Profile: Masahiro Taima, CEO of mign

Current Positions

CEO, mign, Inc.
Collaborative Researcher, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

Goals

Through exploring and implementing cutting-edge knowledge and technology, I aim to help build a society in which people all over the world can lead richer lives.

Areas of Expertise

• Architectural and Civil Engineering Planning

• AI and Data Science

• Autonomous Driving and Human Factors

Interests

Sports and baseball (strikeout highlights), art, and travel

Career

2026
Collaborative Researcher, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

2023
Peking University, Visiting Researcher

2022
Project Assistant Professor, Resilience Practice Unit, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University

2020
Project Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University
Project Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Completed the doctoral program in the Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo — Ph.D. (Engineering)
Completed the World-leading Innovative Graduate Study Program for the Creation of Future Society Spaces, The University of Tokyo
Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Yomiuri Riko College of Medical Care and Welfare

2019
Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Part-time Lecturer, Chiba University
Visiting Research Student, Birkbeck, University of London

2017
Completed the master's program in the Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

2016
Short-term study abroad at the University of Victoria, Canada (Robert Gifford's Environmental, Social and Personality Lab)

2015
Graduated from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Utsunomiya University

2010
Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku High School (then spent a gap year after failing the entrance exam for Tokyo University of the Arts)

Research Areas

Software and Hardware Development for Architecture and Civil Engineering

I conduct research and development on software and hardware that leverage advanced technologies to improve productivity and efficiency, with a focus on architecture, civil engineering, construction, and real estate. Recently, my work has centered on solutions built on generative AI.

• Automating construction workflows with LLMs such as ChatGPT (e.g., automated regulatory compliance checks and automated answers to questions about internal manuals)

• Automatically generating architectural renderings with image-generation AI such as Stable Diffusion

• Creating 3D models with generative AI

• Remote construction site management using 3D data captured by LiDAR and similar sensors, together with VR and AR

Architectural and Urban Analysis

Drawing on a wide range of data available at every scale, from individual buildings to the entire country, I research insights and technologies that support better urban development. My work makes use of data on building thermal environments, lighting, land use, transportation, population migration, real estate values, government statistics, and more.

• Developing technology to simulate the shapes of buildings that will occupy a site based on the geometry of the lot or city block

• Estimating the probability of building redevelopment in each district over time

• Analyzing the geographic conditions that foster patent generation

• Analyzing citizens' activities using GPS data

• Analyzing the geographic factors behind crime

Autonomous Driving

I work on autonomous driving R&D under the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), an initiative led by Japan's Cabinet Office. In collaboration with major automakers such as Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., as well as local governments across the country, we are working toward the international standardization of autonomous vehicles. Because autonomous vehicles have no driver, a key focus of my research is developing ways for them to communicate with pedestrians and other vehicles that replace a driver's eye contact and gestures. This work involves international joint research with partners in Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

• Developing an AI device that automatically displays a message when a camera mounted on an autonomous vehicle detects a pedestrian

• Analyzing dashcam footage from autonomous vehicles in field trials in regional cities

• Analyzing communication between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians using VR

• Conducting field trials of autonomous vehicles on the grounds of lodging facilities

• Experiments on communication between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians using text messages

• Examining measures to reduce the risks that arise when following vehicles overtake autonomous vehicles

Population Migration

To inform policies that address challenges such as depopulation in regional cities and overconcentration in major metropolitan areas, I analyze the drivers of population migration using a variety of data. In particular, my analyses account for "place attachment"—the positive emotional bond that people and other living beings form with places.

• Analyzing the factors behind migration from major cities to regional cities, and which policies are effective

• Studying how place attachment influences people's behavior (such as social interaction and contribution to community development)

• Analyzing the physical and social determinants of place attachment

• Analyzing the relationship between tourism behavior and place attachment in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake

Other

My research primarily uses data to analyze people's psychology and behavior and to simulate the physical environments of buildings and cities.

• Analyzing the causes of Japan's economic stagnation and the economic effects of individual policies

• Quantifying the sense of beauty people feel toward buildings and analyzing what drives it

• Developing methods to evaluate player performance and tactical execution using GPS trackers worn by soccer players

Media Coverage and Presentations

Media Coverage

2023/08/24
Nikkei Architecture, August 24, 2023 issue
"Turning Images Drawn by Generative AI into Usable Ideas in Record Time" 

2023/07/21
[Newspaper] Kentsu Shimbun
"AI Generates Architectural Designs from Past Design Projects"

2023/07/10
[Newspaper] Kentsu Shimbun
"ChatGPT Answers While Citing Its Sources"

2023/07/10
[Newspaper] Kentsu Shimbun
"Image-Generation AI Creates Post-Renovation Visualizations"

2023/06/30
[Web] BUILT
"mign's Automatic Design Generation Software Adds ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion Integration"

2023/06/22
[Magazine] Nikkei Architecture
"New Services Already Arriving in Quick Succession: Generative AI Streamlines Architectural Practice, from Writing Specifications to Operating BIM"

