Focusing on “Researchers’ Big Picture,” this series explores the future societies they envision through their work. How does their research intersect with our lives? Their visions might provide valuable insight into the path ahead for all of us.
In a daily conversation, have you ever felt that you are not on the same page with another person, or have been misunderstood as being angry when you have no intention of being so? We sat down with researcher Ari to explore the ideal form of communication and the future that lies ahead when we finally achieve it.
Interviewing:
Name: Ari Hautasaari
Affiliation:Project Associate Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo
Born from Everyday Life: A Flip Phone, a Misunderstanding, and the Path to Research
▶︎What inspired you to choose communication as your central research theme?
Back when I was majoring in Information Processing Science at the University of Oulu in Finland, I was already fascinated by how technology alters communication processes and styles. What caught my eye, in particular, was the Japanese “galakei” (flip phones) of that era. I was drawn to how they moved far beyond simple calls, becoming devices where images and texts constantly flew back and forth—even giving rise to a unique culture of “emoji.” This spark made me want to understand how these non-verbal interactions shape human relationships and everyday life, marking the very first step of my research journey.
Later, as automated translation on smartphones and other devices became mainstream, my curiosity expanded into a more global perspective: I wanted to explore how machine-assisted translation contributes to cross-linguistic communication and relationship-building.
▶︎After moving your research base to Japan, what triggered the start of your current work?
It happened after I became involved in university education in Japan. A study-abroad student submitted a report, but due to differences in cultural and linguistic backgrounds (contexts), a response sent by a Japanese professor with the intention of “encouragement” was taken by the student as a “total rejection.” When such misunderstandings caused by word misalignments stack up, it can result in significant mental distress for international students. Seeing cases like this more than once became a major trigger for starting my current research.
A Multifaceted Approach to Breaking Linguistic and Emotional Barriers
▶︎Could you tell us more about the specific projects you are working on?
We are working to dismantle the barriers of language and digital literacy, enabling people to communicate smoothly and authentically with anyone in the world. Our focus goes beyond the mere transmission of information; we center on the “emotional exchange” to explore what it truly takes for people to feel a genuine connection. Currently, under the umbrella of Value Exchange Engineering, we are driving this vision forward through two main approaches.
The first is “Borderless Communication,” which aims to transcend language and skill barriers. For example, to simplify listing items on C2C platforms like flea market apps, we are proposing a system where AI catches a user’s “think-aloud” comments to automatically refine product descriptions, as well as technology where AI acts as a mediator in cross-border transactions without a shared language to ease sellers’ anxieties.
The second is “Inclusive Communication,” which overcomes psychological barriers—such as misunderstandings—to ensure that no one is left behind. Here, to prevent the awkwardness of being “left on read” in chats, we are developing a system where AI assesses the user’s situation and automatically suggests a thoughtful excuse. Additionally, we proposed the “badge” feature in Mercari that allows users to pre-display their preferred transaction style—such as “polite” or “direct”—and developing real-time AI tools to support conversations where people respect cultural differences and bridge the gap in multinational workplaces.Ultimately, our goal is to foster a gentle, empathetic environment where everyone can naturally support one another.
▶︎How will your research transform the everyday experience for Mercari users?
On Mercari, some people genuinely enjoy the interaction—like back-and-forth price negotiations— while others prefer only an essential messaging, which may skip the greeting etc., When these contrasting shopping styles clash without any alignment, it can lead to friction and misunderstandings, even if neither side means any harm. Ultimately, it could negatively impact the final transaction ratings. Furthermore, that experience directly influences user satisfaction with the Mercari app itself and their continued use.The key to a mutually satisfying transaction always comes down to whether the communication is smooth, frictionless, and completely free of discomfort.
If technology can tailor our phrasing to match the user’s preferred communication style, we can eliminate unnecessary friction during transactions. This is not about damage control after a conflict occurs; it is a proactive approach focused on prevention. Once this seamless environment is established, users will be able to engage in transactions with peace of mind—not only between Japanese speakers, but also across different languages—allowing both sellers and buyers to expand their potential trading partners. As a result, Mercari could evolve into a truly global platform trusted all over the world.
▶︎I’m really looking forward to the further evolution of online shopping. Your research seems like it could fit well into other fields as well—what kinds of domains are you considering?
I believe this could also be applied to parent-child communication in families with a complex environment, as well as in fields like medical and nursing care.
Furthermore, I am advancing research focused on whether people in remote locations can convey their feelings to one another without relying on words. This is a joint project called “HugBits” with a researcher from the University of Tsukuba. When one person hugs a cushion, the sensation of the embrace is transmitted to a cushion held by a person in another location, allowing them to exchange emotions by visually displaying the intensity of the hug.
In experiments, results showed that when the timing of the hug aligns between both people, they feel a strong sense of the other person’s presence, even from a distance. It demonstrated that family members or partners separated by distance can cross the barrier of physical separation to share their feelings with each other.
▶︎So, it appears that language is only one of many ways we connect with each other?
