Disclaimer: machine translated by DeepL which may contain errors.
Eggs of Science
Look to the stars to find the truth
Fumihiro Naokawa (Department of Physics)
Birthplace: Nara Prefecture
Alma Mater: Nara Senior High School
Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo, Department of Physics
Q. What were you interested in when you were in junior high school ?
A. What Is the Universe Made Of? (by Hitoshi Murayama)
This was one of the reasons I aimed to become a physicist. The book mentions IPMU, a research institute at the University of Tokyo, right at the beginning. Now, I occasionally visit there for research. Maybe a little bit of my dream has come true? By the way, my copy has the author's signature!
Q. Do you have a favorite motto?
A. Keisuke Honda
Honda's words and actions during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa left a powerful impression on me. I learned the importance of preparing and striving with all your might, no matter how difficult the challenge, and seeing it through to the very end.
Q. The best part about the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Science is this!
A. You can encounter everything in the universe (exaggerated expression)!
While "all" might be an exaggeration, it's about encountering researchers and research topics across diverse fields. I consider it a luxury that not only science disciplines but also humanities studies and experts are abundant right on campus.
Q. What was the most frustrating experience in your research? (Experimental results, paper acceptance, other events or feelings, etc.)
A. When I spent a lot of time on something but didn't get results
It's sad when you put in a fair amount of effort but it doesn't take shape. However, the ideas and knowledge gained during that time can sometimes be useful later on.
Q. If you were to conduct research in a different field, what would it be?
A. Anthropology and peacebuilding
Just as I'm curious about the origin of the universe, I'm also curious about my own origins. Furthermore, I believe figuring out how to build a peaceful world is a theme worth dedicating one's life to.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. The James Bond series
I admire James Bond. I don't use guns, though. If I had the chance, I'd like to live in the UK.
Q. Do you think you're lucky?
A. I think I'm pretty lucky.
I'm fortunate to still be on the path toward a childhood dream. I don't believe I got this far solely through my own ability.
Q. Sources of inspiration (triggers, places, times, etc.)
A. Trying various things through trial and error
I love stargazing and often operate telescopes and cameras myself. It's not limited to astronomy, but I feel that hands-on experiences of trial and error are the source of my ideas.
Q. What are you good at?
A. Persevering steadily
I'm good at quietly sticking with things that don't interest many people. Or maybe I'm just stubborn.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A. A researcher without a fixed term
I'm writing this hoping to make it happen!
(Sketches from when I started stargazing in Tokyo during my first year of university. I compared them with the simulation software Mitaka (Mitaka Plus) to look up star names and catalog numbers.)
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