Voices of graduates/current students

• 

  Eiyu GuchikenD3 (as of April 2025)

  

  Eiyu Guchiken

  D3 (as of April 2025)

  Encounters in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management

  During my time in the SDM (Systems Design and Management) course of the Department of Systems Innovation, I belonged to the Ishikawa-Sato Laboratory. After that, I proceeded to the master's program in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management. In the Ishikawa-Sato Laboratory, we conduct research on the effects of laser light on atoms, molecules, and solids, as well as their applications, through theoretical studies and computational simulations.
  When high-intensity ultrashort pulse lasers are irradiated onto materials, extremely nonlinear and counterintuitive physical phenomena occur that are not seen with ordinary light. The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded in 2018 for the "Methods of generating high-intensity ultrashort optical pulses," and in 2023 for the "Experimental methods for generating attosecond optical pulses." Under the guidance of Professors Ishikawa and Sato, our laboratory engages in cutting-edge research closely related to these groundbreaking topics. While the content is by no means simple, the patient guidance from brilliant senior members, along with opportunities such as seminar presentations and lab meetings, allow us to steadily deepen our understanding.
  Additionally, we are blessed with opportunities for presentations at domestic and international conferences, as well as international experiences. During my master's program, I had the opportunity to present my research, interact with local universities, visit deep-tech companies, and participate in internships in over seven countries. At first, I lacked confidence in my English skills, but by daring to jump into an environment where I had no choice but to use it, I eventually found myself with friends from all over the world.
  Upon completing my master's program, I received the Dean's Award of the School of Engineering. I attribute this to the excellent financial support provided by the Outstanding Research Assistantship, which allowed me to focus solely on my research, and the incredible support from the wonderful people around me.
  In the doctoral program, I intend to continue challenging myself and embracing failure, rather than remaining in a comfortable environment.

• 

  Shihua LiuMaster course completed on March 2025

  

  Shihua Liu

  Master course completed on March 2025

  Growth through Research and Practice in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management

  I originally had an interest in risk management and pursued studies in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management with the aspiration to contribute to the improvement of nuclear safety. My research theme focuses on developing a method for efficiently analyzing operational experiences, including non-severe trouble cases reported from overseas plants, using natural language processing, and effectively proposing measures for domestic plants.
  In the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management, all lectures are conducted in English, providing an environment where students from both Japan and abroad can study together. In such a setting, I not only deepened my specialized knowledge but also broadened my perspective through interactions with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. In the laboratory, under the guidance of Professor Murakami, I clarified the research direction and had valuable experiences participating in both domestic and international conferences, exchanging ideas with numerous researchers. Furthermore, with Professor Murakami’s support, I had the opportunity to visit nuclear power plants, where I directly observed operational management and safety measures, deepening my understanding of the current situation and future challenges of the nuclear industry.
  After graduation, I plan to work for an insurance company, engaging in corporate risk analysis and developing solutions for disaster prevention and mitigation. In particular, I aim to leverage my expertise in nuclear industry risk management to contribute to a wide range of fields, including responses to natural disaster risks, thereby benefiting society.
  The learning experience in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management was invaluable not only for acquiring technical skills but also for developing the ability to analyze risks from a multifaceted perspective for the benefit of society as a whole. I truly feel that it was the support of Professor Murakami and other supervising professors that enabled me to dedicate myself to my research. I will continue to apply the knowledge and experience I gained here to work towards creating a safe and sustainable society.

• 

  Kenta KakitaniDoctoral course completed on March 2025

  

  Kenta Kakitani

  Doctoral course completed on March 2025

  A Place of Learning that Supports Challenge and Growth

  After completing my master's program in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management, I joined the research institute of a nuclear power plant manufacturer and completed my doctoral program while working. My research focused on preventing Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in structural materials of nuclear power plants, analyzing the behavior of materials in corrosive environments. I had the opportunity to present the results of my research at domestic and international conferences, where I was honored to receive academic awards and the Dean's Award from the School of Engineering. These achievements were made possible thanks to the diverse learning opportunities and the well-equipped research environment provided by the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management.
  Nuclear engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates various disciplines such as materials science, heat transfer engineering, quantum mechanics, chemical engineering, and social sciences. My research, grounded in materials science, required the use of chemical analysis techniques and the consideration of relationships with social safety standards. The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management offers abundant opportunities to study these diverse fields comprehensively, enabling research to progress with insights from different disciplines.
  Moreover, through English-based lectures, discussions in the laboratory, and joint research projects with overseas universities, I was able to broaden my international perspective. The communication skills and flexible thinking that I developed in this environment greatly supported my growth as a researcher.
  Moving forward, I intend to leverage the knowledge and experience I gained here to contribute to the advancement of nuclear engineering.

