Masato Kikuchi
Associate Professor of Japanese
- School of Modern Languages
Overview
Dr. Masato Kikuchi is Associate Professor of Japanese in the School of Modern Languages at Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, where his research focused on the application of natural language processing to second language acquisition, including the development and evaluation of intelligent computer-assisted language instruction, discourse and pragmatics processing, and psycholinguistics.
His current research integrates cognitive linguistics, concept-based instruction (SCOBA: Schema of a Complete Orienting Basis of an Action), and emerging technologies to enhance Japanese language learning. He has developed multi-user virtual world learning environments in Second Life that enable learners to visualize grammatical concepts—such as subjective versus objective construal, motion verbs (行く／来る), and transitive–intransitive verb pairs—through interactive 3D simulations with real-time feedback.
More recently, Dr. Kikuchi’s work has expanded to the development of AI-driven conversational agents designed to support autonomous, context-sensitive dialogue practice in asynchronous learning environments. This line of research explores how virtual worlds and AI chatbots can foster meaningful language production, improve oral communication skills, and bridge immersive learning with scalable course design.
In addition to his research, he teaches advanced content-based Japanese courses, including Technical and Business Japanese Translation, where students critically analyze machine translation technologies and examine linguistic, cultural, and methodological dimensions of translation.
- Ph.D. 1995, University of Pittsburgh, Intelligent CALI
- M.S. 1982, University of Pittsburgh, Intercultural Communication
- B.A. 1979, International Christian University, Intercultural Communication
Interests
Second, I address issues of accessibility in courses that integrate mixed-language content (Japanese and English), developing inclusive instructional designs that ensure equitable access to learning materials while maintaining linguistic rigor.
More recently, my work centers on the development of AI-driven conversational agents capable of engaging learners in autonomous, context-sensitive dialogue. This research explores how AI chatbots can enhance oral communication skills within asynchronous course designs, providing interactive, immersive practice opportunities that approximate real-time communicative engagement.
- Instructional Technologies for Foreign Language Acquisition
- Japanese
Focuses:
- Asia (East)
- Intercultural Issues
- Language and Popular Culture
Courses
- JAPN-1001: Elementary Japanese I
- JAPN-1002: Elementary Japanese II
- JAPN-2001: Intermediate Japanese I
- JAPN-2002: Intermediate Japanese II
- JAPN-3001: Advanced Japanese I
- JAPN-3691: Tech & Scientific Japn
- JAPN-3692: Business Japanese
- JAPN-3694: Conversation Practicum
- JAPN-4113: Adv Reading & Listening
- JAPN-4123: Tech&Bus Jpn Translation
- JAPN-4173: Anime: Culture&Society
- JAPN-4231: Design Websites in Jpn
- JAPN-4233: Cali Pedagogy for Jpn
- JAPN-4235: 3D RPG Develop. Japn.
- JAPN-4500: Intercultural Seminar
- JAPN-4699: Undergraduate Research
- JAPN-8803: Special Topics
- JAPN-8804: Special Topics
Publications
Recent Publications
Books
- Ido doshi no oshiekata to jissen [Teaching and Practicing Motion Verbs].
In: Konseputo bēsu no gengo kyōiku: Nihongo kyōiku eno ōyō to kanōsei [Concept-based Japanese Language Instruction: Application to Japanese Pedagogy and Possibility] [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2026
Conferences
- The Effectiveness of Subjective vs. Objective Construal in Teaching Motion Verbs in Japanese.
In: Proceedings of the 40th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills. [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2025
- 三次元仮想空間での自他動詞習得とAIエージェントの導入： 協働型教材の実践とAI 導入の試み [Acquisition of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in a Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment and the Introduction of AI Agents: Collaborative Practice and AI Integration].
In: Proceedings of the 28th Japanese Language Symposium in Europe
Date: 2025
Presentations
- Innovative VW Design for Communicative Language Practice
Date: June 2021
Softwares
- VW Platform in Second Life
Date: December 2022
All Publications
Books
- Ido doshi no oshiekata to jissen [Teaching and Practicing Motion Verbs].
In: Konseputo bēsu no gengo kyōiku: Nihongo kyōiku eno ōyō to kanōsei [Concept-based Japanese Language Instruction: Application to Japanese Pedagogy and Possibility] [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2026
Journal Articles
- Pedagogical implications of utilizing NMT as language learning
In: Proceeding of the Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese
Date: 2020
- Onrain nihongo ko-su ni okeru akutibiti no kaihatsu [Developing activities for online Japanese courses]
In: Proceedings of the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese
Date: 2005
Conferences
- The Effectiveness of Subjective vs. Objective Construal in Teaching Motion Verbs in Japanese.
In: Proceedings of the 40th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills. [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2025
- 三次元仮想空間での自他動詞習得とAIエージェントの導入： 協働型教材の実践とAI 導入の試み [Acquisition of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in a Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment and the Introduction of AI Agents: Collaborative Practice and AI Integration].
In: Proceedings of the 28th Japanese Language Symposium in Europe
Date: 2025
- Pedagogical Implications of Utilizing NMT as Language Learning Activities
In: Proceedings of 35th Annual Conference of Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2020
- 3Dバーチャルワールド教材作成を通して学ぶ日本語コースデザイン (Japanese Language Course Design through 3D Virtual World Content Development)
In: 2019年度日本語教育学会秋季大会予稿集 (Proceedings of Annual Fall Conference of Society for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, 2019) [Peer Reviewed]
Date: December 2019
- Innovative Approach to Teach Japanese Using Virtual World
In: SEATJ Conference Proceedings [Peer Reviewed]
Date: August 2019
Internet Publications
- Advanced Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2021
- Intermediate Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2016
Textbook for Online Intermediate Japanese I (JAPN 2001)
- Intermediate Japanese II (Courseware)
Date: 2016
Textbook for Online Intermediate Japanese II (JAPN 2002)
- Elementary Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2015
Textbook for both Online and Onground Elementary Japanese I (JAPN 1001)
- Elementary Japanese II (Courseware)
Date: 2015
Textbook for both Online and Onground Elementary Japanese II (JAPN 1002)
Presentations
- Innovative VW Design for Communicative Language Practice
Date: June 2021
- Designing Information Gap Exercise in Web Pages for a Synchronous Online Course (Webinar)
Date: September 2016
NLFRC Webinar. The TED ED lesson for my presentation can be viewed here:
http://ed.ted.com/on/P0Zl7tRL
Softwares
- VW Platform in Second Life
Date: December 2022
- Understanding Written Japanese I: CD-ROM-based software for Macintosh computers to enhance beginners-level skills in reading authentic Japanese texts. See also the handbook in II-B-1. NTVCS.
Date: 1994
- Understanding Written Japanese I: CD-ROM-based software for Macintosh computers to enhance intermediate/advanced skills in reading authentic Japanese texts. NTVCS.
Date: 1990
Updated: Feb 12th, 2026 at 5:06 PM