Updated on 2026/04/15

写真a

 
MARTIAL,Leo Desire Raphael
 
Organization
School of Science and Engineering Research Associate
Contact information
The inquiry by e-mail is 《here》
Homepage
https://www.leomartial.com
External link

Degree

  • 博士（工学） ( 横浜国立大学 )

  • 修士（建築学） ( パリ建築大学 )

Education

  • 2021.3
     

    Yokohama National University   doctor course   completed

  • 2015.10
     

    Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture   master course   graduated

  • 2010.6
     

    Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture   master course   completed

Research History

  • 2025.4 - Now

    Chuo University   Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering   Research Associate

  • 2024.9 - Now

    Tokyo City University   Faculty of Urban Life Studies   Part-time lecturer

  • 2024.9 - 2026.3

    Yokohama National University   Faculty of Urban Innovation   Part-time lecturer

  • 2024.4 - 2025.3

    Musashi University   Faculty of Sociology   Part-time lecturer

  • 2024.4 - 2025.3

    Hosei University   Faculty of Social Sciences   Part-time lecturer

  • 2022.4 - 2024.3

    Nikken Sekkei   Architect

  • 2021.9 - 2022.2

    French Research Institute on Japan   Assistant

  • 2012.10 - 2017.3

    AREP (SNCF French Railways) Architecture Consultancy Office   Architect

  • 2012.4 - 2012.8

    1001 Maisons Design Office   Asssistant Architect

  • 2011.11 - 2012.2

    LDBA Architectes Design Office   Asssistant Architect

  • 2011.4 - 2011.7

    Euro BTP Architecture Design Office   Asssistant Architect

  • 2010.2 - 2011.2

    Atelier 4+ Paris Design Office   Asssistant Architect

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Professional Memberships

  • 2026.2 - Now

    CPIJ (City Planning Institute of Japan)

  • 2026.2 - Now

    ISAGA (International Simulation and Gaming Association)

  • 2026.2 - Now

    AIJ (Architectural Institute of Japan)

Research Interests

  • Gamification

  • Sustainable design

  • Resilience

  • Architectural design

  • Sustainable Transportation

  • Urban design

Research Areas

  • Social Infrastructure (Civil Engineering, Architecture, Disaster Prevention) / Architectural planning and city planning

Papers

  • Game-Based Learning and Machizukuri: Gamification in youth participatory urban planning in Japan

    Léo Martial, Hiroyuki Kubono, Shino Miura

    JSCE, The 72nd Conference on Infrastructure Planning and Management   2025.11

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (conference, symposium, etc.)   Publisher：Center for Open Science  

    <p>This paper examines the intersection of machizukuri, Japan’s collaborative, bottom-up approach to community planning, and the growing field of game-based learning in urban design. It traces the evolu-tion of participatory planning methods in Japan, emphasizing how machizukuri has progressively incor-porated digital tools and gamification to strengthen civic engagement. Drawing on international and do-mestic examples, the study analyzes how serious games and game engines, such as Godot, can enhance spatial literacy, collaborative learning, and youth empowerment in urban contexts. Building on this theo-retical foundation, the paper proposes an open-source participatory workshop framework that integrates open-source GIS data, 3D modeling (Blender), and real-time simulation (Godot). This framework reinter-prets machizukuri as a form of digital civic experimentation, bridging traditional community practices with contemporary digital infrastructures. The study concludes by discussing the framework’s pedagogi-cal, methodological, and social implications, highlighting its potential to foster spatial reasoning, civic re-sponsibility, and inclusive urban co-design among younger generations.</p>

    File： JSCE72 - Game-Based Learning and Machizukuri - Gamification in youth participatory urban planning in Japan.pdf

    DOI： 10.31235/osf.io/2jdz9_v1

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  • Engaging youth in architecture and urbanism through video games: a comparative study of the UN’s “Block by Block” program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” approach

    Léo Martial

    JSCE, The 70nd Conference on Infrastructure Planning and Management   2024.11

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (conference, symposium, etc.)   Publisher：Center for Open Science  

