My research interests lie in global and political communication. Building upon my academic background in communications, sociology, and journalism in Japan and the United States, my research develops three lines of inquiry into communication and democracy: (1) online political behaviors, (2) collective action, and (3) journalism.

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Online political behaviors

My studies in this area aim to understand what motivates people's engagement in different modes of online political behavior across different cultural contexts. I approach the topic from two perspectives: (1) individual differences shaped by cultural norms and (2) media diets in a hybrid media environment. 

 

My dissertation examines who and why people engage in disruptive online political behaviors, such as sharing political rumors, expressing hate speech, and political trolling. I approach the questions by looking at (1) media diets in a hybrid media environment, (2) psychological factors in relation to social inequality, and (3) a chaotic motivation - the need for chaos.

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Collective action and digital activism

In addition to individual political behaviors, I conduct research analyzing the messages, strategies, and political implications of collective action mobilized online. I am particularly interested in collective action and digital activism leading social change and democratic development in East Asia.

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Journalism

My journalism research has been focused on issues in the Japanese media system, such as the conservative structure within media organizations, the lack of transparency in journalism practices, and the news coverage of international conflicts. I also adopt a comparative lens in my journalism research.​