Yasuhiro Kakinuma: The Hidden Charm of the Keio Faculty of Science and Technology

2024/02/14

"What is the charm of the Keio University Faculty of Science and Technology?" I often find myself thinking about that. There is a major difference: at the University of Tokyo, 60% of students are in the sciences and 40% in the humanities, while at Keio, 70% are in the humanities and 30% in the sciences. At the University of Tokyo, the majority are in the sciences, and as it was originally a national university and is Japan's top institution, it receives significant government support, with research funding ten times (or more?) that of Keio. We cannot compete head-on in terms of "numbers."

What if we look at it from the perspective of society? It is not always the case that superior technology has won out. What survives is what people understand—why that technology is necessary and how it will change the world. Researchers in the West seem to understand this, as they are always seeking opportunities for discussion. At academic conferences, they gather colleagues, expand their networks, and exchange ideas over lunch, coffee breaks, and dinner. What they are doing is aligning the various directions of research. Each researcher has a different direction, but they gradually align these "vectors" toward the direction of their own research, transforming them into a large vector that becomes a new trend. Then, just as the vectors begin to align, they unveil a pre-planned new concept (such as Industrie 4.0) in a keynote speech, solidifying the direction of that research.

Japanese science and technology researchers conduct serious and cutting-edge research. However, there are not many who can establish global research trends. This is because, in addition to research ability, "human power"—the ability to create connections and lead from the center—is essential. In fact, it is the Keio Faculty of Science and Technology that skillfully produces such talent. For example, first- and second-year undergraduates study alongside students from other faculties at the Hiyoshi Campus. Deep friendships with those in the humanities enhance the "human power" of science and technology students. By incorporating the spirit of Keio University, such as independence and self-respect and "learning while teaching, teaching while learning," this "human power" is further refined. Then, as they progress to master's and doctoral programs and cultivate their research abilities through world-class research, budding researchers with both technical and human skills are born. This is likely the unique, hidden charm of the Keio Faculty of Science and Technology.

I also studied at the Keio Faculty of Science and Technology and became a researcher. My current challenge is to bring our research into the global trend.