

Relating to this purpose, we are conducting the following studies.

1) Life and transportation infrastructure utilizing the cold climate in Northern Region (supported by RIHN)

2) Intercity Transpoertation Network in the age of population decrease

3) Coststructure analysis of water management system based on local geographical characteristics (JST/JICA SATREPS Project)

4) Location and effectiveness of recycling firms