The same article was also republished on the web outlet Nikkei xTECH.
https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/mag/na/18/00211/061400005/
"Generative AI Streamlines Architectural Practice, from Writing Specifications to Operating BIM"

2023/06/14
[Web] Nikkei xTECH
"mign Rolls Out One Generative AI for Construction After Another, Including a Vision for a Conversational 'AI Architect'"

2023/05/26
[Web] BUILT
"inspit, mign's AI Service for Assessing Structural Deterioration: Over 95% Accuracy from Just Dozens of Training Images"

2023/05/24
[Newspaper] Kentsu Shimbun
"Residents Report Spots in Need of Repair to Local Governments: locata"

2023/05/22
[Magazine] Nikkei Construction
"AI Detects Collision Risks and Checks Whether Harnesses Are Worn"

The same article was also republished on the web outlet Nikkei xTECH.
https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/mag/ncr/18/00008/051100346/
"Hazard Detection System trafe: AI Detects Collision Risks and Checks Whether Harnesses Are Worn"

2023/05/15
[Web] Nikkei xTECH
"Deployable with Just Dozens of Training Images: mign's AI Model for Detecting Construction Defects"

2023/04/20
[Web] BUILT
"'ChatGPT' Instantly Answers BIM Software Troubleshooting Questions: New Feature Added to mign's Construction-Specific AI Model 'chact'"

2023/03/03
[Web] Nikkei xTECH
"The Much-Talked-About Image-Generation AI Comes to Architectural Design, Cutting the Effort and Time of Early-Stage Design"

Presentations

2024/2/3
"Architecture and Urban DX Talent Development Program," hosted by The University of Tokyo
"Research and Development in Architecture, Urban Planning, and Civil Engineering Using Generative AI and Diverse Data"

2023/6/19
88th Artificial Intelligence Seminar, "Correctly Understanding What ChatGPT Can Do: A Technical Overview and Practical Case Studies"
Generative AI-Powered Solutions for Architecture and Civil Engineering

2022/2/25
Architectural Informatics Society, AIS WEEK 2022
A Review of Advanced AI Adoption Cases at Overseas Companies in Real Estate and Construction, and the Potential for AI Adoption by Japanese Companies.

Research Achievements

International Conference Papers

Taima, M. & Yu, L. (2023). The Impact of Disasters on Tourism Behavior: Focusing on COVID-19 in China and the Great East Japan Earthquake in Japan. 7th World Research Summit for Hospitality and Tourism.

Taima, M. (2023). eHMI Communication Device for Automated Vehicles Using Object Detection Algorithm. IEEE International Automated Vehicle Validation Conference.

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2023). Communication Method for Automated Vehicles to Reduce Pedestrian Inefficiency and Anxiety During Crossing Cases Using a closed-Road Environment. IEEE International Automated Vehicle Validation Conference.

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2023). Influences of eHMI in Automated Vehicles on the Recognition and Confirmation Behavior of Following Drivers. IEEE International Automated Vehicle Validation Conference.

Taima, M. (2023). Demonstration Test of Automated Vehicle and Analysis of Drive Recorder Video at the Lodging Facility Site. IEEE 17th International Conference on Industrial and Information Systems.

Taima, M., Shiode, S., Shiode, N., & Nakata, T. (2023). Geospatial Modelling of Arson Incidents in the Urban Areas of Kyoto, Japan. Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) Annual International Conference.

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2023). Unsafe and inefficient communication between automated buses and road users on public roads in Japan. IEEE 1st International Conference on Advanced Innovations in Smart Cities.

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2023). Differences in pedestrian behavior at crosswalk between communicating with conventional vehicle and automated vehicle in real traffic environment. 1st International Conference on Hybrid Societies.

Tabi, S., Sakai, Y., Tung, N., Taima, M., Cheddadi, A., & Ikeda, Y. (2022). A Framework For A Gameful Collective Urbanism Based On Tokenized Location Data And Liquid Democracy: Early Prototyping Of A Case Study Using E-Bikes. The 2022 annual conference for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia.

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2021). Interaction between low-speed automated vehicles and other road users in field operational test in Japan. 21st Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2019). Estimation of building shape by block size. 29th International Cartographic Conference.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2018). Determinants of Out-migration from Metropolitan Areas in Japan. The 3rd Conference on Urban Planning & Sustainable Cities.

Taima, M., Asami, Y., & Ishikawa, T. (2017). Emotional Bonds Between People and Place: A Review and Analysis of the Scales. 19th International Conference on Environmental Psychology.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2017). Influential factors of building footprint location and prediction of office shape in city blocks in Tokyo’s commercial zones. Spatial Data Handling in Big Data Era, pp.197-223. (Proceedings of 17th International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling).

Taima, M., Asami, Y. & Hino, K. (2016). Influential factors of building footprint location and prediction of office shape in city blocks in Tokyo’s commercial zones. 17th International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling.

Domestic Conferences

Taima, M. (2020). Causes of Communication Breakdowns Between Autonomous Vehicles and Other Road Users. 61st Infrastructure Planning Conference (Spring Meeting), JSCE.

