Dr. Kenji Tanaka is a distinguished professor and leading authority in neuroscience at one of Japan's premier medical institutions, renowned for his innovative approaches to understanding brain function and behavior. Kenji F. Tanaka has been a Professor in the Division of Brain Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine since 2021, where he directs cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroscience and behavioral science. After graduating from Keio University School of Medicine in 1997, Dr. Tanaka completed his doctoral studies at the same institution in 2003, establishing the foundation for his future contributions to neuroscience. His academic trajectory progressed through significant milestones including appointment as Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Neurology in 2016 and leadership of Keio University's American Football Club since 2019, before his promotion to full Professor in 2021.
Dr. Tanaka's pioneering research integrates advanced methodologies including fiberphotometry, optogenetics, and his innovative FAST SYSTEM to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying motivation and complex behaviors. His laboratory has developed specialized techniques such as KENGE-tet that enable unprecedented precision in measuring neural activity related to motivated behavior. His recent publication in Molecular Cell Biology (2025) on multiple system atrophy variants represents a significant contribution to understanding neurodegenerative disorders, particularly through his examination of glial reactions and alpha-synuclein dynamics. The methodological frameworks pioneered in his research have established new experimental paradigms that are increasingly adopted by neuroscience researchers worldwide, enhancing our ability to probe brain function with greater accuracy.
Beyond his laboratory research, Dr. Tanaka serves as a Senior Editor for the Neurotools, Methods, and Neurochemistry Resources category, significantly influencing the global development and dissemination of neuroscience methodologies. He has cultivated a dynamic research environment that trains the next generation of neuroscientists, emphasizing both technical excellence and conceptual innovation in brain science research. His leadership extends across the academic community through editorial roles and collaborative research initiatives that bridge basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Dr. Tanaka's ongoing work continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience methodology, with current research focusing on refining techniques to study motivational circuits with unprecedented resolution, promising to unlock new therapeutic approaches for disorders involving motivational deficits and neurodegenerative conditions.
