How the musician's brain is different from non-musicians? This project aims to research about the structural and functional brain differences between musicians and non-musicians. In collaboration with Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, we use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Electroencephalography (EEG) technologies to answer the question. We also research musician's body movements with motion-capture technologies. To understand music performance judgement, we are conducting perceptual judgment tests on musical performance. In addition, in collaboration with the Developmental Brain Science Lab at the University of Tokyo, we are analyzing the limb motion of infants when they enjoy creating percussion sounds with a virtual drum kit.
What is the origin of our mind and musicality in our brain? How the ability to perceive and produce pitch, rhythm, and harmony relate to our healthy mind? This project aims to investigate the shared brain mechanisms between musical functions and psychiatric symptoms in the brain. In collaboration with Multidisciplinary Translational Research (MTR) Lab at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, we are investigating structural and functional brain network of people with psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, depression, mild cognitive impairment, bipolar disorders, autism spectrum disorders etc) and healthy controls by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Electroencephalography (EEG) technologies.
Can we use music as medicine? Music therapy has a potential to help people with multiple disorders, yet neurological evidence on music therapy is still largely unknown. In this project, we are conducting basic behabioural and neurophysiological research to understand how people after stroke perceive and produce musical pitch, rhythm and harmony. In collaboration with Shonan Keiiku Hospital, we scanned the brain of people after stroke with MRI technology. Now we are analyzing how the brain lesion affects our abilities to perceive and produce music. We also investigates how the musical reward is affected after stroke. We also use brain imaging technology called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to elucidate the brain areas that are important for perceiving temporal change in a rhythm.
Can a normal individual break the record of the world's fastest drummer? The winner of a contest to find the world's fastest drummer (WFD) set a record of 1208 beats per minute with left and right hands. In our previous studies, we elucidated the tapping performance and underlying wrist muscle activities of the WFD (low muscle co-contraction, quick rate of rise in muscle activity, prominent spike shapes etc., see Fujii et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2009; 2012). In collaboration with Dr. Pedro Lopes at Chicago University, we have developed a special drum training method using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) that can simulate the pattern of world's fastest muscle activity. An ultimate goal of this project is to establish a new world record of fastest drumming at Keio University SFC.
This project aims to understand the brain mechanisms underlying the sensation of musical pleasure, emotion, frisson, and chills. For example, (1) we are developing a model to explain emotional experience during chord perception, (2) testing how ASMR sounds recorded by a binaural microphone changed our subjective frisson rating, (3) trying developing a haptic device to augment pleasure during music listening, (4) understanding individual differences in music reward experience with the Japanese version of Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire. In collaboration with Mr. Yoichi Kitayama (Vocal, Gospellers), we are also trying clarifying what is needed for singers to express emotion and musical pleasure.
How the musician's brain is different from non-musicians? This project aims to research about the structural and functional brain differences between musicians and non-musicians. In collaboration with Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, we use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Electroencephalography (EEG) technologies to answer the question. We also research musician's body movements with motion-capture technologies. To understand music performance judgement, we are conducting perceptual judgment tests on musical performance. In addition, in collaboration with the Developmental Brain Science Lab at the University of Tokyo, we are analyzing the limb motion of infants when they enjoy creating percussion sounds with a virtual drum kit.