Absolutely. Communication is shaped by so much more than just language. Gaze, facial expressions, nods, and the way we orient or move our bodies—every single gesture is an integral part of how we connect. This is known as non-verbal communication, and it is something we all engage in subconsciously. The key to making it work lies in our ability to accurately decode the meaning behind these expressions and movements. For instance, leaning back and furrowing your brow naturally signals dissent. If we fail to read these subtle cues and keep pushing forward, it inevitably breeds misunderstanding. By introducing technology that can bridge these gaps and support non-verbal communication across different cultures, I believe we can create a truly communication barrier-free environment—one where genuine communication can finally flourish.
Beyond Trade-offs: Creating the Ideal Environment
▶︎How would you define the good communication environment?
Back when language translation and speech recognition were still in their infancy, real-time communication across different languages was no easy feat. At that time, I probably would have answered that my goal was to overcome language barriers through accurate translation.
Today, real-time translation is a reality, and generative AI can compose text so naturally that it seems as if a human wrote it. One could certainly say that the language barrier has been overcome. Yet, the sentences generated by AI are merely words pieced together based on learned statistical patterns; they contain none of the speaker’s genuine emotion. The same goes for device-assisted translation. While the output may be linguistically precise, it often fails to capture the underlying intent of the original author, leaving room for the emotional weight to be completely misconstrued. If communication keeps moving forward without correcting these subtle missteps, relationships can easily fracture.
Good communication is not just about conveying essential information; it is about sharing the background context as well, including each other’s knowledge, perspectives, and emotions. Therefore, my answer today would be: breaking through emotional barriers to ensure our true intentions are accurately shared.
▶︎To realize this ideal ”a society that transcends emotional barriers to truly share intent” what would you say is your own unique approach as a researcher?
“The perspective of trade-offs”—in other words, an incompatible relationship where pursuing one benefit comes at the expense of another. Take text communication, for example. If we prioritize readability and efficiency by keeping our messages overly brief, we often strip away subtle nuances and emotional expressions. While short sentences excel at delivering key points quickly, they can feel cold to someone who wishes to engage in a deeper dialogue, potentially triggering misunderstandings. These kinds of trade-offs are inherently embedded in any new technology, no matter how convenient it becomes. Generative AI and messaging apps are no exception. They may appear all-powerful on the surface, but beneath that exterior lie unforeseen “sacrifices” and hidden friction.
My approach is not to focus solely on the sheer convenience of technology. Instead, I strive to identify the trade-offs lurking behind it and use complementary technologies to fill the gaps that emerge. This, I believe, is the ultimate key to shaping a harmonious society completely free of misunderstandings.
Flat Teams Leading the Way to a Harmonious and Authentic Future
▶︎You collaborate with a highly diverse group of people across various research projects. What drives you to build your teams this way?
The biggest reason is simply that the roles required for these projects are incredibly vast—it’s not something I could ever accomplish alone. Even if I tried, it would take an immense amount of time. In research, speed of execution is absolutely vital. I believe it’s much better to act first, and then resolve any challenges that arise through open communication among the team members. We move as a team precisely so we can test these diverse approaches rapidly.
▶︎How do you gather the members of your research team, and what would you say your own role is within that group?
People with entirely different values and perspectives come together naturally, united by a single common thread: a shared interest in the research theme. My role is not to steer the project according to my own agenda, but to offer guidance to the team. We map out our research direction by gathering and synthesizing a wide range of insights from the members. There is no hierarchy between me and my team; our relationships are completely flat. In a flat communication environment, people feel secure sharing candid feedback and raw, unpolished ideas that hold immense potential. As a ripple effect, it’s quite common for an idea born in Team A “which focuses on communication” to spark inspiration for Team B working in an entirely different field.
▶︎What will the future of communication shaped by your research look like?
We often encounter situations where power dynamics or differences in position freeze our ability to express what we truly mean. Other times, an overly cautious, bureaucratic message “crafted with the best intentions” can inadvertently come across as cold and detached. A prime example of this is when someone tries to open up about personal worries in the workplace.
While being considerate of others is essential, the ideal environment is one where we can communicate what needs to be said, clearly and directly, without holding back out of awkward hesitation. To bridge this gap, I have a specific concept in mind: It is a communication-support technology that naturally gives people a gentle nudge past the “first step” of a conversation—where they tend to stumble—so that interactions flow smoothly. In a future where this becomes second nature, I believe an ideal communication environment will become reality, allowing people to express themselves skillfully while maintaining mutual respect. That would be a harmonious society without trade-offs,where consideration for others and self-expression seamlessly coexist.
▶︎Communication missteps can sometimes yield deep tragedies. It brings to mind a familiar trope in sci-fi anime, where a sign sent with no ill intent is misinterpreted, ultimately spiraling into an interstellar war. What left a striking impression in this interview was his determination to address this very “structure of misunderstanding” through technology.As his research bears fruit, I feel we can look forward to a society where everyone enjoys a way of communicating that respects the other party while clearly advocating for oneself—allowing both sides to reach a mutually satisfying middle ground. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on his unique perspective on trade-offs and their future endeavors.
Thank you so much for your time today.
Value Exchange Engineering PR, Kawanaka