[No. 229] Ryosuke Komatsu

Thank you for this opportunity to write for Jukuin Raiou. I graduated from the Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, and completed my master's degree. I currently work in an R&D unit at a domestic consumer goods manufacturer, where I develop products for overseas markets. In this article, I would like to reflect on how my studies at Keio have influenced who I am today.

I have been strongly interested in chemistry since high school and remember enjoying learning about experiments and theories. I first set foot on the Keio campus when the second round of the Chemistry Grand Prix Japan 2011, a preliminary competition for the International Chemistry Olympiad, was held at Keio University. Experiencing the excellent environment and atmosphere at that time made me want to study here.

The "Gakumon" system at Keio University was very appealing because it allows students to choose their specialization after enrollment. While I enjoyed acquiring scientific knowledge that could solve everyday questions, I had no concrete image of how to apply it. This flexibility greatly attracted me, and I decided to enter the Faculty of Science and Technology.

During my university years, I had many valuable experiences while dedicating myself to my studies. Particularly memorable was participating in the inaugural Keio×Korea (K2) Global Leadership Seminar, held jointly with Korea University in 2013. I visited the university in Seoul, South Korea, and discussed the "ideal global leader" with local students. I'm not sure how deeply I understood such a grand topic at the time, but through discussions with members from different backgrounds, I was able to discover a new side of myself. Through this experience, I keenly felt the importance of "challenging myself by diving into the unknown," and it sparked my interest in crossing borders and going overseas. Furthermore, learning how to communicate to overcome conflicts of opinion and cultural differences remains a great asset to me today.

Additionally, in 2014, I took a road trip down the West Coast of the United States with friends from the Faculty of Science and Technology. For me, coming from Akita, this trip felt like my world had suddenly expanded. Encountering diverse cultures and magnificent nature was a valuable opportunity that greatly broadened my perspective and allowed me to experience many different values.

After advancing to the Department of Applied Chemistry, I joined the Shimizu Laboratory, which specializes in biochemistry. In the lab, I conducted research on protein glycosylation, which I continued through graduate school.

Biological experiments often take a long time to yield results, and since my research theme required extensive knowledge of biology, I had to read many papers to acquire new knowledge. The process was by no means easy, but with the support of my professors, the senior student who acted as my "mentor," and my lab mates, I was able to devote myself to my research and achieve results, even winning an award at a domestic conference and getting the opportunity to participate in an international one. I also felt a strong sense of vertical and horizontal connection in my research, as a junior student took over my work and successfully published it as a paper.

My life outside of research was also fulfilling. A particularly fond memory is participating in the inter-laboratory softball tournament. We celebrated with our professor and team members after each victory, eventually winning the Faculty of Science and Technology preliminary round to advance to the main tournament for the President's Cup, which included other faculties. (I also clearly remember that the opposing pitcher in our first game was a powerhouse, and we were completely overwhelmed...)

After conducting basic research in the lab, I developed a strong desire to see my knowledge and skills directly help people, which led me to pursue a career at a consumer goods manufacturer in the B2C sector. Combined with my international experience as an undergraduate, I requested to work in overseas business to contribute to a wider range of people, and I am now primarily involved in developing oral healthcare products for Southeast Asia.

Unlike my specialization in the lab, developing toothpastes and mouthwashes requires specialized knowledge of surfactants and quality control up to commercialization. However, I enjoy the daily challenge of this new world while utilizing what I learned as an undergraduate. Furthermore, when I see the products I worked on actually on store shelves and think about how they are contributing to the health of people in Asia, I feel a great sense of fulfillment.

On the other hand, we are also required to provide claims and evidence that comply with the regulations of each country, and the experimental skills in biochemistry and microbiology I developed in the lab have been extremely useful. Utilizing these skills, I also promoted tests to prove the effectiveness of ingredients, and in 2024, I received an award at an international dental conference. I feel this is purely a result of the connected learning experiences from the Faculty of Science and Technology and my laboratory.

To all high school students, I hope you will cherish your own interests and passions and continue to learn with that enthusiasm. University is a place not only for academic learning but also for personal growth and new challenges. I believe that for all of you, studying at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University will have a significant impact on your future and provide you with diverse options and opportunities. Please move forward step by step toward your dreams and goals. I am cheering for you.