Professor Ken-ichi Matsushima received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Agriculture at Shinshu University in 1991. He subsequently graduated from the Graduate School of Agriculture, Shinshu University, in 1993, and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Gifu University. Professor Matsushima has held various research and administrative positions, including at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the International Affairs Department, Kyushu National Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Rural Development Bureau. 

Starting in 2002, he served as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Shinshu University. In 2005, he was promoted to Associate Professor within the same institution and has held the position of Professor at Shinshu University since 2022.  His specialization includes plant genetics and breeding, focusing on genetic resource exploration, genetic analysis research, and variety development for pepper and buckwheat.

From 2005 to 2023, Professor Ken-ichi made significant advancements in plant genetics and breeding. His efforts included enhancing the collection and promotion of overseas plant genetic resources to the private sector through the PGR Asia project, commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of the Government of Japan. He also systematized Capsicum resources across Asia and Oceania and developed high-quality pepper and buckwheat varieties. Notable projects involved field surveys in Bhutan on wild edible plants, genetic analysis of peppers, and the creation of DNA markers to ensure consistent heat levels. These initiatives also focused on improving local crop varieties and advancing traditional knowledge.

Professor Ken-ichi has authored nearly 100 indexed journal articles, 20 book chapters, and delivered 115 oral presentations. He served on the Editorial Committee for the Journal of Horticultural Science from April 2006 to April 2009 and has received several awards for his research presentations, including the Excellent Poster Award at the 27th Japanese Society of Breeding Chubu Branch Meeting in 2019 and the Excellent Presentation Awards at the 20th and 21st Japanese Society of Breeding Chubu Region Meetings in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Professor Matsushima is a member of the Japanese Society for Tropical Agriculture and the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science.