Earlier this year, Microsoft Research announced (opens in new tab) its newest lab in Tokyo, Japan. Today, we are celebrating its grand opening, reinforcing Microsoft Research’s commitment to AI research across the Asia-Pacific region. This new lab will focus on embodied AI, well-being and neuroscience, societal AI, and industry innovation—all areas that align with Japan’s socioeconomic priorities. This initiative will enhance collaboration with local academic and industrial partners, contributing to global innovation and talent development.
We recently spoke with Yasuyuki Matsushita, head of the newly established Tokyo lab. Matsushita, who worked at Microsoft Research Asia from 2003 to 2015, served as a professor at Osaka University for the past decade, before returning in October. He reflects on his journey, the evolution of technology, and the opportunities ahead for Microsoft Research Asia – Tokyo.
Why return to Microsoft Research Asia?
Question: We are excited to have you leading the new lab in Tokyo. You worked at Microsoft Research Asia in Beijing from 2003 to 2015 before transitioning to academia. What motivated you to return after nearly a decade?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: Microsoft Research Asia has always been an exceptional place for conducting cutting-edge research, especially in the AI era. Earlier this year, I learned about Microsoft Research Asia’s expansion, including the establishment of a new lab in Tokyo. This presented an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally, sparking my motivation to return. Additionally, Microsoft is at the forefront of AI advancements, making this an ideal moment to re-engage. I’m confident that my work can contribute meaningfully to this dynamic field. The pace of AI development today is unmatched, making this an exhilarating time to be involved.
What has changed over the decade?
Question: Now that you’ve been back for a few weeks, from your perspective, what has changed at Microsoft Research Asia, and what has remained the same since you were last here?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: The most immediate change I’ve noticed is the array of employee tools and resources, which have evolved significantly over the past decade. I’m still familiarizing myself with these new systems, designed to optimize efficiency and collaboration. Over the past ten years, Microsoft has played a key role in driving digital transformation for other companies, and it has also transformed internally.
Beyond these changes, much of what made Microsoft Research Asia unique remains the same. The culture and people continue to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration. The organization still attracts exceptional talent, and the spirit of research is as vibrant as ever. One of its greatest strengths is its open, collaborative approach. It has maintained long-standing partnerships with universities and research institutions, which encourage cross-regional, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary exchanges. This synergy stimulates innovation and supports industry development. The commitment to excellence remains at the heart of Microsoft Research Asia’s identity.
Plans for the Microsoft Research Asia – Tokyo lab
Question: With Microsoft Research Asia expanding regionally to places like Tokyo, Vancouver, Singapore, and Hong Kong, what are your plans as the head of the Tokyo lab, and how do you see it contributing to the region’s innovation ecosystem?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: My primary goal is to align the Tokyo lab’s growth with Microsoft Research Asia’s mission to advance science and technology for the benefit of humanity. The research efforts we’re focusing on in this lab aim to address pressing societal issues while advancing AI technologies to benefit society as a whole.
For instance, Japan’s aging population presents unique challenges that require efficient societal solutions—an issue faced by many nations today. Through our research, we aim to generate insights that can be applied globally to proactively address and mitigate such challenges.
Japan also has a strong legacy of scientific research in fields like electronics, materials science, and robotics. Its advanced industrial base, featuring renowned companies across the automotive, electronics, and machinery sectors, provides rich application scenarios for our research outcomes. Additionally, Japan’s robust education system supplies an intellectual foundation crucial for our in-depth research.
We’re dedicated to maintaining open research practices. By publishing our findings and open-sourcing our tools, we ensure our work benefits the broader industry and enriches the global knowledge pool. Our goal is to share insights that drive societal progress and innovation worldwide.
Cultivating the next generation
Question: Talent is at the heart of Microsoft Research’s mission and culture. What kind of talent is Microsoft Research Asia – Tokyo looking for? In what ways can the Tokyo lab enhance its efforts to cultivate the next generation of tech innovators for the region?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: One of the key advantages of being part of Microsoft is the close connection we have to real-world applications. This bridge between research and practice allows our work to have a direct societal impact, ensuring that innovative technology results in meaningful and beneficial outcomes.
