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 AAAI, CHI, ACM Multimedia, and IEEE VIS.

Before my Ph.D., I worked in Tokyo as a data scientist at a consulting firm and a startup, building systems for demand forecasting and causal inference. I also taught data analysis through corporate training and online courses. 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、需要予測や因果推論のモデル構築をしていました。私の研究分野は研究と実務の距離が近いため、研究成果を実務へ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お受けしています。

news

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.
Aug 01, 2024 Our co-authored paper “VR-Mediated Cognitive Defusion: A Comparative Study for Managing Negative Thoughts” has been accepted for oral presentation [top 4%] at ACM Multimedia 2024 in Melbourne.
Oct 11, 2023 Our exhibition AR Ricci Map, which uses augmented reality to enhance Ricci maps, is now on display at the “China in Maps” exhibition in the HKUST library.

selected publications

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

online courses

Practical Graph Design

This course teaches how to choose and design effective charts through hands-on exercises. We discuss and evaluate whether their visualizations are appropriate and how to improve them for clearer communication.

Everyone working with data    Course Link

Graph Design with Python

Hands-on course covering data visualization workflows using Python. Learn how to visualize data to gain deeper insights and enhance your analysis skills.

Enginneers interested in data visualization    Course Link

Coorporate Training on AI

A hands-on course offering a broad overview of AI, designed for management-level business professionals, conducted in collaboration with the SUS in Kyoto.

Managers without backgrounds of AI    Course Link