Cherish the surprise. Cherish the fun.
Shigeyuki Sakamukai
（ Associate Professor, Institute of Astronomy)
Shoichiro Yoshida Memorial Prize and Nikon Achievement Award in Astronomy 2025/ 2025 Shoichiro Yoshida Memorial Prize in Astronomy by Nikon
Q. What was your favorite subject as a child?
A. Arts and Crafts
I liked making and testing things.
Q. What were you interested in when you were in middle and high school?
A. Nature, science, and technology
Growing up outside the city, I was fond of nature, which felt familiar. However, I also felt a strong attraction toward science and technology, as those were not readily available nearby.
Q. Do you think aliens exist?
A. Yes, I do.
I think so very naturally.
Q. What books or textbooks would you recommend to students?
A. "Clouds Above the Hill" by Ryotaro Shiba.
I read this book as a graduate student, and I remember it inspired me to face challenges optimistically.
Q. What is your motto?
A. “I believe being surprised at the coincidences of the real world that make one's heart start racing must have always been the driving force of philosophical inquiry.” Shuzo Kuki
The words of Shuzo Kuki made me appreciate anew the importance of the feeling of surprise one encounters in research.
Q. What do you like about the School of Science at the University of Tokyo?
A. It is a place with many colleagues who share the values of science. It is the environment that allows me to devote myself to the pursuit of science.
Q. Do you consider yourself lucky?
A. I think I am lucky.
I have met great colleagues in great environments working on great research topics and results. However, I do seem to be a rainmaker: it was pouring even on my wedding day. It could be lethal for an observational astronomer, but I do not dislike traveling on rainy days.
Q. What is your source of inspiration?
A. Waiting at a traffic light, on the limited express Azusa, early in the morning.
New ideas seem to appear when my mind is idle just enough.
Q. If you could be reborn as an animal, what would you be?
A. A flying bird
I want to experience what it is like to fly using my own power. However, I also enjoy trial and error, so at the same time, I would like to have the ability to think like a crow.
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