Kentaro Takahira

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ktakahira@connect.ust.hk

me.jpg

UC 101, Lo Ka Chung University Center

HKUST, Clear Water Bay

Kowloon, Hong Kong

I’m a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), advised by Huamin Qu. I received my Master’s degree in Informatics and Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kyoto University, where I worked with Toru Ishida and Shigeo Matsubara.

My research lies at the intersection of Data Visualization, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and Human-Computer Interaction. I’m interested in using AR/VR for data visualization, enabling more effective data exploration and communication. My work has been presented at conferences such as CHI, UIST, MM, VIS, and AAAI.

Before my Ph.D., I worked in Tokyo as a data scientist at a consulting firm and a startup for four years. I also taught data analysis and visualization through corporate training and online courses (see below). I’m also passionate about using ICT for humanitarian purposes through pro bono work.

高比良健太郎と申します。香港科技大学でデータ可視化の研究をしています。京都大学(石田亨研究室)で学位を取得したのち、コンサルやスタートアップでデータ解析やモデル構築の仕事をしていました。研究分野と実務の距離が近いため、専門知識を還元していければと思っています。書籍の執筆や研修のお仕事等をお受けしています。

news

Jul 30, 2025 Data Visualization in Practice (データ可視化完全入門) has been published by Gijutsu-Hyoron Co., Ltd (技術評論社). This comprehensive guide covers the fundamental principles and practical techniques of effective data visualization, with a focus on real-world business applications.
Jul 24, 2025 My first-author paper InSituTale: Enhancing Augmented Data Storytelling with Physical Objects has been conditionally accepted for presentation at UIST 2025 in Busan, South Korea [acceptance rate 22%].
Feb 20, 2025 My first-author paper TangibleNet: Synchronous Network Data Storytelling through Tangible Interactions in Augmented Reality has been accepted for presentation at CHI 2025 in Yokohama [acceptance rate 24%].
Nov 20, 2024 Our co-authored paper of ACM Multimedia 24 received an Honorable Mention Award [top 1%].
Oct 16, 2024 I gave a talk at Osaka Seikei University. Thanks to Prof. Natsukawa for the invitation.

selected publications

  1. uist_25.png
    InSituTale: Enhancing Augmented Data Storytelling with Physical Objects
    Kentaro Takahira, Yue Yu, Takanori Fujiwara, and 2 more authors
    In Proceedings of the 2025 ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST ’25, acceptance rate: 22%), Busan, South Korea, 2025
  2. tangibleNet.png
    TangibleNet: Synchronous Network Data Storytelling through Tangible Interactions in Augmented Reality
    Kentaro Takahira, Wong Kam-Kwai, Leni Yang, and 3 more authors
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’25, acceptance rate: 24%), Yokohama, Japan, 2025
  3. VRACT.png
    🏅 VR-Mediated Cognitive Defusion: A Comparative Study for Managing Negative Thoughts
    Kento Shigyo, Yi-Fan Cao, Kentaro Takahira, and 2 more authors
    In Proceedings of the 32nd ACM International Conference on Multimedia (MM ’24, acceptance rate: 25%), Melbourne VIC, Australia, 2024
  4. AAAI2021.webp
    Contract-Based Inter-User Usage Coordination in Free-Floating Car Sharing
    Kentaro Takahira and Shigeo Matsubara
    In Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI ’21, acceptance rate: 21%), Vancouver, Canada, 2021

books and courses*

Book: Data Visualization in Practice
技術評論社「データ可視化完全入門」

An introduction to data visualization that explains key principles and techniques for designing effective charts based on real-world business challenges.
データ可視化の「理論」とビジネス課題にもとづいた「実践」をもとに、データ可視化の手法を解説した書籍です。Excel での操作解説も付属します。

Everyone working with data    Book Link (Amazon)

Course: Practical Graph Design
Schoo「練習問題で学ぶデータ可視化」

This course teaches how to choose and design effective charts for various types of data and tasks.
様々なデータやタスクごとに、効果的なグラフのデザイン方法を解説した講座です。resources ページで Excel ファイル をダウンロードできます。

Everyone working with data    Course Link

Course: Graph Design with Python
Schoo「Pythonを活用したグラフ作成プロセス」

Hands-on course on data visualization using Python libraries, including matplotlib, seaborn and plotly.
matplotlib、seaborn、plotlyなどのPythonライブラリを用いたデータの可視化方法を解説しています。resources ページで notebook をダウンロードできます。

Enginneers interested in data visualization    Course Link

Course: Introduction on AI Design System Design
企業研修「AIデザイナー育成講座」

A hands-on course offering a broad overview of AI, designed for management-level business professionals, conducted in collaboration with the SUS in Kyoto.
京都のSUSと共同で実施した、管理職レベルを対象としたAIの包括的な概要を提供する講座です。

Managers without backgrounds of AI    Course Link

* Book and Courses are in Japanese.