Following My Passion: Opening New Doors

Study abroad, extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer work, internships – fulfilling their dreams to grow themselves as individuals. In these seven conversations, students who have challenged themselves speak about how they’ve changed and grown from enrollment to the present.

Q. Why did you choose the Faculty of Science and Technology?

I’ve loved building things and working with machines since I was a child. Growing up surrounded by tools, I spent much of my free time on summer projects and repairing bicycles. Those experiences still shape who I am today. Although science and math weren’t always my strongest subjects, I never lost my interest in engineering. That’s why I chose the Faculty of Science and Technology.

I was also drawn to Sophia’s international environment and the opportunity to learn alongside students from different academic fields.

Q. What did you focus on most as an undergraduate student?

I took courses across different faculties whenever I had the chance. One class that left a strong impression on me was in the Department of Nursing. Learning about technologies such as drones delivering medical supplies showed me how engineering can contribute to society.

Another thing I was deeply involved in was the Sophia University Motorsport Club. For four years, I helped maintain the club’s cars and competed in time-attack events at a racing circuit in Narita. Looking back, having the freedom to pursue what I loved broadened both my interests and my perspective.

Q. When did you start thinking about graduate school?

I knew I wanted to go to graduate school from my first year at university. Rather than focusing on job hunting, I wanted to deepen my studies. In the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, I studied a range of fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics.

At first, I expected to specialize in mechanical engineering. Over time, however, I became increasingly interested in electricity and its essential role in modern society. That’s why I chose to pursue electrical and electronics engineering in graduate school. I felt that studying a field connected to almost everything around us could one day help shape future technologies and everyday life.

Q. What kind of research are you working on in graduate school?

Because I had already completed some master’s-level coursework as an undergraduate, I’ve been able to focus fully on research in graduate school. I also presented at an international conference during my first year.

Sophia provides an environment where students can take ownership of their research. I am currently conducting superconductivity research in collaboration with RIKEN, one of Japan’s leading research institutions.

My work focuses on improving NMR technology, an analytical tool also used in research related to COVID-19 treatments. It supports the development of new medicines and materials, and I find it rewarding to think that my research may one day contribute to society.

Q. Why did you decide to pursue a career in business rather than a technical profession?

As I deepened my studies, I became increasingly interested in the business side of technology rather than a research career.

A major influence was my academic advisor, Professor Kazuya Nakamura, who encouraged students to think beyond the laboratory. Through those conversations, I realized that bringing technology into society requires both technical expertise and a business perspective. That experience encouraged me to explore a path that bridges technology and business.

Q. Why did you choose Marubeni?

When I first started job hunting, I focused on technical positions, particularly in infrastructure and plant engineering, and received offers from several companies. Over time, however, I realized that I wanted to be involved in broader business projects. That’s what led me to explore general trading companies.

Encouraged by the Career Center to keep searching until I found the right fit, I continued the process and eventually found my answer in Marubeni. Marubeni’s strengths in the power and energy sector and its global reach strongly appealed to me. I felt it was a place where I could apply both my technical background and international perspective.

In the future, I’d like to work on projects related to energy and infrastructure, including power generation and sustainable community development.

Q. Any messages for current students?

Graduate school is not only a chance to deepen your expertise, but also an opportunity to discover new possibilities for yourself. Originally I thought I would pursue a research career, but my experiences expanded my perspective and opened up new paths.

If you enjoy research, graduate school is well worth considering. And even if your goals change along the way, it’s never too late to take a different direction. Most importantly, be honest with yourself and choose the path that feels right for you.

※Please note that the information in this article is current as of October 2025.