• 

  Yosuke NishimuraDoctoral course completed on March 2025

  

  Yosuke Nishimura

  Doctoral course completed on March 2025

  Aiming for World-Class Nuclear Engineering

  I always aspired to pursue a career in research, so I continued straight from the master's program to the doctoral program without hesitation. I can confidently say that the three years in the doctoral program were the most brilliant days of my life. Truly dedicating myself to research and immersing myself in experiments day and night is a privilege that only the doctoral program can offer—a unique and irreplaceable experience.
  I am deeply grateful to Professor Okamoto, who guided me for five years during my graduate studies. Thanks to the ample research funding, I had opportunities to attend international conferences in Europe and the United States and to participate in a short-term study program at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) in Poland. With his precise guidance, I was able to achieve numerous conference awards, secure research grants, and publish papers in international journals. Additionally, during my studies, I passed the written examination for the Reactor Chief Engineer License. Being able to achieve so much during the extremely busy life of a doctoral student is thanks to the exceptional environment provided by my supervisors and the constant support of everyone around me.
  I will complete my doctoral program in March 2025, and from April, I will join Professor Abe's Laboratory in the Department of Nuclear Engineering as an assistant professor.
  Every laboratory in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management is remarkable, vibrant, open, and well-connected. All the faculty members have rich experience in teaching, outstanding research achievements, and substantial research funding. Earning a degree here enables you to fly to research institutions worldwide and excel.
  We currently face many global challenges, including climate change, but if you are motivated to tackle energy issues, contribute to the nuclear field, study innovative reactors, understand the severe accidents of Fukushima Daiichi, or solve radioactive waste disposal problems, I guarantee that choosing this program is the best decision.
  We look forward to welcoming passionate future leaders who aim to excel on the international stage. Follow your professors and seniors, and let's achieve world-class success together.

• 

  Rinna SuzukiM1 (as of April 2025)

  

  Rinna Suzuki

  M1 (as of April 2025)

  A fulfilling student life in a culturally diverse environment.

  After graduating from the Systems Innovation Department, E&E Course, I advanced to the Master's Program in Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management (Fujii and Komiyama Laboratory). I chose to join the Fujii and Komiyama Laboratory because I was drawn to methods such as mathematical programming, probability, and statistics, as well as advanced models. In our laboratory, we conduct analyses of energy, environment, and economic systems using large-scale mathematical models.
  In my undergraduate research, I evaluated the electricity market system in anticipation of the large-scale introduction of renewable energy, using a model that combines mathematical programming and multi-agent simulation. Initially, I lacked foundational knowledge in the power sector, but thanks to the patient and thorough guidance from Professor Fujii and Professor Komiyama, who taught me from the basics and proposed research directions that piqued my interest, I was able to make significant progress in my research. I also received many valuable pieces of advice from senior students and was able to write my thesis while being inspired by my talented peers.
  In the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management, all lectures are conducted in English, and the program includes students from diverse nationalities. I believe that the global environment of this major not only enhances my English communication skills but also enables me to conduct research with an international perspective. Given the increasing importance of international cooperation in the energy sector to address climate change and achieve decarbonization, I believe that conducting research with a global perspective is crucial.
  I hope to make the most of this exceptional environment and dedicate myself to student life during my master's program.

