Masaki Hoso is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, School of Education, specializing in evolutionary biology with a focus on snail-snake coevolution, laterality, and speciation mechanisms. His research bridges ecology, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity studies through meticulous fieldwork and experimental approaches. Hoso earned his PhD from Kyoto University in 2008 after completing studies in both the Graduate School of Science (Biological Sciences) and Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies. His academic journey includes positions at prestigious institutions including The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, and Naturalis Biodiversity Center, demonstrating his international research profile. Hoso's research interests center on the evolutionary dynamics of snail-snake predator-prey systems, particularly examining how morphological asymmetries (like the 'right-handed snakes' phenomenon) drive coevolutionary processes. His work explores the genetic basis of chirality in snails, the ecological significance of autotomy as a defense mechanism, and how developmental constraints shape evolutionary trajectories. He has made significant contributions to understanding how non-adaptive processes like genetic drift can facilitate speciation on oceanic islands. His publication record reveals a consistent focus on the evolutionary arms race between snails and their predators, with research spanning from molecular mechanisms to broad biogeographic patterns. Early work established the 'right-handed snakes' hypothesis, demonstrating how directional asymmetry in snake dentition facilitates predation on dextral snails. Later research expanded into horizontal gene transfer between predators and prey, parasite systematics, and the maintenance of genetic variation through maternal effects. Wakayama cultural award: Cultural incentive award (2019) Miyaji Award from Ecological Society of Japan (2015) Narishige Animal Science Promotion Award from Zoological Society of Japan (2014) Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Young Scientist Award (2014) Research Encouragement Award from Japanese Evolutionary Society (2011) Hoso maintains an active research laboratory with a diverse team including doctoral students (including a JSPS Research Fellow DC1), master's students, and undergraduates. He leads multiple significant research projects funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Ministry of Education, including long-term investigations into snail left-right dimorphism phenomena. His service to the academic community includes editorial roles at Zoological Letters and committee positions in major Japanese scientific societies including the Ecological Society of Japan, Japanese Evolutionary Society, and Zoological Society of Japan.