    <p>This article explores the innovative use of video games in teaching architecture and urbanism, focusing on the United Nations’ "Block by Block" program and its connection to Japan’s community-based urban planning approach, "machizukuri." Through detailed case studies and comparative analysis, the study ex-amines the effectiveness of these methods in engaging young people and fostering community involvement in urban planning. The findings suggest that integrating digital tools like Minecraft into participatory plan-ning processes can enhance engagement and educational outcomes, offering valuable lessons for future urban planning education.</p>

    File： JSCE70 - Engaging youth in architecture and urbanism through video games.pdf

    DOI： 10.35542/osf.io/em698_v1

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  • Transportation Resilience in Times of Disaster: 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan Reviewed

    Léo Martial, Fumihiko Nakamura, Itsuki Yoshida, Riko Sakuda

    Ebisu   58   47 - 92   2021.11

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：French   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OpenEdition  

    File： Résilience des transports face à la catastrophe, séisme et tsunami du 11 mars 2011 au Japon.pdf

    DOI： 10.4000/ebisu.5683

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  • A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan Reviewed

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University   2021.3

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Doctoral thesis  

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  • Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan Reviewed

    Léo Martial, Fumihiko Nakamura, Shino Miura

    Journal of Sustainable Urbanization and Regeneration (JSUR)   2 ( 1 )   2020.3

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

    File： IASUR2019 - Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan - MARTIAL Léo, NAKAMURA Fumihiko, MIURA Shino.pdf

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  • A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities Reviewed

    Léo Martial

    Géographie et cultures   109   55 - 72   2019.3

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：French   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OpenEdition  

    Les jeux vidéo sont devenus un média incontournable. Les simulations de développement urbain appelées city-builders permettant la modélisation de villes de plus en plus sophistiquées figurent parmi les plus populaires. De nombreuses critiques quant à leur vision de l’urbanisme ont toujours été formulées. Ces critiques entrent en résonance avec différentes craintes liées au développement des villes intelligentes. Ce concept promulgue une conception des villes basée sur un usage intensif des technologies de l’information et de la communication. Encourageant activement une hybridation entre informations numériques et monde physique, sa conception dévoile un grand nombre d’enjeux clés pour concilier développement durable et qualité de vie urbaine grâce à une meilleure gestion des infrastructures et ressources naturelles. Les villes intelligentes et jeux de simulation urbaine sont néanmoins souvent accusés de partager une vision stéréotypée et uniforme du développement urbain ainsi qu’un certain mépris de l’individu. Les algorithmes sur lesquels ces deux domaines sont basés dégagent une image absolue et optimisée mais peuvent s’avérer injustes et biaisés lorsque leurs processus sont opaques. Les travaux récents sur les city-builders et villes intelligentes insistent séparément sur ces critiques analogues. Cet article souhaite mettre en valeur les liens étroits que ces deux domaines entretiennent, décrire les sources d’inspirations et le développement des city-builders avant de les confronter aux ambitions des villes intelligentes et de conclure sur les similitudes des craintes et critiques soulevées par les deux domaines.

    File： Une ville n'est pas un jeu - MARTIAL Léo (Open Editions).pdf

    DOI： 10.4000/gc.9986

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  • A definition of Anshin

    Léo Martial

    JAPARCHI : Thematic Scientific Network of Francophone Researchers on Japanese Architecture, City, and Landscape   2019.3

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：French   Publishing type：Research paper (conference, symposium, etc.)  

    File： Anshin, paix de l'esprit - MARTIAL Léo.pdf

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  • Boldness or acceptance: a young architect's choice? Reviewed

    Léo Martial

    Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture   1 - 63   2015.10

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：French   Publishing type：Thesis (other)   Publisher：Center for Open Science  

