With global warming continuing, the question of how to break away from dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and coal has become a challenge that transcends the industrial and business spheres. Micro-organisms such as mushrooms, fungi and bacteria that feed on trees and grass are 'decomposers' and 'partners' in extracting and processing the various substances and energy stored in biomass in nature.

As one of the world's leading experts in this field, Professor Igarashi is involved in research and practical applications in a variety of fields, from the development of biofuels, bioplastics and new materials using biomass, to the provision of environmentally friendly foods such as supplements and alternative foods using various nutrients extracted from biomass.