I completely missed my year-end post. Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you all again this year. It is already 2026, and my year as the zodiac sign representative has passed in the blink of an eye. Looking back at last year’s achievements…

We published 3 journal papers (all within the top 20 of the Google Scholar Matrix, with one ranked 1st), 15 international conference papers (including 2 CORE A, 4 CORE B, and 1 ranked 6th in the Google Scholar Matrix), and received 2 awards. We were also able to steadily advance our industry-academia-government collaborative research with Eishinkan Co., Ltd., the Fukuoka City Board of Education, and two Fukuoka City schools. I believe things went well thanks to our students, our alumni, and everyone who supported us. However, two awards is perhaps a bit too much… haha. A small laboratory like ours was able to achieve this much. It was truly a year supported by everyone. I am deeply grateful.

Also, in 2025, three Yamada Lab alumni embarked on new journeys. Li Chen and Xuewang Geng, who earned their Ph.D.s here, stepped up to Osaka Kyoiku University and Sojo University respectively (and with tenure!!), while Mamiko Eto, who earned her master’s degree here, moved from being a school nurse in Fukuoka City to Seinan Jo Gakuin University. Ms. Eto also received tenure. It is wonderful. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Now, in 2026, I would like to continue to energetically pursue research that contributes to the improvement and development of educational and learning environments. The seeds we sowed at the end of last year are gradually beginning to bear fruit. I would also like to actively pursue joint research.

Thank you for your continued support.