• 

  Hikari YamazakiM1 (as of April 2025)

  

  Hikari Yamazaki

  M1 (as of April 2025)

  An Environment to Pursue My Interests

  I advanced to the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management from the Systems Innovation Department, SDM Course.
  During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in the social acceptance of nuclear power and conducted research on the development of risk assessment methods for nuclear energy at Professor Takada's Laboratory. Professors Takada Takashi and Narukawa Takafumi provided me with thorough guidance on research progression, problem-setting, and writing, even though I was still inexperienced. The discussions to clarify research directions and the precise feedback during paper writing were particularly valuable, enabling me to develop fundamental research skills.
  Moreover, inspired by Professor Murakami Kenta's lectures, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-month internship at a floating nuclear power startup in the UK. At this company, I faced the challenges of regulatory difficulties surrounding the "System of Systems," where marine systems and nuclear systems intersect, providing me with exposure to practical perspectives. I feel that the availability of such opportunities for gaining international practical experience is a major strength of this department.
  In the master's program, I plan to join the Fujii and Komiyama Laboratory, where I will mainly work on large-scale numerical simulation analysis using systems engineering methods, focusing on energy systems and resilience. I have a strong interest in the role of nuclear power in addressing energy and environmental issues, and I aim to contribute to the development of sustainable energy systems. I believe that this department provides an environment where I can deepen and pursue my interests. Through the lectures, I expect to acquire specialized knowledge in nuclear power and energy, and I am looking forward to leading a fulfilling research life by utilizing the cutting-edge global energy models developed at the Fujii and Komiyama Laboratory.

• 

  Moeko HaradaM1 (as of April 2025)

  

  Moeko Harada

  M1 (as of April 2025)

  Nurturing Knowledge in an Ideal Environment

  After graduating from the System Design & Management Course of the Department of Systems Innovation, I entered the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management. In the Ishikawa-Sato Laboratory, where I belong, we conduct various theoretical research and simulations across a wide range of fields related to the interaction between light and matter. Among these, I was particularly fascinated by the development of simulation methods for the Schrödinger equation of quantum many-body systems using quantum computers, which led me to choose this laboratory.
  During my undergraduate studies, as I learned about various simulation methods, I realized that many phenomena involve enormous computational loads, making them difficult to analyze using traditional classical computers. This understanding sparked my interest in quantum computers, which propose entirely new parallel computing methods for such complex phenomena.
  For my undergraduate thesis, I worked on optimizing quantum circuits used in variational quantum calculations, which are executed using NISQ (Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum) devices—quantum computers that operate without error correction—alongside classical computers. This required understanding highly specialized theories and the skills to implement them. However, thanks to Professor Sato’s detailed explanations of the mathematical formulas many times, I was able to steadily deepen my understanding. I also felt supported by the warm encouragement and advice from the experienced senior members of the laboratory, which enabled me to take my first steps into research life confidently.
  Additionally, the laboratory is well-equipped with books and the latest devices, creating a rich learning environment. I also frequently have opportunities to communicate with international members, allowing me to naturally be exposed to English outside of classes as well. In this ideal research environment, I am enjoying a fulfilling student life with uniquely talented peers.

• 

  Masafumi KomiyaM1 (as of April 2025)

  

  Masafumi Komiya

  M1 (as of April 2025)

  Learn Here, Grow Stronger

  I have advanced to the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management, joining Professor Sakai's Laboratory, where I am engaged in the development of powder simulation technology and research utilizing simulations. Sakai Laboratory is at the forefront of powder simulation research, with many graduates receiving prestigious awards such as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Award and the Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering Award. Additionally, the laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art computational hardware, and active joint research is being conducted with both private companies and overseas universities. The abundance of research resources is, I believe, a major attraction.
  Until my second year of university, I was a student in the Humanities and Social Sciences II program, a liberal arts track. However, amid the constantly changing social climate, I wanted to acquire relatively stable and universal skills—specifically, "technology"—to become stronger. This desire led me to transfer to the Systems Innovation Department in the Faculty of Engineering. While speaking with Professor Sakai, who was the course director at the time, I became convinced that conducting research under the robust guidance of the well-established and resource-rich Sakai Laboratory would make me stronger. I then carried out my graduation research in his lab.
  Sakai Laboratory, which gathers top talent from both inside and outside of Japan, not only provides an environment focused on research but also fosters an excellent atmosphere. I was able to learn many things from the senior students, which allowed me to conduct high-quality research. As a result, despite transitioning from a liberal arts background to a science and engineering field, I won the "Best Student Award" at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. I also received the "Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Award (Academic Achievement)" upon graduation. In addition to its comprehensive guidance, Sakai Laboratory actively encourages students to participate in numerous conferences—both domestic and international—and to submit papers. This allows students, even in their early research careers, to tangibly feel their own growth and improvement.
  The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management provides an environment where any motivated student, regardless of background, can grow stronger. Why not join us and acquire the kind of skills that will serve you for a lifetime?