From Antibodies to Artificial Meat: A Kerala Researcher’s Path to Assistant Professor in Japan

I am Harsha Prakash, an assistant professor at Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. I pursued my Ph.D in marine immunology from the same university. I spoke with Leap about my research journey in Japan for their Student Expert Series, featuring Indians who had recently studied abroad and are still in that country pursuing their dreams, to assist others who wish to follow a similar career path. 

Q. Tell us about your background 

 I'm originally from Kerala. I did my master's in biotechnology at VIT University, Vellore. After graduation, I worked for a couple of years at an antibody development company in Chennai. I've always been drawn to the practical aspects of biology, particularly its connections to topics such as food, health, and the environment, which ultimately led me to pursue my PhD in the same field. My research focuses on cultured meat. In our lab, we are attempting to create artificial meat, also known as cultured meat, from the smooth muscle cells of the chicken gizzard.

Q. Why did you choose Japan for your doctoral program? 

I wasn’t particularly interested in Japan initially. When I was working at an antibody company, I reached out to professors from all over the world whose research aligned with my interests. And this professor, Professor Miki Nakao from Kyushu University, was one of the first to respond. His research in marine immunology matched exactly what I was looking for. My master's project was closely related to his research, and he happened to be one of the best in marine immunology. I began learning more about Japan, and I was impressed by the quality of the research, its structure, and the lab environment. I thought, "Okay, why not Japan?" And Kyushu University is one of the top institutions in Asia. 

Q. How was your experience as a research student in Japan? 

Initially, the language and cultural differences were quite challenging. I remember struggling with even the basic things outside the lab because the culture is different, the language is different, and not everyone can speak English. However, my lab members and professors were incredibly supportive, which made a significant difference. I love the disciplined and focused work culture here. It helped me grow both professionally and personally, particularly during my PhD. 

I used to take these short vacations and trips, so I have traveled around Japan, except for Okinawa. I’ve visited all the other prefectures in Japan, and honestly, language was never a big problem. There are signs and information available in English, especially in places like train stations and bus stations. Japanese people are incredibly helpful. Even if they don’t speak English, they’ll go out of their way to assist you and make sure you reach where you need to go. So, I’ve never faced any major difficulties. Of course, the language can be a barrier at times, but it’s never been an issue for me.

Q. What was your research about? 

I was working on marine immunology, specifically on a gene called Tecrem, which is a CD46 homologue found in teleost fish. I was investigating the homeostatic role of that gene in fish, and after completing my PhD, I secured a technical staff position in the same lab. Then I continued with the fish immunology research. I was making some diagnosis kits and vaccines for fish, and then last year, I completely changed my area of study. I have moved into the field of smooth muscle cells, so I'm currently working on developing artificial meat, also known as cultured meat, from chicken by-products. 

Q. Would you recommend coming to Japan to pursue a master’s or Ph.d and why?  

Yes. ofcourse. Primarily, the education culture here is more research-oriented, even at the undergraduate level.

The scope of independent research at the undergraduate level in India is minimal. By the third year, students begin actively seeking labs they can join. They do lab rotations, visiting several labs to find one that aligns with their interests. Once they find the right fit, they begin working in that lab on a regular basis. This early exposure helps them narrow down what they genuinely want to work on, making a significant difference, especially for those considering a PhD or a career in research.

Q. How did you finance your education there? 

I received the MEXT scholarship, a government scholarship offered by the Japanese government. I applied through the university track, although there’s also an option to apply via the Japanese embassy in India. The scholarship covered everything. I didn’t have to pay tuition fees, and they also provided a monthly stipend. At the time, the stipend was around 85,000 to 87,000 Indian rupees. I used that to manage my living expenses, including accommodation. Additionally, the scholarship covered the airfare for my initial travel to Japan and also for my return journey at the end of the program. So, I didn’t need to take out any loans or rely on personal funds for my education.

Q. How did you transition from being a research student to an assistant professor? 

My MEXT scholarship supported me from 2015 to 2018. After completing my PhD, I was offered a technical staff position in my lab. It'd just become available around the time I finished my course, and they asked if I’d be interested. That opportunity served as my entry point into the academic track. After two years in that role, I applied for a postdoctoral position in the same lab. I was selected and continued as a postdoctoral fellow for another two years. Then, a position for an assistant professor was advertised on the university's research portal. I applied, and within a month, I was promoted from my postdoc role to assistant professor.

Q. Do you have any advice to offer to those looking to pursue their education in Japan? 

As long as you respect their culture, you won’t have any significant difficulties here. I've seen many people come here and struggle because they don’t want to follow the rules, something as simple as not standing in line. But in Japan, those small things matter, and not respecting them can reflect poorly on everyone. 

Also, don’t choose a program just based on the course title. Take the time to understand what it has to offer. Consider the research opportunities, quality of mentorship, and hands-on experience. Try to connect with current students or recent alumni if possible.

Attend conferences, participate in various activities, and make the most of your surroundings. That will ultimately benefit you.