Kaneko, S., Taima, M., & Sadahiro, Y. (2019). An Analysis of Formations in Soccer. 28th Annual Conference of the GIS Association of Japan.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2019). Estimating Place Attachment Using Open Data. 25th Annual Meeting of the Man-Environment Research Association.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2019). The Relationship Between City Block Size and Building Shape. 59th Infrastructure Planning Conference, JSCE.

Taima, M., Nonaka, N., Takeuchi, K., Kamano, T., Nakama, M., & Koike, T. (2017). Improving Tactics and Training Policies in Japanese Soccer Through the Quantification of Intensity. 79th National Convention of the Information Processing Society of Japan.

Taima, M., Nonaka, N., Takeuchi, K., Kamano, T., Nakama, M., & Koike, T. (2016). Quantifying Intensity: Differences by Position and a Comparison of Japanese and European Teams. Sports Analytics and Statistical Science.

Taima, M., & Sakata, K. (2015). A Study of Differences in Perceptions of the Landscape Impact of Newly Built Bridges. 42nd Technical Research Presentation Meeting, JSCE Kanto Branch.

Peer-Reviewed Papers

Taima, M., & Daimon, T. (2023). Differences in pedestrian behavior at crosswalk between communicating with conventional vehicle and automated vehicle in real traffic environment. Safety, Vol.9, No.1:2.

Daimon, T., Taima, M., & Kitazaki, S. (2022). Pedestrian Carelessness toward Traffic Environment Due to External Human–Machine Interfaces of Automated Vehicles. Journal of Traffic and Logistics Engineering, Vol.9, No.2, in press.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2020). Determinants and policies of native metropolitan young workers’ migration toward non-metropolitan areas in Japan. Cities, Vol.102, in press.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2019). Personal and regional determinants of out-migration from metropolitan areas in Japan. Review of Urban & Regional Development Studies, Vol.31, No.1-2, pp.1-28.

Koike, T., Sadahiro, Y., & Taima, M. (2019). The Spillover of Place Names Used in Building Names in Tokyo's Wards. Theory and Applications of GIS, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 25–31.

Taima, M., Asami, Y., & Ishikawa, T. (2019). Relationships among psychological scales of various concepts related to place attachment. MERA Journal, Vol.21, No.1, pp.1-10.

Taima, M., & Asami, Y. (2018). Estimation of Average Place Attachment Level in a Region of Japan. GeoJournal, Vol.84, pp.1365-1381.

Miyagawa, D., Asami, Y., Hino, K., Taima, M., & Usui, H. (2018). The Likelihood of Building Redevelopment and the Residential Environment in Tokyo's Wards. Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, Vol. 53, No. 3, pp. 1485–1490.

Takeuchi, K., Taima, M., Kidokoro, T., & Seta, F. (2018). A Spatial Analysis of Technological Innovation in Japan Using Patent Data: Focusing on Sectoral Innovation Systems. Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 172–178.

Hino, K., Miwa, M., Asami, Y., & Taima, M. (2018). The Relationship Between Proximity to Urban Facilities and Step Counts. Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ), Vol. 83, No. 746, pp. 687–693.

Taima, M., Asami, Y. & Hino, K. (2017). The relation between block size and building shape. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, Vol.46, No.1, pp.103-121.

Taima, M., Asami, Y. & Hino, K. (2017). Spatial Data Handling in Big Data Era, Springer (Chapter DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4424-3_14, ISBN: 978-981-10-4423-6)

Taima, M., Asami, Y., Hino, K., & Morioka, W. (2016). Determinants of building coverage within urban blocks in Tokyo's central commercial districts and their estimation. Theory and Applications of GIS, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 85–96.

Non-Peer-Reviewed Papers

Taima, M., Asami, Y., & Hino, K. (2016). Determinants of building coverage within urban blocks. CSIS Discussion Paper No. 143.

Taima, M., & Sakata, K. (2015). A study on the contribution of environmental quality to the intention to revisit the Tohoku region as a tourist after the earthquake disaster. Reports of the City Planning Institute of Japan.

Other Reports and Contributed Articles

Cabinet Office of Japan (contributing author). (2022). Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), Phase 2: Interim Results Report.

Lecture on population migration delivered to political party officials. (2021).

Taima, M. (2020). Individual and environmental factors behind migration from metropolitan areas to regional areas. Jutaku Tochi Keizai (Housing and Land Economics), No. 116.

Taima, M. (2019). "Regional attachment" as a brake on the over-concentration of population in Tokyo.

Taima, M., & Mizutani, K. (2018). Evaluating historic townscapes with AI. Machinami to Sumai, Japan Federation of Housing Organizations.

Taima, M. (2015). Streets with attractive scenery and their maze-like qualities. Machinami to Sumai, Japan Federation of Housing Organizations.

Peer Review Experience

Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science (ISSN: 2399-8083). 2019.

Sustainability (ISSN: 2071-1050). 2018.

and others

Awards

• Autonomous Driving Awards — Consideration for People Award

• Deputy Representative of Doctoral Program Graduates, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

• Annual Outstanding Paper Award, City Planning Institute of Japan

• Poster Session Award, GIS Association of Japan

Contact

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