Since joining IGES, Kaoru Akahoshi has been involved in research work on Co-benefit approaches to climate change and pollution issues, international discussions and negotiations, and providing information and advice to the Japanese Ministry of the Environment as a member of the governance team.
Since 2021, she has been involved in a government funded research project on S-20 "Research on mitigation to climate change and environmental impacts caused by short-lived climate forcers" as one of the some theme leaders.
Currently, Akahoshi is also engaging in the work of the Biodiversity and Forest team, working on landscape approaches, nature-based solutions (NbS), and a study on environmental and social impacts in the supply chain.
Akahoshi conducted undergraduate research on indigenous peoples and communities, and graduate research on environmental assessment, including environmental and social considerations for development projects in developing countries.