In this research area, we aim at the development of the technology to analyze and evaluate the motions of atoms and molecules in materials or on surfaces, the structural and chemical changes of microstructures, and other nanoscale dynamics. Thus, our purpose is to find the governing factors that determine the mechanical properties on the macroscale, to elucidate the mechanisms of their actions, and to find a principle or establish a guideline to design innovative mechanical materials with new mechanical properties in order to develop the material technology and to contribute to the realization of a society in which sustainable new industries are created. Specific research areas include elucidation of new mechanical properties and the mechanisms of mechanical properties such as adhesiveness, friction, wear, deterioration, and destruction of the metal, inorganic, organic, and their composite materials as well as the development of the measurement and multi-scale simulation technologies on site for the visualization of the nanoscale dynamics and chemical changes on the nanoscale necessary for the abovementioned areas.

　By integrating the knowledge acquired from the multilateral cooperation in each type of research area and from each type of material, such as metal, inorganic, organic, and composite materials, we construct a common scientific principle that is not dependent on the material types and elucidate the mechanisms of the mechanical properties of each material type or any specific material that has never been explained yet. In addition, we cope with the creation of guidelines of material design with new mechanical functions and the materials that break though the trade-off limitation in mechanical properties.