When recruiting new talent, we seek bright, self-driven individuals with an innate curiosity and a passion for solving societal challenges. The most vital trait we look for is a deep desire to understand the “why” behind complex problems. While technical expertise is essential, a commitment to addressing social issues fuels creativity and drives meaningful progress. This blend of curiosity and purpose sparks innovation and propels us forward at Microsoft Research Asia.
At the Tokyo lab, a core part of our vision is cultivating the next wave of tech innovators. We plan to build on the legacy of successful talent programs that Microsoft Research Asia has championed throughout the region, like joint research initiatives, visiting scholar programs, and internship opportunities. These provide early career professionals and students with invaluable hands-on experiences, equipping them with essential research skills and deepening their understanding of complex technological challenges.
We’re committed to creating a nurturing environment where talent can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to the global tech landscape. By combining innovation with real-world impact, we aim to inspire the next generation to push boundaries and advance society.
Rapid evolution in computer vision
Question: In today’s world, everything is moving toward digitization and intelligence. Ten years ago, your research focused on photometry and video analysis. Can you share some key outcomes from that period and explain how you see emerging technologies like AI influencing the field of computer vision?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: Back then, my research centered on computer vision, specifically on photometry for 3D reconstruction and video analysis aimed at enhancing video quality. One of the standout projects during that period was the development of a gigapixel camera capable of capturing high-resolution 3D information. This camera played a crucial role in the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes project, which sought to digitally preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang’s murals and Buddha shrines with unprecedented accuracy.
Another notable project was the development of video stabilization technology, which was integrated into Windows 7 as part of Media Foundation. This technology improved video quality by compensating for unwanted camera movements, delivering smoother and more professional-looking output. The creation of real-time algorithms capable of processing and stabilizing video was groundbreaking at that time.
Since then, the introduction of deep learning, large datasets, and sophisticated neural network architectures has propelled computer vision to new heights. Tasks that were once considered difficult, such as object detection, recognition, and segmentation, are now standard with modern AI techniques. Current research continues to push the boundaries by exploring innovative network architectures, new learning strategies, and enhanced datasets. A particularly exciting trend is the use of AI in real-world interactive scenarios, leading to the emergence of embodied AI, which is a major focus of my current work.
Understanding embodied AI beyond robotics
Question: Your current research interests include embodied AI, which is also one of the key areas at Microsoft Research Asia – Tokyo. What exactly is embodied AI, and how does it differ from robotics?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: Embodied AI goes beyond traditional robotics. While robots are typically machines equipped with actuators designed to execute specific tasks, embodied AI focuses on developing intelligent systems that can perform complex tasks while understanding and interacting within physical and virtual environments. Robotics and AI have developed independently, but embodied AI is the convergence of these two fields, integrating AI with physical agents that can perceive, act, and learn in dynamic real-world environments.
This field is inherently interdisciplinary, involving aspects such as robotic control, reinforcement learning, spatial awareness, human-robot interaction, reasoning, and more. For instance, embodied AI includes the ability to infer cause and effect, such as understanding that an unsupported laptop will fall due to gravity. These types of interactions and interpretations stem from engaging with and understanding the physical world, making embodied AI an exciting and multifaceted area of research.
Given the complexity of embodied AI, no single organization can cover all aspects of its development alone. We look forward to collaborating with local industry and academic institutions in Japan, leveraging their expertise alongside our strengths in AI to advance the field.
Advice for aspiring researchers in computer vision and AI
Question: You’ve had an extensive career spanning academia and industry. From your experience as both an educator and a researcher, what advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing research in computer vision and AI?
Yasuyuki Matsushita: For students interested in computer vision and AI, a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science is essential, even as specific research topics and technologies evolve. A deep understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, such as gradients, Jacobians, and vector spaces, is indispensable. Mastery of these principles will be beneficial regardless of changes in programming languages or development platforms.
Maintaining a mindset of continuous learning is equally important, as the field is constantly evolving. For example, deep learning was not as prominent a decade ago but is now central to the field. At Microsoft, we emphasize the importance of a growth mindset—being adaptable, open to new technologies, and willing to pivot with industry advancements. Early career professionals should cultivate the ability to quickly acquire new skills while building on their foundational knowledge. This adaptability is key to long-term success in research and development.
The post Introducing Yasuyuki Matsushita: Tackling societal challenges with AI at Microsoft Research Asia – Tokyo appeared first on Microsoft Research.