π-Electronic molecules, displaying electronic, optical, and magnetic functions, have played critical roles not only in fundamental chemistry but also in diverse research areas from materials to life sciences. A recent innovation of organic electronics stems from the studies on π-electronic materials, originating from the discovery of organic semiconductors in 1954 by Akamatsu, Inokuchi, and Matsunaga. After years of research, including the finding of conducting polyacetylene by Shirakawa, the first organic device was developed in the 1980s. Now, the time has come for the science of π-electron systems to advance to the next stage.

Functional molecules that have realized historic breakthroughs are always structurally simple and beautiful. With this fact in mind, we will elaborate new π-electronic molecules and assemblies that hold “beautility”. Our research area aims to create superb π-electronic materials and functions as well as discover new phenomena based on our design concept of “π-figuration”.