Tackling the unsolved mysteries of the universe. For me, that is the significance of "research."

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Graduate of Tsuchiura Daiichi Prefectural High School, Ibaraki Prefecture

"How does the world I live in work? Why does it exist?" As a boy, he was always pondering these questions. As he grew older, his desire to solve them intensified, and he unhesitatingly pursued the path of physics. Through his diverse studies at Keio University, he has broadened his knowledge and is now tackling research in an unexplored field that no one has yet ventured into. What is the conviction that drives him to choose a difficult, unprecedented theme and continue to pursue its possibilities? And what is the allure of physics that propels him forward?

[*] Academic year at the time of the interview (October 2018).

My impression is that I was busy with tests. The high school I attended had frequent regular exams, and the scope and volume of material for each were vast. There was also a lot of preparation and review for classes, so the study load was just immense. However, it was a very liberal school outside of academics, so I enjoyed many of my hobbies. I was in the mountaineering club and enjoyed climbing with everyone, and since I love music, I listened to various genres, practiced the violin and piano, and went to karaoke with friends... At the time, I had a vague idea that it would be nice to go to university and study physics, but other than that, I didn't have any particular convictions (laughs), and I just went through each day as it came.

Ever since I was a child, I was so preoccupied with questions like, "How does the world I live in work? Why does it exist?" that I could hardly focus on anything else. Then, around the upper grades of elementary school, I learned that physics was the field where I could pursue these questions. The feeling of "I want to do physics. I want to investigate these things" has been a consistent part of me ever since. The research I'm doing now is exactly that, a perfect fit. That's why I'm able to enjoy my research so much (laughs).

In my hometown of Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, there is a research institute called the "High Energy Accelerator Research Organization" (KEK), where research is conducted using a device called an accelerator to explore the origins of the universe and the fundamentals of matter and life. A big factor was that many physicists from that institute lived near my house, and I was able to interact with them through friends. They would take me to the institute and show me the accelerators and so on. I think I was in a fortunate environment for someone interested in physics.

I looked up the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University online. I felt that I could receive careful guidance from faculty members with extensive achievements. A relative of mine is a Keio University alumni, and when I consulted them about my future path, they gave it their seal of approval, saying it was "a very good university." The fact that quite a few seniors from my high school had also gone on to the Faculty of Science and Technology was another reason.

Before enrolling, I had the stereotypical image that there would be a lot of "stylish, flashy people," but that wasn't the case at all for the Faculty of Science and Technology. Everyone seemed serious and dedicated, putting their all into their areas of interest, whether in their studies or in club activities. Even within the same department, there were people who had been involved in cutting-edge work since their undergraduate years and had clearly defined goals, thinking "This is what I want to do," which I found amazing. I was also influenced by meeting all sorts of other people, like someone passionate about Russian, or a member of the aviation club who flew gliders (laughs)... I believe my personal growth during my time at university was largely due to my interactions with these diverse individuals. This was something I hadn't really expected before enrolling.

With my research as the core, I am actively participating in seminars and classes, striving to broaden the scope of my knowledge. Physics is connected to many other fields. Mathematical skills are essential, and it also has close ties to biology, chemistry, and more. A broad range of knowledge is necessary to develop the ability to identify research topics.

In particular, at the "Keio Topological Science Project" located on the Hiyoshi Campus, researchers at the forefront of various fields from around the world gather, and seminars are held frequently, providing an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge. I'm not yet at a level where I can ask questions, but being able to experience the atmosphere of the study groups and listen to cutting-edge topics and heated discussions among researchers is very stimulating. I think this is something that students from other universities would find quite enviable.

Additionally, graduate students have the opportunity to assist with undergraduate classes as a TA (Teaching Assistant). Explaining things clearly is difficult, but communicating with undergraduate students is enjoyable and has been a good experience.

There are many people with a strong sense of independence... who stick to their own way of thinking without being swayed by others. The senior students in my lab are incredible, working so hard on their research (laughs). They research powerfully and without giving up, and they produce solid results. Another characteristic is the close and friendly relationship between faculty and students, as well as between senior and junior students. When we're in the lab, we get excited talking not only about physics but also about hobbies and everyday things, without any barriers. We also frequently go out for meals or fun. At my undergraduate graduation ceremony, I thought, "I'm so glad I came to this university." The relationships are great, and it's a comfortable place to be. Partly because I felt "I want to stay here," I decided to go on to graduate school.

I am conducting research on the theme of "Hydrodynamics of Relativistic Superfluids." The elementary particles that make up matter, "quarks," and the elementary particles that mediate the "strong force" acting on them, "gluons," normally exist in the form of atomic nuclei that constitute the matter around us. However, they can exist in various other forms (phases) depending on conditions such as temperature and density. What I am working on is elucidating the state of quarks at ultra-high densities, on the order of trillions of kilograms per spoonful. Such ultra-high-density states are thought to be realized, for example, inside "neutron stars," a type of celestial object.

Neutron stars can only be observed from afar, and no one knows what is happening inside them. My goal is to provide new theoretical predictions for these unknowns. One way to verify the theory is through "heavy-ion collision experiments," where atomic nuclei are collided in an accelerator. The creation of ultra-high-density matter through such experiments is being planned for the future. Since I'm building a new theory and performing calculations that no one has ever done before, there are many difficulties and hardships. Most of the time, even after calculating diligently, it turns out to be a mistake. I keep going in search of the occasional calculation that works out. It's a daily learning process. After all, research is about "accomplishing what no one has ever done before."

In my classes, I learned the knowledge and ways of thinking necessary for discussions in physics, and through my research, I believe I have acquired the methods and mindset for tackling unresolved problems and challenges. I am confident that the knowledge, methods, and approach I have acquired will be applicable to any challenge or problem I may face in the future.

Since childhood, I had always held the question, "How does everything in the universe exist?" but through my university studies, I have become able to discuss this question logically, at least to some extent. Moreover, I am now researching a theme that is close to it. I'm genuinely happy about this. Also, by being freed from this childhood question, I feel my perspective has broadened even further, and I'm now able to search for new challenges and interesting topics.

I'm currently undecided between advancing to the Ph.D. program to continue my physics research or finding something else I want to do and getting a job at a company. Right now, I'm moving forward with my research and participating in various seminars and study groups, trying to figure out if I'm suited for research while also researching companies at the same time. If I were to get a job, since my research involves mathematics, I'm thinking of fields where I can leverage my mathematical strengths, like finance or securities... I haven't set any particular restriction that I must find a job related to my research theme. In any case, I want to choose a path that allows me to maintain a broad perspective so that I don't end up in a situation where I have to give up on something I want to do.