[No. 145] Takayuki Aizawa

Now, 12 years after graduating from university and having settled into my professional life, I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute an article to "Jukuin Raio" (Alumni Connections), which introduces alumni from my alma mater. I hope that this article will be of some help to students considering applying to the Faculty of Science and Technology.

I went on to university from an affiliated high school. Since elementary school, I was more interested in science-related fields than the humanities, so I joined the science track in high school and later entered Division 4 of the Faculty of Science and Technology. At the time of admission to the Faculty of Science and Technology, the university used a division system, and students would choose their department at the beginning of their second year.

When it came time to choose a department, I selected the Department of Mechanical Engineering based on my existing interest in mechanical systems and the rather shallow thought that, with the economy being poor at the time, it would offer the strongest job prospects.

Fortunately, this decision led to the irreplaceable experiences that followed.

First- and second-year students study at the Hiyoshi Campus, which is close to the station, while third- and fourth-year students study at the Yagami Campus, located across the valley. In my third year, taking a course at the Hiyoshi Campus came with the bonus of the "valley crossing." I recall how it especially strengthened my legs and mental fortitude during the summer.

When it came time to choose a laboratory toward the end of my third year, my own image of what a lab was like was still vague. By chance, I met Professor Sawada, and after consulting with him about the direction of my research, I was drawn to the research content and atmosphere of the Sawada Laboratory, as well as the professor's personality. The Sawada Laboratory's research was on magnetic fluids, which I found very interesting. To put it simply, a magnetic fluid is a mysterious fluid that, despite being a liquid, is attracted to magnets.

a. Selecting a Research Topic

Soon after joining the Sawada Laboratory, I had to decide what kind of research to conduct using magnetic fluids. Various studies were being conducted in the lab, and among them, I became interested in research on vibration damping devices using magnetic fluids. I chose "A Fundamental Study on Tuned Liquid Dampers Using Magnetic Fluids" as my research topic.

b. In the Laboratory

The Sawada Laboratory, to which I belonged, was a fulfilling environment, thanks to the professor's gentle personality, the kind and precise advice from senior students to me, a novice in research, the friendly atmosphere of the entire lab, and the enjoyable social gatherings (drinking parties, etc.) that followed. The Sawada Lab had many events, such as ski trips and New Year's parties at the professor's home, which fostered a strong sense of unity among students from seniors to juniors, centered around the professor. This connection, not only within the lab but also among Keio University alumni, has not faded even more than 10 years after graduation.

c. Research Presentation at the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers

Since I chose to find employment rather than go on to graduate school, I was only in the lab for about a year, but I still vividly remember Professor Sawada giving me the opportunity to present at a conference of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. The result was that during the Q&A session after my presentation, I was bombarded with questions from professors from other universities, exposing my inexperience and nearly getting "flamed," but I managed to hold on thanks to Professor Sawada's covering fire. This presentation was a great experience and boosted my confidence for subsequent presentations. Incidentally, if you go on to graduate school, you will have opportunities to present your research internationally.

While at university, I gained valuable real-world experience by working in various industries, including cooking in a restaurant, welding and plating at a local factory, and working as a cram school (Juku) and private tutor.

After graduating from university, I learned the fundamentals of being a Self-Defense Force officer at the JGSDF Officer Candidate School. I then served as a platoon leader in an antiaircraft unit and later as an instructor at the JGSDF Kodaira School. Currently, I am working at the JGSDF Antiaircraft Artillery School. I am leading a very fulfilling life. Although my research content does not directly influence my current job, I am doing my best by applying the ways of thinking and approaching things that I learned during my student years.

Regarding the Self-Defense Forces, there is an article in the 28th issue of "Jukuin Raio" from 2005 about a senior alumnus who joined the SDF, so please take a look at that as well.

I believe that those who aim for the Faculty of Science and Technology come to the university with big dreams for the future and a desire to realize them. This school is fully equipped with the environment for self-realization. Also, once you enroll, there is no need to be on guard; I think you can relax and pursue your studies at your own pace.

This is because the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University is a place that fully accepts even a self-willed student like me and supports their self-realization.