Q1What did you learn in the laboratory? What do you think is helpful for your current job?

In the laboratory, I learned to design wireless LAN-based low-power digital LSI. I now conduct research and development of new telecommunication systems for future cell phones, etc., at a telecom company’s research institution. It is different from the design of digital LSI. However, since new telecommunication systems are implemented on LSI when they are commercialized, the knowledge I acquired in the laboratory helps me to consider telecommunication methods that are suitable for LSI implementation.
In the laboratory, I had many opportunities to interact with international students and several chances to participate in international conferences, which helped to improve my English ability and taught me that it is important to cooperate with people from different cultures. My current job involves international standardization activities, and I sometimes work with domestic and international telecom equipment manufacturers, telecom companies and government organizations. My experience as a student helps me a lot to smoothly communicate with such people.

Q2Why did you choose this division and this laboratory?

Honestly, when I chose a university as a high school student and a laboratory as an undergraduate, I had no noble motives. My motives were that “I wanted to live in Hokkaido” and that “it seemed interesting to communicate with people despite physical distance.” However, I now think that communication technology has tremendous potential, and that it can be used to make people around the world happy. For example, if broadband is available and the Internet can be accessed anywhere in the world, and if people in developing countries can sell their products to rich people in advanced countries via the Internet, it would help to eliminate economic disparities. In addition, the implementation of telework and remote teaching could reduce the congestion (packed trains, traffic jams) in large cities and curb carbon dioxide emissions. In this way, the development of communication technology can solve social problems and make many people happy. This is now the motivation behind my work. I think I made the correct choice of division/laboratory.

Q3Your future goal and a message for your juniors

First, imagine what you want to be in the future. It is fine if you cannot come up with a specific profession. It is also acceptable if your ideas are vague, such as a job helping people in need, a job that needs travelling around the world or a job making convenient products that will surprise people around the world. If such an idea comes to mind, consider how you can get closer to it, if only a little, and do it. For example, it may be a good idea to study English harder than other subjects for entrance exams if you wish to work travelling around the world in the future. You will have much to learn when you think and act yourself. Even if it doesn’t work, the experience and knowledge you gain will surely help you somewhere. If you repeat it, you will eventually find a specific goal, and you will get closer to what you want to be without realizing it.
And if your specific goal is related to information engineering and communication engineering, I recommend the Division of Media and Network Technologies of Hokkaido University. With world-renowned professors, the cozy city of Sapporo, and international students from around the world, it is an ideal environment for college life. Think it over and decide on the course you wish to take yourself. I wish you a fulfilling college life.