    <p>Ce mémoire d'Habilitation à la Maîtrise d'Œuvre en son Nom Propre (HMONP) interroge le positionnement professionnel du jeune architecte dans un contexte économique post-crise de 2008, marqué par la précarisation de la commande et le dumping d'honoraires. L'étude s'articule autour de la dichotomie entre l'exercice libéral indépendant (« audace ») et l'intégration au sein de grandes structures de bureau d'études (« acceptation ») .L'analyse repose sur une immersion professionnelle au sein du groupe AREP, filiale de la SNCF spécialisée dans l'aménagement des gares et pôles d'échanges. L'auteur y examine les spécificités juridiques et opérationnelles d'une maîtrise d'œuvre (MOE) intégrée à la maîtrise d'ouvrage (MOA), régie par un « contrat cadre » dérogeant partiellement à la loi MOP. Le document détaille les mécanismes de ce monopole ferroviaire face à l'ouverture progressive à la concurrence européenne et la restructuration d'AREP en société holding (SAS) pour diversifier ses marchés.Au travers de projets de mise en accessibilité des gares franciliennes (Boussy-Saint-Antoine, Yerres), le mémoire met en évidence la complexité des rapports contractuels impliquant de multiples maîtres d'ouvrage (SNCF, RFF/SNCF Réseau) sans mandataire unique, entraînant une dilution des responsabilités et des conflits de gestion. Une réflexion prospective est également menée sur l'évolution technologique de la profession, notamment l'impact du Building Information Modeling (BIM), des Smart Cities et les risques d'« ubérisation » du métier d'architecte via les plateformes numériques.En conclusion, l'auteur définit son projet professionnel en valorisant l'expérience acquise au sein d'une grande structure comme un vecteur d'acquisition méthodologique (« boîte à outils ») indispensable avant un retour vers l'exercice libéral, prônant une éthique fondée sur la rigueur et la responsabilité sociale.</p>

    File： Audace ou acceptation, un choix du jeune architecte.pdf

    DOI： 10.31235/osf.io/pj9a8_v1

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  • A new definition of Montparnasse Station Reviewed

    Léo Martial

    Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture   1 - 146   2010.6

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    Authorship：Lead author   Language：French   Publishing type：Master’s thesis   Publisher：Center for Open Science  

    <p>Dans le contexte de l'ouverture à la concurrence du marché ferroviaire européen actée en 2010, ce document examine les mutations nécessaires des infrastructures françaises, en prenant pour cas d'étude la gare Montparnasse. Alors que le modèle historique de la SNCF se voit confronté à de nouveaux impératifs de compétitivité et de rentabilité, l'étude propose une analyse comparative avec le système ferroviaire japonais, privatisé dès 1987. L'auteur met en lumière la stratégie des opérateurs nippons qui, par une diversification massive (immobilier, commerce, services) et une densification urbaine autour des nœuds ferroviaires, ont transformé les gares en véritables centres de vie urbains.L'analyse se concentre ensuite sur les spécificités de la gare Montparnasse : son évolution architecturale complexe, sa relation verticale avec la Tour Montparnasse, son manque de connexion au réseau RER et son isolement relatif dans le tissu parisien. En transposant les réussites du modèle japonais — notamment l'intégration des fonctions de transport et de consommation — ce travail explore les pistes d'une redéfinition de la gare Montparnasse. L'objectif est de démontrer comment le passage d'un simple lieu de transit à un pôle multimodal dense et diversifié peut répondre aux enjeux économiques de la libéralisation tout en palliant les ruptures urbaines héritées de l'urbanisme de dalle.</p>

    File： Une nouvelle définition de la gare Montparnasse.pdf

    DOI： 10.31235/osf.io/dc6xv_v1

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Books

  • What Is “Better Living in the City”?

    （ Role： Joint author）

    2021 

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Presentations

  • Women, Sexism, and Cars : A Critical Analysis of Industry Bias Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2026.1 

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    Language：English   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

    File： 2026.01.20 - Women, sexism and cars.pdf

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  • Gender Issues in Urbanism Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2025.12 

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    Language：English   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

    File： 2025.12.23 - Gender issues in urbanism.pdf

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  • Open Source GIS for Placemaking Education : A Gamified Framework for Community Driven Urban Learning

    Léo Martial

    FOSS4G 2025 Auckland  2025.11 

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    Language：English   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)   Country：New Zealand  

    File： Open Source GIS for Placemaking Education (FOSS4G ENG).pdf

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  • Introduction to Blender Invited

