Please tell us about the atmosphere in your lab.

The lab consists mainly of students who have advanced from the University of Osaka, though we also have a few students from other institutions. Another notable feature is that international students from China make up about 30% of the group. Since there is a lot of enthusiasm for computer vision in China, many students choose to study the technology abroad. Given this environment, our general meetings are conducted in English.

We also have funding available for study abroad, so we actively encourage motivated students to go overseas. Typically, master’s students study abroad for three months, while doctoral students spend about a year abroad.

Based on my own experience, I believe studying abroad contributes significantly to a student’s growth. Even just three months of surviving abroad can drastically change one’s mindset. We’ve established a system that allows us to send about one student abroad every six months, so I really hope students take advantage of this opportunity. Of course, whenever possible, I also bring students along to international conferences I attend.

Please share a message for students considering graduate school.

The Graduate School of Information Science and Technology (IST) at the University of Osaka may be difficult to understand because it doesn’t have an undergraduate program, but it is actually a fairly large organization. We offer a wide range of programs centered on information science, so I believe it’s an excellent option for those who want to compete in a top-tier environment—including internationally—in the future.

In today’s world, where AI is advancing rapidly—for better or worse—you cannot grow without self-motivation. If you are considering entering a graduate program, I want you to be very clear about what you hope to gain and what you want to become. In my lab, you are generally free to choose your own research topic. Of course, I will offer advice at the beginning, and you may assist with my research, but I want you to be someone who thinks for themselves and drives your research forward on your own. Let’s run at the top of the world together!