Lastly, do you have a message for students aspiring to join your lab?

Some of you may enjoy thinking up new ideas, while others love diving into history. University is a place where you can pursue your passions freely.

At the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology (IST), Osaka University, you can join cross-disciplinary projects like mine and even conduct research on a global scale. The university provides an excellent support system, including strong industry-academia partnerships and ample opportunities for research and study abroad.

It’s an ideal environment for immersing yourself in research and expanding your potential.

There is a phrase I value deeply when conducting research. It comes from the Chinese classic Cai Gen Tan (菜根譚): “Virtue is the master of talent; talent is the servant of virtue.”
This means that personality and character must come before talent, and that talent can only flourish when rooted in humanity.

In the context of research, this translates to taking responsibility for what you create. Succeeding quickly based on talent alone is not always ideal. I publish my findings with a strong sense of responsibility for how they’ll be used in society. That’s why I place just as much importance on developing character as I do on advancing my research.

Finally, as a student, it’s crucial to find mentors who can guide you. To build positive relationships, listen to various people with humility, and take time to express your own thoughts.

I hope to have many such conversations with you. I look forward to speaking with all of you!