    Léo Martial

    Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering  2025.11 

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    Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

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  • Ethics of Academic Research in France Invited

    Léo Martial

    Tokyo City University , Faculty of Urban Life Studies  2025.11 

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    Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

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  • The doughnut economics (of bicycle) Invited

    Léo Martial

    Chuo University, Faculty of Economics  2025.10 

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    Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

    File： 自転車のドーナツ経済学 (20251028).pdf

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  • Fundamentals of Energy in the 21st Century Invited

    Léo Martial

    Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering  2025.10 

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    Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

    File： 21世紀のエネルギーの基礎 (20251013).pdf

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  • Let's have a word about urbanism ! Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2025.1 

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  • Why communicate: Collaboration and scientific communication, a driving force for progress Invited

    Léo Martial

    Tokyo City University, Urban Life Studies, Guest Lecture  2025.1 

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    Language：English  

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  • How to communicate - Learning from great speakers for impactful presentations Invited

    Léo Martial

    Tokyo City University, Urban Life Studies, Guest Lecture  2025.1 

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    Language：English  

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  • KoboToolbox for community development Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2025.1 

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    Language：English  

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  • The Influence of Declining Birthrate on Urban Transportation in Yokosuka

    Léo Martial

    Terrains Japonais: Japan through the Lens of Declining Birthrate and Population Aging  2024.12 

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    Language：French  

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  • Engaging Youth in Architecture and Urbanism through Video Games: A Comparative Study of the UN’s “Block by Block” Program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” Approach Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2024.11 

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    Language：English  

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  • Engaging Youth in Architecture and Urbanism through Video Games: A Comparative Study of the UN’s “Block by Block” Program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” Approach

    Léo Martial

    The 70th JSCE Conference on Infrastructure Planning  2024.11 

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    Language：English  

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  • Gender and mobility: The case of the bicycle in Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2024.10 

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    Language：English  

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  • Video games and machizukuri Gamification for participatory urban planning in Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Replaying Japan Conference 2024  2024.8 

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    Language：English  

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  • A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities Invited

    Léo Martial

    Urban Design for Students in Asian Cities  2024.4 

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    Language：English  

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  • Assessing the environmental impact of enhancing synergy between bicycles and public transportation Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2024.3 

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    Language：English  

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  • Nippon Carbon Invited

    Léo Martial

    The Hidden Beauty of Science  2023.7 

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    Language：French  

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  • Lifestyles in France and Japan Through the Study of Transportation Invited

    Léo Martial

    French Institute of Yokohama  2022.3 

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    Language：French  

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  • Gender and Mobility: The Case of the Bicycle in Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture  2021.12 

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    Language：English  

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  • Energy in Japan in 2018: The Long Road to Decarbonization

    Léo Martial

    The Hidden Beauty of Science  2021.12 

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    Language：French  

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  • A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Embassy of France, Guest Lecture  2021.6 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities Invited

    Léo Martial

    IATEUR, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne  2021.4 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Transportation Resilience in Times of Disaster: 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Crises, Fractures, New Dynamics: Ten Years After the March 11, 2011 Disasters  2021.4 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Synergy between Bicycle and Public Transportation Invited

    Léo Martial

    Embassy of France, Guest Lecture  2020.2 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Transportation and Energy Decline: A Comparative Analysis of Japan and France Invited

    Léo Martial

    Francophone Research Day  2019.10 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Shared space in Japan: a premodern heritage adapted to the challenges of contemporary urban development Invited

    Léo Martial

    Japarchi Annual Seminar  2019.9 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Transport and mobility Invited

    Léo Martial

    Seminar for Doctoral Students  2019.7 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan Invited

    Léo Martial

    Invited Lecture  2019.5 

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    Language：English  

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  • Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan

    Léo Martial

    IASUR International Conference of green building and smart city  2019.3 

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    Language：English   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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  • Synergy of cycling and public transportation, cross-analysis between Europe and Japan for urban rail and bicycle development Invited

    Léo Martial

    Francophone Research Day  2018.12 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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  • Synergy of cycling and public transportation, cross-analysis between Europe and Japan for urban rail and bicycle development Invited

