The object
His sample-ionisation method made large biomolecules measurable by mass spectrometers, extending physical analytical instruments into protein analysis, disease-marker research and modern life-science laboratories. The technique changed what biological molecules a physical analytical instrument could reliably measure.
01
What Koichi did
Developed soft laser-desorption ionisation methods embodied in mass-spectrometry instruments.
02
Why it matters
Shimadzu's research laboratory identifies the technology as core to high-sensitivity biomedical mass spectrometry.
03
Living-status check
Shimadzu's 2025 report identifies Tanaka as its Executive Research Fellow and laboratory manager.