April 01, 2025
Message from Graduates
YAMATO Asuka, School of Cultural and Social Studies, Department of Japanese History
The Japanese History Research course I completed is a graduate school with only a doctoral course based at the National Museum of Japanese History. Having already established a fairly concrete research vision during my master's course, I chose the National Museum of Japanese History as the ideal research environment, as it is where the researchers I wanted to receive guidance from were affiliated and there is a wealth of research materials available. It took me four and a half years to complete the course, but I am very grateful to the professors for their patient guidance during that time. I am also very grateful for the flexible approach taken with my classes and seminars as a working student, and for the fact that I was able to concentrate on my research while keeping my financial burden down through the long-term course system. I have only just taken my first steps in specialized research, but I hope to develop my research further in the future and repay everyone for their support.
School of Cultural and Social Studies, Department of Japanese History
Graduate of September 2024
National Museum of Japanese History
Winner of the 13th SOKENDAI Award
DOI Kiyoaki, School of Physical Sciences, Department of Astronomical Science
I completed my Ph.D. in the Department of Astronomical Science (currently, the Astronomical Science Program). In this department, we conduct our studies at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). NAOJ is a world-leading institute in astronomy and home to many top-level researchers. Thanks to the high ratio of researchers to students, students receive close and attentive supervision from leading experts in the field. At NAOJ, even as students, we are treated as individual researchers and are encouraged to pursue our research proactively. The environment at NAOJ offers opportunities for active discussion, inspires new research, and fosters your growth as a researcher. How about starting your research life at SOKENDAI?
School of Physical Sciences, Department of Astronomical Science
Graduate of September 2024
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Winner of the 13th SOKENDAI Award
SAKURAI Jun, School of Life Science, Department of Basic Biology
The National Institute for Basic Biology, which I joined, is based in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. NIBB conducts research using advanced technology on a wide variety of living organisms. The small number of students is a feature of SOKENDAI, so you can easily approach the variety of professional researchers. In addition to NIBB, NIPS (National Institute for Physiological Sciences) and IMS (Institute for Molecular Science) are also located on the same campus, allowing you to interact with faculty and students from different fields. In such an environment, you can form a multifaceted viewpoint for elucidating biological phenomena and steadily cultivate your research skills under the guidance of Japan’s top researchers.
School of Life Scienc, Department of Basic Biology
Graduate of June 2024
National Institute for Basic Biology
Winner of the 13th SOKENDAI Award
KANO Ryuichi, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Infomatics
I obtained my degree in the Department of Informatics (now the Informatics Program), with the National Institute of Informatics (NII) as the host institution. As AI rapidly advances and brings significant changes to society, having the opportunity to conduct AI research at the frontier of this field has been an incredibly valuable experience. I remain deeply grateful for the chance to engage in research within such a privileged environment while gaining exposure to cutting-edge knowledge. The advancement of AI and other emerging technologies continues to give rise to convenient tools and services, but at the foundation of these developments lies the accumulation of fundamental research. If you find excitement in creating new technologies and bringing new value to the world, then pursuing challenges at SOKENDAI will surely be an inspiring and fulfilling experience.
School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Infomatics
Graduate of March 2025
National Institute of Informatics
Winner of the 14th SOKENDAI Award
NAKAGAWA Soya, School of Life Science, Department of Basic Biology
I was part of the Department of Basic Biology, where I had the opportunity to conduct research at the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture. NIBB not only offers state-of-the-art research facilities but also has specialists dedicated to each piece of equipment. This allows students to easily seek guidance on equipment usage and experimental planning, creating an environment where research ideas can be readily brought to life. I found it to be an exceptionally well-equipped and supportive setting for research. Being surrounded by leading researchers in the field gave me valuable insights into different research styles and helped me clarify the kind of researcher I aspire to become. The institute also offers dedicated student rooms where students can freely interact, exchange ideas about research and career paths, and engage in lively discussions. This environment was another highly appealing aspect of my experience.
School of Life Science, Department of Basic Biology
Graduate of March 2025
National Institute for Basic Biology
Winner of the 14th SOKENDAI Award
IIDA Shiori, School of Life Science, Department of Genetics
I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. The guidance and encouragement of my supervisor, Prof. Maeshima, along with the support of my lab members and collaborators, have played a crucial role in my growth. I studied how DNA, the genetic material, behaves and is regulated within living cells. I was fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional mentors and friends, allowing me to dedicate myself to my research. Thanks to the unique support provided by SOKENDAI, I had the invaluable opportunity to participate in international conferences and engage in collaborative research overseas, making these five years truly fruitful. With the dream of one day changing the world through the power of science, I will continue to pursue my research.
School of Life Science, Department of Genetics
Graduate of March 2025
National Institute of Genetics
Winner of the 14th SOKENDAI Award