    Léo Martial

    JAPARCHI : Thematic Scientific Network of Francophone Researchers on Japanese Architecture, City, and Landscape seminar  2018.10 

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    Language：French  

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  • Cycling and public transport Invited

    Léo Martial

    Seminar for Doctoral Students  2018.4 

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    Language：French  

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  • Towards a car-free city? Invited

    Léo Martial

    Seminar for Doctoral Students  2017.10 

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    Language：French   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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Awards

  • Best presentation award

    2019.3   International Alliance for Sustainable Urbanization and Regeneration   Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan

    Under the direction of Professor Nakamura, edited with the help of Assistant Professor Shino Miura

  • Scholarship (embassy recommended)

    2017.4   Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)  

Other

  • Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, Level 2

    2023.7 - 　

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Teaching Experience

  • Urban and Regional Planning

    2026.4 - Now   Institution：Chuo University

  • Urban Environment Design Studio

    2025.4 - Now   Institution：Chuo University

  • Special Exercise (Structural Mechanics)

    2025.4 - Now   Institution：Chuo University

  • Programming language

    2025.4 - Now   Institution：Chuo University

  • Urban Environmental Policy

    2025.4 - Now   Institution：Chuo University

  • Facilitation & Communication

    2024.9 - Now   Institution：Tokyo City University

  • Special Lecture on Gender and Development

    2025.12 - 2026.3   Institution：Yokohama National University

  • Fieldwork

    2025.4 - 2026.3   Institution：Chuo University

  • Exercise in Function and Design

    2025.4 - 2026.3   Institution：Chuo University

  • Theory of Regional Development in Developing Countries

    2024.9 - 2025.3   Institution：Yokohama National University

  • Intensive French Course

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Musashi University

  • French Conversation (Intermediate) 1・2

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Musashi University

  • French B1

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Musashi University

  • French 2C (Oral Communication)

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Hosei University

  • French 3B・5B (Written and Oral Expression)

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Hosei University

  • Introduction to French Communication A・B

    2024.4 - 2025.3   Institution：Hosei University

  • Architectural design

    2009.9 - 2010.2   Institution：Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture

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Committee Memberships

  • 2026.4 　 　

    FOSS4G (Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial)   Reviewer  

  • 2019.9 - 2020.6

    French Research Institute on Japan at the Maison franco-japonaise   Seminar for Doctoral Students, Coordinator  

  • 2018.10 - 2020.6

    Japarchi : Thematic Scientific Network of Francophone Researchers on Japanese Architecture, City, and Landscape   Contributor  

  • 2018.6 - 2020.6

    Sciencescope : Association of French-speaking Students and Researchers in Japan   Contributor  

  • 2011.11 - 2015.11

    Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture   Examiner (9 master's thesis examinations)  

Social Activities

  • 3rd Totsuka Future Conference

    Role(s)： Appearance,　Advisor

    Totsuka Living Laboratory / LOCAL GOOD YOKOHAMA  2020.11 - 　

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    Type：Seminar, workshop

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Media Coverage

  • Sustainable Mobility: A Comparative Perspective on Bicycles in Cities of France and Japan (Interview)

    Embassy of France  2020.7

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    Author：Other 

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  • Why so many people in Japan ride bicycles Internet

    TEDx  TEDxYNU  Yokohama, Japan  2019.11

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    Author：Other 

    Why so many people in Japan ride bicycles | Léo Martial | TEDxYNU
    Léo told us a story about the bicycle culture in Japan using his own experience living here, in Yokohama, as a PhD student. Léo Martial was born in France in 1987. He graduated from the Ecole spéciale d’architecture in Paris in 2010 with a major in architecture. His interest about transportation, especially railway and bicycle, was born during his first contact with Japan when he was an exchange student at Tokai University in 2008. He freelanced as an architect in 2012 and mainly worked for the French railway company SNCF where he designed and renovated several train stations around Paris for four years. Laureate of the Japanese government scholarship in 2017, he is now pursuing his research about transportation further with a PhD thesis at Yokohama National University about the synergy of train and bicycle through comparative analysis between Japan and Europe. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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